Bolivia

Bolivia

South America » Bolivia » La Paz Department » Copacabana
February 28th 2018

Published: March 16th 2018

We have to admit, we were a little unsure about visiting Bolivia... It isn't a country known for its luxuries (carrying ones own toilet paper everywhere is a must!) and having heard horror stories of friends being robbed there, we were definitely more than a little apprehensive. We didn't get off to a great start - with a 5 hour delay at the border crossing from Chile. But once we got going, Boli... Read Full Entry

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Salar de Uyuni - the world's largest salt flat

Located at an altitude of 3,660m. Ireland's highest peak in Carrauntoohil is just 1,038m.

Mau admiring her reflection in the mirror-like salt flats

Thankfully we didn't get stuck on the Uyuni Salt Flats like these guys!

Dakar Monument at Uyuni Salt Flats

The Dakar Rally was established as a race from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal. Due to security threats in Africa in 2008, South America now hosts large parts of the race!

We found it!

Flags of many Nations at Uyuni Salt Flats

The local soccer field of Colchani village!

The city of Potosi from Cerro Rico

c240,000 people are dependent on the mining of Cerro Rico. With 15,000 miners, 30 refining plants and 37 Cooperatives established, this town will become a ghost town when the minerals run out. This could happen within the next 10-20 years.

Cerro Rico overlooking the city of Potosi

Only 50% of the silver mined here was sent to Europe, the other 50% was sent to Asia where in exchange for the silver, the Spanish launched world trade. It is said that without this world trade, temples like the Taj Mahal would never have been built.

Our entrance to the Cerro Rico Silver Mines

One of 400 mines inside Cerro Rico. There are 4 levels of mines inside the mountain with 180 still active today.

Miners pushing the trolleys to the exit

Working conditions in the mines haven't changed much in the last 100 years. As to be expected, the age expectancy isn't high (45-55yrs) and kids as young as 14 work in the mines. If a father dies, his "spot" in the mine goes to his son.

Witnessing the filling of the trolleys

Silver, Copper, Tin and Zinc are the minerals that miners are looking for. Once out, these minerals are sent to the refining plants before being sent to Chile for export to Japan and China especially.

Not sure he would make it down here!!

The accountancy didn't seem so bad after witnessing the work of the miners!

Not just the hitting of heads that we had to worry about!

Conditions are horrendous inside the mines of Cerro Rico.

A few tight squeezes to be contended with!

Imagine facing into this every day for hours on end

Miners don't eat as the dust would cause sickness. Instead the miners use coca leaves to suppress their hunger while they work anything up to 24 hours in the day depending on their Cooperative arrangements.

Working up an appetite walking through Mercado Central, Potosi!!!

The beautiful churches that give some of Potosi's character

Clockwise from top left: Cathedral of Potosi City San Francisco Iglesia de Santo Domingo Iglesia de San Lorenzo

Kids gather for Carnival in Potosi

We spent Carnival running away from them as they were armed with shaving foam. They managed to spray Donal a few times.

Our visit to Mercado Central in Sucre!

Enjoying a fresh juice in Sucre

1st Class Honours in Spanish!!

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