We had been dreaming about Bolivia’s Lagunas Route (also known as the Southwest Circuit) for, well, years. Except it was no longer mythical. It was time to actually start our engine and complete what would most likely be our longest off pavement experience in South America. Crazy.

“We’ll meet you at the Train Cemetery on Saturday night.”

I admit, this is not the most common phrase you’ll hear, but that was our plan for meeting up again with George and Jenine (Traveling the Americas). From the train cemetery we would head into the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) together with Mallary and Chris.

After negotiating a rate for some sweet Bolivian gasoline and subsequently filling our tanks, it was time for us to leave the city of La Paz and find some fresh air and freedom.  Chris and Mallary joined us for a mini convoy to Sajama National Park.

The first day of trekking started in thick fog. As we descended steeply the rain started. The El Choro trail is like Bolivia’s version of the Inca Trail

Here’s the scoop about gasoline and diesel in Bolivia: it is illegal for gas stations to sell to foreigners.

We always feel a bit hesitant but excited before crossing the border into a new country. You have these pre-conceived ideas of what the country will be like and images in your head from photographs or descriptions from other travellers and blog posts. But now you are here, at the frontera.