We went quickly from La Paz to Uyuni, itself a rather bleak railway town. However this was the access point for tours of the wilderness areas of SW Bolivia. It was too remote for cycling, so we hopped into a 4x4 jeep for a three-day tour. The whole area has wonderful sights including the Salar de Uyuni (the world´s biggest salt flat), brightly coloured lakes with towering volcanos and steaming thermal baths (which Liz - lost in steam - particularly appreciated at a chilly 7am). Many lakes unbelieveably have resident populations of flamingos, not what you quite expect at 4000m! Overall a remarkable place and quite unlike anywhere else we´ve seen. We are in Tupiza now and will cross into Argentina tomorrow. We are nearly at the half-way point in time and indeed the whole trip will change significantly now in three ways; we leave the developing Andean countries for the developed ones of Argentina and Chile, drop from the Andean plateau to lower altitudes and move from tropical to temperate regions. All pleasingly symmetric - a trip of two halves. Certainly the prospects of large steaks and fine wine in Argentina are an enticing thought. (NB: Blog settings have been changed so anyone can now comment.)
