Reset search
The big one
  • Katarina Power

The big one

A 255-day adventure by Katarina Read more
+3
FollowInsightsCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Arriving to Salar de Uyuni for lunch

    March 13, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After the train cemetery we finally headed for the Salar de Uyuni.
    I don't think we were ready for what was awaiting us.
    Our driver started navigating the deep water and headed towards "restaurant" in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni.
    We have arrived with sun shining and the most spectacular views.
    William started setting up lunch that was super nice and have gave us time to explore memorial of Rally Dakar.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Salar de Uyuni - perspective photos

    March 13, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    Right after lunch was finally time to take some cool pictures. We have seen a lot on the internet and got some ideas.
    Our driver William is a very talented photographer and spent ages with us taking the right picture.
    And this is the result!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Salar de Uyuni

    March 13, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    How to describe this amazing landscape. We have definitely haven't seen anything like this before and the sheer vastness of this place is mind blowing.
    Located at 3 636 m.a.s.l. and with area of almost 11 000 sqm we just couldn't believe our eyes.
    Any direction we have looked there was only long long way to the end.
    Absolutely stunning and definitely worth the visit!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Salt hotel - night one

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We have arrived to our first accommodation with the sunset and couldn't believe our eyes.
    The entire place has been built from salt with all the furniture inside salty as well.
    We got to sleep on bed of salt and have dinner on salt table sitting on chairs from salt.
    I did lick wall of our room and it was salty.
    We have enjoyed a very nice dinner and went to bed rather early as we had to get up quite early in the morning.
    After a reasonably good night sleep we got up with the sunrise and had breakfast. Everyone was really sleepy time but there was no time to waste.
    We packed everything at the top of the car and headed for another day full of llamas, flamingos, lagoons and volcanoes.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Quinoa fields

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    With the sunrise we made our first stop at the quinoa fields.
    I must say I have eaten quinoa many times but never thought of how and where it actually grows.
    Bolivia is becoming a huge exporter of quinoa and the first part of our journey has been covered by fields, many times on the hills where you wouldn't want to go and pick it up by hand. The fields are property of different communities that take care of the crops and share not even work but the reward as well.
    We have seen at least 4 different types of quinoa with each having slightly different colour of the flowers.
    My favorite was white quinoa with beautiful bright yellow blooms.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Finally Llama

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Next stop was super exciting as we got finally close up and personal with my favorite South American animal, Llama.
    We got to observe them in their natural environment that looked like marsh land with a stream running through.
    Once most of the group returned to their cars, one lair of mother and baby walk right past us.
    I could spend the entire day just sitting there and watch them to run around.
    Absolutely loved the experience even though I still didn't get to stroke one.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Field of rocks

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Another stop on our journey was a huge field covered with lava rocks. As volcanoes are all around, one can imagine the rock shower that created this field. With a little bit of imagination the rocks can take form of crocodile, dinosaur, woodpecker or pterodactyl.
    On a way back to car we even shot to spot rodent similar to chinchilla. Very lucky!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Lunch with flamingos

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C

    For lunch we have stopped at the middle of the desert with beautiful and tranquil laguna full of flamingos.
    First we took some photographs and them enjoyed a lovely lunch. It was a super unique experience and I don't think we will be able to experience this again.Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Red lagoon/ Laguna Colorado

    March 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    With the entrance to the national park we have entered the lagoon with very distinctive colour.
    The red comes from a small microorganisms that while it flowers, colours the entire lagoon red. White patches are from mineral Boron that is one of the minerals extracted in this area.
    Our the guide William gave us instructions where to walk and what is protected area and we have respected the rules without questions.
    It was super windy but ready with our new Bolivian hats we put on jackets and walk around the beautiful landscape.
    It was like we have visited completely different planet!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Hot springs & second night

    March 15, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We have arrived to our second night accommodation as first from the group and thanks to that we got a beautiful room with a view of the lagoon.
    After having tea and biscuits, our guide suggested hiking the peak behind the hotel and watch the sunset.
    The 200 meters we did was very tiring as we were starring at 4200 m.a s.l.
    It was so worth the hike, the views were spectacular and we could see the lagoons, snow-peaked volcanoes and the desert.
    After getting down with little light as once the sun sets, the darkness comes very fast, we enjoyed a nice dinner before heading to the hot springs.
    By the time we arrive to the springs it was pitch black and the starts made its way to the sky. We jumped into the small pool of fantastically hot water and enjoyed the star-gazing of a lifetime.
    The morning had another spectacle ready for us. We have enjoyed breakfast with panoramic view of the lagoon and the sun rising above it.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Dalí's desert

    March 15, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C

    Part of the Atacama desert that has been described by it's first tourist visitors as a painting from Salvador Dalí
    It was absolutely freezing but with the rising sun, absolutely stunning.
    We messed around for a while taking pictures before we ran for a car hiding from the cold.Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca

    March 15, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C

    Last stop before heading to the borders with Chile. The two lagoons are very close to each other but very different in their content.
    On the Laguna Blanca are feeding flamingos and vicuñas use it as a source of water.
    The Laguna Verde is the most toxic one in the region and is full of lithium, sulphur and other toxic minerals.
    Guarding the Laguna Verde is the most important volcano of the region. With an altitude 5 927 m.a.s.l. is the highest one in the area. It had great importance during Inca Empire as it's been used for human sacrifice.
    In the more recent time it got more importance as according to NASA research, the lagoon at the top is the location of the highest organic life in the world.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Journey back to Uyuni

    March 15, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    From the border with Chile where we dropped part of our group we headed back to Uyuni.
    Unfortunately there are some road closes due to strikes from local villages.
    On the other side we have seen another part of Bolivian antiplato. Ranging from desert to lagoons and volcanoes with valleys full of llamas and clouds on the sky elegantly placed to provide the best picture.
    It's a long drive but our driver William navigates the off-road like to a pro making it very enjoyable journey.
    We have driven for couple of hours before we hit crossroad and couldn't go any further as there was a blockade by local community who protested against government.
    We have met up with all the other cars and all the drivers where trying to find the best way through the pampas and no map.
    Thankfully Czech application mapy.cz saved us as Petr could navigate the driver and after couple of hours, we have finally found the right way back to Uyuni.
    Once we arrived we have said very warm good-bey to William and headed back to the hostel.
    As it was a market night, we decided to head for dinner outside and tried very nice stewed llama with rice and later had another salchipapa (potato fries with fried sausage).
    As we have decided to take a room with private bathroom, we had really nice long shower and went to bed.
    Trip to Salar de Uyunin was one of the best experiences we had and will never forget it!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Potosí

    March 16, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    What a city! Considered the highest city in the world with altitude 4 060 m.a.s.l. and back in 16th century the richest city of America.
    We have arrived on the terminal from where it was rather hike up the hill to our hostel. If O would have known how far it is, we would have taken a taxi.
    It took us while to find the place as the websites had a wrong address. The receptionist didn't have a clue about our booking but thankfully had free room and it worked out even cheaper then we originally calculated.
    Once we have settled down, we headed for town trying to book a mine tour for the next day.
    The first place we have visited was a small tour agency ran by Julio.
    It is a very strange and kind of rude character. As it seemed he know what he is talking about we decided to go with him next day from 8 a.m.
    The rest of the afternoon we have walked the streets and visited a nice tower with view of the city.
    We spent the evening wondering the street trying to find something to eat. As the stalls with food were absolutely everywhere we were spoiled for choice.
    We tried salchipapa and burger that were both nice and cheap.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Potosí mines

    March 17, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    What an experience! We didn't really know what to expect from this tour even though we have read quite a lot about it.
    Julio, our guide and very strange person in one took us first to a market where we bought few presents for the miners. He showed us where to buy dynamite and coca leaves. Two essentials for every miner.
    Once we were done, we took a short bus ride to the mines itself.
    All dressed up we definitely looked the part. First we have spent some time hiking around with the miners and Julio explained a little bit about their life that seemed super tough.
    The younger ones were drinking beer and from each glass they spilled a little bit on the floor as offering to Pachamama. That's a god they are asking for a good find of minerals and safe working environment.
    Talking with them outside was actually quite pleasant and we were kind of putting of entering of the mine.
    When the time have finally arrived, Julio got our head-torches switched on and we have entered.
    It's difficult to describe the place bit it was small, narrow and super dark. The lamps on our helmets didn't really shine and it was rather difficult to see.
    We walked for couple of meters trying to catch a breath and Julio who was ahead of us.
    We stopped for a little break in a place where it was slightly taller before we continued.
    I tried to focus on not hitting my head on one of the cables and pipes but Petr as an architect looked at the structure of the place.
    After only about 5 minutes we decided that this is not for us. We have felt breathless and slight claustrophobic.
    Thankfully Julio was very understanding and we could turn around to head back towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
    Towards the end it really hit me. Those men outside go into the mine for 6-8 hours a day risking their life to make a little bit of money.
    Once we came out, I couldn't stop tears. It was so overwhelming.
    Few leaves of coca helped and we got back to chatting with the miners. Some of then were coming out of mine with their week's find in the trolleys.
    It was a very stressful and eye-opening experience. Those guys are super brave and have our admiration.
    We couldn't even imagine staying inside longer then couple of minutes.
    As we were catching a bus to Sucre, we were quite happy when Julio asked us if we would like to go.
    Happy to leave this place behind us, we headed for a bus and back to the city.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Potosí-> Sucre

    March 17, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    After the mine tour, we were ready to leave Potosí and head towards our next destination.
    We picked up our bags at the hostel and took a local bus towards the new station. The driver of the bus was really nice and we have spent the entire journey chatting to him about Bolivia and Czech republic.
    Once we have navigated the huge bus terminal in Potosí we could finally get on the bus and head more north.
    The journey was really beautiful and we could admire first the Potosí and then the spectacular Bolivian nature.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Tarabuco

    March 18, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Thankfully we have left Potosi on Saturday as that allowed us to make a day trip to a small village around 65 km from Sucre.
    Every Sunday is a huge market in almost all street with work of art weaved blankets and other crafts.
    Once a year on a third weekend in Match there is a huge festival Pujllay. It's a version of American Thanksgiving and it's one of the Bolivian's biggest fiestas.
    Around 60 local communities arrive to this little village to celebrate wining over Spanish troops and wining back Sucre.
    We walked through the market and watched the different communities past the square while dancing and singing.
    They all headed to great open space where all the other villagers gathered watching then to dance around huge display of local produce.
    There were so many stools with food and local chicha drink that everyone seemed to enjoy.
    We have tried grilled meat with potatoes, delicious roast pork in a bun with super nice salsa and local ice-cream.
    I think it was definitely one of the most colourful things we have seen so far in South America and it was fantastic experience.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Sucre

    March 19, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    The capital of Bolivia that has lost o lots of its glory once nearby Potosí lost its silver. The demand of the grandeur remained very much present and can be seen along the white street full of colonial buildings with ornamental features.
    We have really got to liked the city as it's very clean and safe.
    On first day we got to explore the square where new and old met in mixture of old ladies with signature hats sitting arou nd the square and younger generation dancing to hip-hop right next to them.
    Over the several days we got to spend here, we walked it's streets and cooked some nice food at the hostel.
    After Potosí that was so busy and smelly, it was a nice break.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Sucre markets

    March 20, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    As we have a lovely hostel with a nice kitchen we set of for our favorite activity in any place, visiting a market.
    First we dropped of dirty clothes to a laundry and then headed for Mercado.
    As it was lunch time we decided to start of with visit to local "Comedor".
    Same chaos as always filled the air and ladies shouting at us tried to grab our attention.
    We tried curried chicken and something similar to goulash. Both were really nice and we could head downstairs towards the most interesting part.
    The fruits and vegetables were so colourful and we couldn't recognize half of the things. We grabbed lots of vegetables and meat for the Mexican night we have planned and headed home.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    La Paz

    March 22, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    We have arrived to La Paz by a night bus from Sucre and for the first time had a really good journey.
    The comfy "camas" fully declined and created a comfy bed.
    Thankfully we could check-in to our hostel right after arrival and after a good night sleep could head straight to the town.
    In two full days we ended up having in La Paz we have experience a lot. I don't think we can say that we really like the city but we have to admire how the city grew around it's environment.
    In La Paz you either go uphill or downhill and with the altitude of 3 600 m.a.s.l we have paced ourselves.
    On the first day we have experienced just how much would Bolivia wanted it's sea back. There was a huge parade in the city with thousands of people marching the streets singing hymn or shouting " Mar para Bolivia".
    As we do like to eat, we have headed towards market to grab something for lunch. We tried the local schnitzel and soup with peanuts. It was very nice and after a quick stop to grab a sugary drink for more energy we could head towards the streets again.
    La Paz is huge in all different types of markets and Bolivia in general is not big on supermarkets.
    That means that whatever you need, you can head towards a Mercado and get it. Anything from a TV to countless DVDs to sinks and toilets or dried baby llama.
    I think we got into a busy La Paz life that is so noisy and has one of the strangest traffic rules we have seen (read no rules).
    After five days we are ready to head towards more tranquil Copacabana on shores of Lake Titikaka.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Teleferico amarillo

    March 22, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Very strange type of transport made its way to this busy always loud city!
    For us Europeans is cable car solely for mountains but as the city spreads over several hills and metro would not work, they came up with network of cable cars connecting the city and offering one of the best views of the city.
    We have started with the yellow line as final stop offers fantastic views over the entire city and put the place into a different perspective.    Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice