Day 2 of the tour started VERY early - it was still dark out when we set off.
First stop - the Ghost Town. Appropriately named so because the miners & family who used to live here moved out. The remaining foundation of the houses were somewhat similar to Machu Picchu, I thought. Sorry I don't really have a good picture. It was too early in the morning to be actively photo shooting and too cold (unless you're Michael from Harbin).
Passed across rugged, snow-covered terrain. Cold. Thin air. But I think the high altitude prep medications are working, since I feel totally fine. Whereas Nicole and Matthew have gotten a little quieter…
Bathroom break at a small town for 2BOB. That's only around 25 cents, but I really hate being charged for toilets! Argh.
Oh, and I noticed this about the jeep - TOYOSA.
Fake Land Cruiser? Or does Toyota use TOYOSA for marketing purposes in South America (the SA part)??? Anyone know?
Then we reached our first laguna with flamingoes! Isn't it amazing?
I've never seen anything like this before. Indescribable. The reflection of the sky, mountain (I believe it's part of the Andes), and flamingoes in the water. The colors.
I've never seen anything like this before. Indescribable. The reflection of the sky, mountain (I believe it's part of the Andes), and flamingoes in the water. The colors.This small area of water is a source of natural borax, the laundry detergent ingredient. Interesting.
Continuing across the desolate landscape…
We arrived at Laguna Verde. The water is creamy pastel green!!! 
And toxic. As are most of the lagunas in this region. They have a bunch of minerals in them, which results in the particular color.
I've mentioned "green" water before in my lame description of the lakes I'd seen down in Patagonia, but they are completely different. I guess a lot of it has to do with the fact that the surrounding landscape is nothing alike, and you feel the dry/thin air here. No headaches though! Drugs are good.
Leaving behind the beautiful laguna, we next stopped at the geysers. Another one of those "is this earth?" scenery. I probably would've liked to have put an egg down there to make an onsen tamago. If I had liked eggs, that is.
The blowing effect of the geyser itself wasn't all that spectacular. More comparable to a whale blow, rather than a full-blown geyser effect (like Yellowstone) as you might expect. OK, I admit…I haven't' seen either of them, but you get the picture, right?!
And toxic. As are most of the lagunas in this region. They have a bunch of minerals in them, which results in the particular color.I've mentioned "green" water before in my lame description of the lakes I'd seen down in Patagonia, but they are completely different. I guess a lot of it has to do with the fact that the surrounding landscape is nothing alike, and you feel the dry/thin air here. No headaches though! Drugs are good.
Leaving behind the beautiful laguna, we next stopped at the geysers. Another one of those "is this earth?" scenery. I probably would've liked to have put an egg down there to make an onsen tamago. If I had liked eggs, that is.The blowing effect of the geyser itself wasn't all that spectacular. More comparable to a whale blow, rather than a full-blown geyser effect (like Yellowstone) as you might expect. OK, I admit…I haven't' seen either of them, but you get the picture, right?!
Last stop of the day was Laguna Colorada. Dark reddish water, so I assume that iron is a large component of the waters. I just sat there, admiring the view.
I also admire the skinny flamingoes who can survive in these condition. Except for the borax-containing water, flamingoes were bathing and eating (who knows what - shrimp?!) everywhere. They must have a strong digestive system.
Our accommodations for the night was a huge improvement over yesterday! Everything was indoors (hence warmer) and electricity was available for a longer period of time. Important when you're up at over 5,000m in altitude. Yikes.
I think the place was just recently built to house all the tourists coming this way. A long building with a corridor on one side and large rooms with 8 beds on the other. Like a school.
I also admire the skinny flamingoes who can survive in these condition. Except for the borax-containing water, flamingoes were bathing and eating (who knows what - shrimp?!) everywhere. They must have a strong digestive system.Our accommodations for the night was a huge improvement over yesterday! Everything was indoors (hence warmer) and electricity was available for a longer period of time. Important when you're up at over 5,000m in altitude. Yikes.I think the place was just recently built to house all the tourists coming this way. A long building with a corridor on one side and large rooms with 8 beds on the other. Like a school.
Little local kids walked in while we were having dinner to sell us handmade accessories. Pressured, I bought one for 5BOB. It's on me now, and I'm liking it : )
In addition to ourselves, 2 other groups on the same itinerary out of Tupiza stayed here. Unfortunately, there wasn't much socialization taking place as all of us have had an exhausting day.
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