Sajama

Nov 28th, La Paz - Sajama

Today our journey continues, and how excited we are! At 10:00 am, we can go pick up our rental car, a cute little Suzuki Jeep. Of course, this car will also be named in no time: Jeanie, the Jeep. With this vehicle, we will travel over rough terrain, rocks, and salt for the next few days until we're back in La Paz.

Today, our drive takes us out of the city and towards the Altiplano. Driving in Bolivia is an adventure in itself. There are roads that can be in different conditions, from "decent" to "non-existent." Speed limits are not so important, and daring drivers who want to bypass toll booths might come towards you on the shoulder of the road!? Later, we are amazed by the thousands of people protesting together. It's hard for us to determine what it is for or against. But they have blocked the entire left lane for them. For several kilometers, they come towards us, peacefully, with colorful flags and posters. It touches us deeply!

Eventually, it appears on the horizon in front of us: the Sajama volcano - the highest mountain in Bolivia and a natural beauty! We stop time and time again to take photos. Our drive takes us to Pisaga, the last "town" before the Chilean border and a gas station in the middle of nowhere. The line of trucks stretches for kilometers, nothing is moving. Luckily, we are allowed to pass them on the left lane to refuel at the front of the border. After that, we turn off into Sajama National Park. Off-road - yippee!! Suddenly, a huge storm approaches, and we expect to get wet at any moment; strangely enough, the weather front doesn't reach us. A beer in Sajama, which is deserted, prepares us for the remaining kilometers.

Our destination for today is soon reached, las Aguas Termales, the hot springs of Sajama.

It would normally also have accommodation and a restaurant, but due to the pandemic, we are the only foreign tourists here. We ask if it would be possible to stay here, and behold, the old lady who lives here gives us a room in her hostel and cooks us dinner.

As it gets dark, we are the only three here among hundreds of llamas and alpacas.

It is absolutely beautiful, and in its tranquility and simplicity, it is a place for the senses and the soul.

Nov 29th, Sajama

We sleep in and bathe again in the hot springs. The army is there, washing their clothes by hand before they have to clean the pool with brushes. We enjoy the warmth and, after breakfast prepared by Micaela, we head towards Tomarapi. This is on the other side of the volcano and takes us past a lagoon with flamingos. This is only an optical highlight, as the birds' excrement smells disgusting. Tomarapi is quickly reached, and we have the whole afternoon to read and laze around. The receptionist at the hostel shows us the museum with stuffed animals and looms, as well as the 200-year-old church. The local food is good, and we look forward to more sleep.