Bolivia video
My cycle ride through Bolivia would mark the start of a 5000km South American cycling adventure.
Please scroll down to watch the videos from Bolivia or visit my Youtube channel where you will find all of the videos from my cycle around the world.
My final Bolivian mountain (5 minutes)
It was time for me to face my final Bolivian mountain as I climbed my way out of the Altiplano heading towards the border with Argentina.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Sleeping with Llamas (6 minutes)
The night before the altitude of the Altiplano had got to me and come nightfall I found myself in the middle of steep mountains with nowhere flat to pitch my tent. As darkness fell I came across a small village and asked if it was okay to camp. The villagers said yes and I pitched my tent next to the Llama pen. Man oh man do they make one hell of a noise at night.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Who needs roads? (2 minutes)
I had met 3 German cyclists the night before when I arrived in Atocha and when we left we decided that instead of taking the track over the mountain pass that we would cycle along the the railway track which followed the contours of river valley.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Crossing the Salar De Uyuni (6 minutes)
SAfter attempting to cross the Salar de Uyuni by bike but finding a 100km lake in front of me I turned back to Llica and the following day took the bus. It was a surreal experience sitting on a bus as it drove for hours across a lake.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Electrical Storm (1 minute)
Getting caught in an electrical storm on the Bolivian Altiplano was one of the most frightening things that I have experienced whilst cycling. The air temperature dipped by 15 degrees and I was pelted by hailstones before being surrounded by lightening strikes. Luckily, they missed me as I lay face down in the sand.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Cycling Salar de Coipassa (3 minutes)
I really can’t begin to explain how surreal it is to cycle over the salt flats of Bolivia. It is an amazing experience and all that I can say is – go do it !!!
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Camping on the Altiplano (2 minutes)
I don’t think that there can be many more beautiful spots in the world than you get when camping on the Altiplano in Bolivia. The sunsets are amazing.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Shaving Alpaccas (3 minutes)
As I was cycling I came across a family who were busy shearing the wool of the alpaca’s that they own. Summer time here in Bolivia is that time of year when the herds need to be sheared and the father of the family said that everybody lends a hand.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Cycling the Altiplano (6 minutes)
I’m not sure that there is any better sense of freedom that you get from cycling through the vast expanse that is the Bolivian Altiplano. The landscape is both beautiful and imposing. A must bucket list experience for any round the world cyclist.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Lunch stop (2 minutes)
If you ever wanted to find a perfect stop for lunch the this was it – a disused llama pen in the middle of a dry Laguna. The scenery around me was breathtaking and the walls made a perfect wind break.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Sajama National Park (6 minutes)
Sajama National Park is home to chullpa’s, ancient churches, hot springs, and thousands of llamas. At 13,000ft and with beautiful off road tracks surrounded by snow capped mountains what more could could I ask for?
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Llamas – Sajama National Park (2 minutes)
There must have been thousands of llamas wandering around the Sajama National Park and they definitely win the award for cutest animal in the world.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Chullpas (3 minutes)
A chullpa is an ancient Aymara funerary tower originally constructed for a noble person or noble family. Corpses were placed in the fetal position along with some of their belongings, including clothing and common equipment before being burned. In virtually all cases, including these ones, the only opening to the tomb faces the rising sun in the east.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Leaving La Paz (5 minutes)
After a week of acclimatisation to the +4000m elevation it was time to start cycling south through Bolivia. La Paz lies at the bottom of a canyon with a 400m climb to the Altiplano plateau above. Instead of cycling it I decided to take the cable car out of the city and a magical experience it was.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
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Take care and if you are out cycling – ride safe.
Cheers
Stewart