Butch Cassid-stien and the Sundance Kyle

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Tupiza is a city in the Southwest of Bolivia famous for being the area in which Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid met their demise, and for the beautiful surrounding countryside. Many people compare it to the "Wild West." While it isnt so wild, and I cant say it is as stunning as Bryce Canyon or Zion, it is gorgeous. The red, sandstone rock, the clear, deep azul skies, and the verdant green cacti and trees make a brilliant kaladeiscope of contrasting colors. The "thing to do" in the area is to jump on horse back and see the amazing landscape from the saddle. It took a little prodding to get Eric into the idea, but eventually he came around and we had an amazing time.

We set off early in the morning, rode for a few hours on train tracks, along dirt roads, and down narrow trails. We stopped a few different locations to enjoy the scenery, and our lunch stop was stunning. While the guides, who were 13 and 18 years old decided to head off to the river for over two hours without letting us know where they were, took a longer time than we would have liked, it gave me plenty of time to meander about snapping photos of nearly everything in sight. Eric took a nap.

We saddled back up after lunch and rode back to Tupiza along the riverside, frequently crossing the river. Several of the other riders along the route were more comfortable with their horses than me, and would overtake me at a full gallop. However, my horse, Tupa, didn´t want to be outdone. Suddenly he would take off in a full sprint with me on top messing with my camera, hat flying off my head, scrambling to grab the reins and pull him back in. Needless to say, I´m not an expert rider. We got back to Tupiza and decided to eat at a restaurant based upon how comfortable the seats were as our backsides were incredibly sore. We spent the next day just relaxing in the plaza, walking around the markets (where, Bernard family, I saw a MTU hat!) while we waited for our evening train north to Uyuni.

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Photos

The Southwest
Fairly similar to the American Southwest, wouldnt you say?

Slit in the wall
See the slit in the canyon wall we road through?

Lunch Spot
This is where we broke for lunch.

Another slit and the tunnel
We road through a tiny tunnel on the right of this slit in the wall.

Michigan Tech in Tupiza?
I saw a MTU had in a random stall in Tupiza and was shocked!

In case you forgot
The benches in the plazas remind you that you are in Tupiza.

Comments

[Alan B.]

Kyle and Eric have the wrong movie.
I think you guys have the wrong movie. You guys don't look like outlaws in Butch and Sundance Kid. It appears to me the movie you guys are in is Brokeback Mountain. Get out the real pictures boys.