Into Bolivia

We reached the end of Argentina at La Quiaca. It's truly the end of the line - there's not a lot to keep you there before crossing into Bolivia! But we had decided to spend the night there to give us plenty of time the next day to get across the border and onto another bus. We found a restaurant that served beef so we could have one last Argentinian beef steak and malbec. Thank goodness for that malbec as the beef was not up to its usual standards - animals not fed so well up here in the mountains!

We didn't get much sleep as the locals were partying into the early hours - in celebration of Independence Day the next day. And there were yet more celebrations the next morning when we staggered out for breakfast - everyone was heading for the square, dressed in their smart clothes or uniforms. And as we left for the border the band was playing and various dignitaries were giving speeches - quite a send-off!

Crossing into Bolivia was very straightforward - the Bolivian policeman sang YMCA as he checked and stamped our passports. Then we walked across the bridge and into Villazon, and up the main street past loads of dodgy looking money exchange kiosks. Lots more people than in La Quiaca and already a very different feel - relaxed and colourful. We changed some money at a proper bank and then managed to get a bus to Tupiza almost immediately. I'm not sure where the bus was heading exactly but they said they could take us to Tupiza so on we got - along with a load of other people, luggage and boxes.

It took about two hours to get to Tupiza, driving through yet more rugged rocky scenery, and with herds of goats and plenty of llamas along the way. Tupiza is a small town nestled amongst red rock. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the hotel which was surprisingly nice, and we finally got to meet Gladis who we'd been emailing about the tour. We managed a walk up to a viewpoint to enjoy the red rocks at sunset, but the town didn't have much else to offer.



We couldn't even find an interesting place for dinner - most of the restaurants were pizzerias and we had already had enough of Argentinian pizzas! Hoping for some more interesting Bolivian food on our tour...