Higher than high! Bolivian altitude

Higher than high

Bolivian wilderness part 2

A living ice cube we pant our way slowly back to our new vehicle that will be our daytime home for the next few days. Confused and bewildered at what just happened we are slightly nervous for what these next days will entail. So many warnings online told us of the crazy driver, altitude sickness, and freezing heartless nights in shacks in negative 30 weather.

As we begin the drive a massive cloud swoops down the closest mountain and snow starts to fall from the sky. There is no denying that we are in a very harsh climate. Our guide informs us that the clouds may leave the lagoons not as bright as we are expecting and that the famous volcanos will be hidden in clouds. My heart sank to my stomach and disappointment filled me.

First stop, we have to buy tickets and enter the park reserve. Here we are handed a map of the area and get one last decent toilet stop.

As we enter the reserve and drive through the mountains the first lagoon, or Lagoon Blanco, appears to our right. It is beautiful! 

 

Next up was Laguna Verde or Green Lagoon at the base of Lincancabur.

 

 Our guide, Ruth, gave us more history of the rituals and Incan practices that took place in the volcano. Looking up to the 5800m volcano I see it hiding behind the clouds. The perfect visual for an eerie past. The volcano supposedly has a lagoon at the summit and one day it would be a very cool thing to witness.

 

Moving along we travel in the car for awhile. Occasionally we stop so I can snag pictures. 

Our next stop is the hot springs. After a surprisingly small amount of convincing my mother decides to come with me. She reminded me that it's not very often people get to experience a natural hot spring, at 4000m with their daughter in the middle of Bolivia at 15 degrees. I couldn't agree more!!

 

I'm not sure what I was more fascinated with: the hot springs or the fuzzy algae I kept touching! Another thing became apparent as we bathed in the hot water. Many backpackers are on this route. Here I was with my mom on a cool, 20 something, backpacker route exploring the unique and isolated parts of the world. It was such an amazing feeling!!!

 

Getting out was not nearly as fun as getting in. Who wants to put clothes on cold and sticky wet bodies in freezing temps? Not me!

The bathroom was by far the most entertains. I'll include the bathroom directions. Let's just say that it didn't go according to plan but I am not publically willing to divulge the unfortunate experience! 

 

Back in the car we relaxed and watched the landscapes pass us by. A small nap later we were woken by our guide to look out of the window. Nothing around us but small bumps and smoke. Where in the world are we?

The answer: Geysers! 

I go to get out of the car and I am quickly denied. Mother Nature clearly has other plans as the wind beats against my door. Using some strength I slowly pry the door open until Ruth ,out guide, holds it as I make my escape. She later told us how a door has been blown off of its hinges in the past!

 

I take three steps and cannot breath. Gasping for air I try not to panic. I feel the wind on my face and know it's just the string wind that is blocking my body from good oxygen. I turn around and inhale a few times. Not great but bare able. I see my mom struggling in the same way. I turn around only to be assaulted by rock and dirt particles. Trying to catch my breath I am so taken aback I'm not sure what to do. 

I look up to see smoke rising from all of the holes. My senses are suddenly overwhelmed as I smell the sulfur and gas. We are at active geysers! My mom and I brave the hike as we take pictures, stare, and video the awkward dirt bubbles. A tourist recently died from getting to close and falling in. I on the other hand found it amusing to stick my iPod out and right over them!

 

Struggling to make it even to the car I exchange looks with my mom! Does she feel the same way I do? Is she out of breathe from a short walk? 

Using my little strength I get back in the car panting. As we drive away, downhill, Ruth asks us about s half hour later if we have headaches. Yes!!! Someone is drilling in my brain! I know this feeling! I've felt this before. Ahhhhh altitude! How high are we?!?!

4900 meter!!! Omg! That's higher than the altitude I got sick at on the way to ever set! That's very higher! My mom and I exchange panicked looks. This is what everyone online warned us against! In a hope of confidence I asked what we will be sleeping at. The answer was 4200m which was still higher than when I got sick.

Wish us luck!!