Quillacas, Bolivia
Sunset towards Orinoca from Quillacas.
We took a rest day in Challapata after cycling 360 km in three days from La Paz. A Japanese cyclist heading north, Minoru Hamaguchi, took the room next to us and we ate together last night and this morning. Primo’s family had him write everyone’s name in Japanese and Chinese characters. We thought we’d run out of pavement today, but did not. The road to Uyuni did turn to gravel 18k south of Huari, but we turned off on a road to the north of the Salar de Uyuni which is currently being paved; probably because Bolivian President Evo Morales is from Orinoca, the next village 50k NW of here. We had the pavement to ourselves since other vehicles are blocked from driving on it. We stopped to chat with the road crew who did not prevent us from using the new road. We saw a coyote cross the road in front of us, and more llama herds than previously. We met an SUV cooling off here belonging to tour guide Rodrigo with a couple of Japanese honeymooners. We are staying in simple quarters with no shower or bathroom. There is a bathroom below us, but no water to flush. So we are advised to go out in a nearby field.
Minoru Hamaguchi is on a three month tour.
Where the pavement ends in Bolivia.
Juan Carlos, road crew chief, supports Evo Morales.
Santiago de Quillacas with Lake Poopo in the distance.
