The plan was to head from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile across the Bolivian border through the spectacular Bolivian altiplano (high plane) dotted with deserts, volcanoes, lakes and llamas. There are no proper roads or towns along the way, so basically the only way to access this area is through a 4WD tour. We had heard so many horror stories about all the tour agencies - prices are about $90 including all transport, meals, and 2 nights accommodation so even Lonely Planet had warned not to expect quality - whole groups get food poisoning, jeeps with multiple flat tyres, and drivers falling asleep at the wheel. So it was with very low expectations, but much sense of adventure, that we embarked on our 3 day 4WD adventure. We were in a battered old
... read more