La Paz...and the world´s most dangerous road!!!!

The picture of the bird is for my dad. He´s always been fascinated by colorful birds and birds flying in formation on the South Carolina beaches. This ones for you dad!

The first picture shows the captivating Mt Illamani which sits as the awe inspiring back drop behind La Paz.



On Wed, May 25th I attempted and successfully conquered the world´s most dangerous road. Our group left La Paz around 7:30am and travelled about an hour and a half outside of the city. We started biking at an evelation around 4000m and ended at an elevation of 1000m. The length of the ride was 64km (or approx 44 miles). The morning started out with exhilarating sceneray of snow capped Andean mountains. As we began our descent onto the dangerous road, we watched the bleak foliage from the top of the mtn change into a verdant, lush jungle. Watching the scenery change was truely amazing. Extreme sports do not come without risks! About mid way thru the ride an English girl wiped out, doing a face plant on the road. The woman was alright but a little banged up. A few beers after the ride and she was like brand new!...other than the big bloody kiss of a scar that the dangerous road left her as a momento.

After the ride we stopped for a late lunch at a beautiful spot atop of a jungle mountain. The views were pristine, and I really enjoyed watching the macaws and the tucans fly around the pool. When I returned to the Hostal Solario that evening after the long bike ride, I slept like a champ.

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In La Paz I also toured the infamous Musuo de Coca and the nearby witches market. I´m really looking fwd to trek to salar de Uyuni, which supposedly has some of the bleakest terrain on the planet!

EXCHANGE RATE IN BOLVIA $1 for 7.8 - 8 Bolivianos