I have just completed five days of hitch hiking though the Bolivian Altiplano in the far southwest of the country. Despite what the tours in Uynui may tell you it is possible to visit this remote region of the country independently. Its can be hard going but i believe much more rewarding than be ferried around in a Toyota Land Cruiser.

My first destination was Laguna Colorada and here i must admit i paid for transport, $30 for ride to the lake. I stayed two nights in the hospedaje there for 20 bolivianos a night. I took my own food but you can buy diiner and breakfast there. The lake was amazing, blood red, stocked with pink flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanos.

Next stop, reached by hitching with two swiss guys was Laguna Verde and Volcan Licancabur. Again accommodation and food avaliable though the food was outrageously priced here, luckily again i had my own. I hiked up the volcano, 5940m, the altitude made it difficult. Following day the hotel owner´s mate gave me a lift to the border from where i caught a bus to San Pedro de Aatacama in Chile.

Tour prices $100 per person if you have six people. i spent around $50 and got five days instead of three and got to explore the region in more depth. for more detailed information see my blog!