Route Des Joyaux  (Bolivia)

Incredible landscapes, a succession of lakes each as colourful as the next, ancient volcanoes, and deserts which seem to go on forever: that should give you an idea of the kind of the scenery I got to experience along the "Ruta de las Joyas" ("Road of Jewels") during my trip to Bolivia.

The way to travel the Road of Jewels is by 4x4 vehicle. The first place we headed for was the Siloli Desert, which is one of the main points of access to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. After arriving in this preserved and unspoilt natural area, we then headed to Laguna Colorada. Due to the presence of algae on the bed of the salt lake, the water is red in colour. Around it were hordes of of flamingos, tranquilly drinking the water.

After a night in a hotel out in the middle of nowhere, we continued on our route. We headed next for the Sol de Mañana geysers. The mud lakes and pools here produce a large mass of grey steam. The next stop on our journey, the Polques Hot Springs, offered an opportunity for a spot of bathing. How wonderfully pleasurable it is to be able to relax and luxuriate in 39°C water! After a few more hours on the road, we finally arrived at Laguna Verde at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. 

If I had to sum up the Road of Jewels in a single phrase? It's a dreamlike fantasy of a trip along which you get fully up close to some of the natural treasures of southern Bolivia!