Introduction to Bolivia

High Peaks of Bolivia - 12 to 28 June 2004
Bolivia is situated between Peru and Brazil. The landlocked country is the Tibet of the Americas - the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics. It is also the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the population maintaining traditional values and beliefs. (photo: Heading down into La Paz from the Airport)
La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, looks like a moon crater. The city is 4km (2mi) above sea level, situated on a canyon floor which shows only a hint of greenery. Even oxygen is at a premium. Fortunately, the life and colour of La Paz is found in its people and culture, not its landscape. (photo: Illimani rising above La Paz)
However, outside La Paz are a great range of Andean mountains. Most snow-capped and providing both climbing and trekking adventures. It was these peaks that attracted me to a trekking holiday in Bolivia. (photo: View down a La Paz street to Illimani)
One slight problem though with flying into such an high altitude, is that on leaving the aircraft at La Paz the lack of oxygen soon hits you. I felt light headed while waiting in the passport queue ...... even though I had started a short course of diamox before flying. It also means a good acclimatisation program is required to be in place, ie not venturing high too soon. Our local company Bolivian Journeys, ensured we had a well planned program for altitude acclimatisation. (photo: La Paz street scene)

'High Places' Peaks of Bolivia Group We had never met before, but as always with the common love for the hills and outdoors we all worked well together. Particular during the tiring ascents of the 'snowy' peaks when the body just didn't feel up to another steep ice slope .......
Having met up with four other group members on the flight from San Paolo to La Paz, we were met by Marco and driven to our hotel in down town La Paz, where we met Sarah the fifth group member, and for the start of a very interesting fortnight. (photo: Looking across La Paz towards the high plain - behind the buildings)
The one down-side for me was that I developed bad stomach problems the night before going to base camp for the final 'big one' - Illimani. I was in no condition for that trip, so I remained in La Paz and arranged an early flight home. Still had the same problem for a few days on my return to UK so would not have coped with an high altitude ascent.