Hello, this is Gib from www.fallenforadventure.com (www.facebook.com/fallenforadventure).

After a brief hiatus from writing reviews, I'm back with a fresh perspective from my recent three-week adventure in South America with my sister. Following the positive response to my photos of Bolivia on Facebook, I'm excited to share a comprehensive review of this captivating country.

Initially, when I informed my friends that I was traveling to Bolivia, many were unsure of its location, purpose, and attractions. 🙂

Bolivia is situated in the heart of South America, bordered by Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Notably, Bolivia is one of only two landlocked countries in South America, the other being Paraguay. This landlocked status stems from a historical conflict with Chile, resulting in the loss of Bolivia's access to the Pacific Ocean several centuries ago.

Map of South America from WORLDATLAS

Traveling to Bolivia for Thai citizens requires a visa, unlike many other South American countries that offer visa exemptions with a valid US visa. Bolivia does not have an embassy in Thailand, but travelers can obtain a Visa On Arrival upon arrival at the airport. However, this option is approximately three times more expensive than obtaining a visa at an embassy (costing around $100) and has a significantly longer processing time (we waited almost 2 hours). The required documents are minimal, including hotel bookings for each night of the stay. If booking a tour, the itinerary and confirmation from the tour operator must also be presented.

Our first stop was Sajama National Park, located approximately four hours from La Paz, the capital city. Visiting the park can be done in two ways: by hiring a private tour or driving yourself. As we were two women traveling together, we opted for the convenience of a private tour.

The road leads directly to SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK, with Mount SAJAMA standing prominently in the center.

Flamingos grace the lagoon behind.

Another lake with flamingos is...

The sun began to set, painting the sky with vibrant hues. The water in this river is a natural hot spring, perfect for a relaxing soak.

The sunset is very beautiful.

The sun rises around 6:00 AM.

Sajama National Park is characterized by the majestic dormant Sajama volcano, adorned with a snow-capped peak. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, particularly llamas and alpacas, which are abundant and undeniably adorable. While the park offers numerous hiking trails, our winter visit limited our opportunity to explore them. Temperatures during our stay ranged from 0-8 degrees Celsius during the day and plummeted to -20 degrees Celsius at night. It is important to note that accommodation options are limited to guesthouses and hostels constructed from adobe. Heating and hot water systems are scarce, and despite wearing four layers of clothing and five blankets, we experienced extreme cold.

The condition of the hotel and the additional four blankets we requested for each person!

In Bolivia, women traditionally wear two braids and indigenous clothing.

Bolivian children have adorable faces.

The national dish, quinoa with grilled chicken, is a staple food here. Locals also consume a lot of llama meat, which is available to order for those who are interested in trying it.

Located on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2003, Sajama National Park remains remarkably unfrequented. During our two-day stay, we encountered only two other tourist vehicles. The reasons for this low visitation are unclear, but we found the park to be exceptionally appealing.

Another aspect to consider is the tour company, as the route involves significant off-road driving, often on grassy terrain without proper roads. Additionally, there is no phone or Wi-Fi signal available. Therefore, a reliable tour company with experienced guides and drivers familiar with the route is crucial. Fortunately, my driver, Kip, was a local with over 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the area, which provided peace of mind. 🙂

Next time, I will take you on a driving trip to the famous salt lake.