est. 2017
Bolivia is never really high on the must go places for the backpackers circuit. And if you’re headed to Bolivia, there is a good chance you’re beelining to Salar de Uyuni. Don’t get me wrong, the salt flats are beyond amazing, but there is really so much more to Bolivia (like this mountain!)
Sucre, the capital (yup, it’s not La Paz!), alone is worth a visit. But really, a hidden outdoor gem is just right outside Sucre – the Cordillera de los Frailes.
Colca Canyon. The second deepest canyon in the world (only slightly shallower than the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon). At its deepest, 4160m/13640ft, which is almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.
One of the top tourist attractions in Peru for good reason – it is absolutely beautiful!
There are two activities synonymous with Bolivia – Death Road and the Salt Flats.
Little did I know, but there are numerous mountains to climb less than two hours outside of La Paz. And I’m not talking, hiking up them… I mean actually climbing up them.
You want the real adrenaline rush activity close to La Paz? It’s not Death Road, but Huayna Potosi.
Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca. Montaña de Siete Colores. Montaña de Colores. High on the lists of backpackers stopping in Cusco and the agencies know it. Walk anywhere close to Plaza de Armas and you’ll have pictures of “Rainbow Mountain” (heavily saturated mind you) shoved in your face and pointed towards their agency storefront.
While everyone calls it “Rainbow Mountain” it is actually a portion of Ausangate Mountain in the Peruvian Andes and its colors are due to weathering and mineralogy. While of course it’s been there for ages, it’s only within the past few years it was discovered for tourism. It is known for its Instagram worthy pictures, tough climb (located at 5200m/17060ft), and well, a ton and a half of people.
What if I told you there is an alternative “Rainbow Mountain” without the tough climb AND without the crowds.
