Although the ride down to Uyuni with the company Panasur made me smell like urine for 24+ hours, I would actually choose that bus company over Tudo Turismo. We booked with Tudo for our journey back and was greeted with hot beverages, pillows and everything that promised for a great ride back. However, within minutes of departing Uyuni it became quickly apparent this was going to be a rough ride because the driver took what seemed to be a non-existent road. It literally was as if he decided to just head north and follow the desert path. The whole ride was like a consistent Magnitude 4 earthquake but matters got pretty scary and dangerous once we realized we were caught in a massive snowstorm (in the middle of the desert). I don't think I slept a wink for that 10 hours as I was pretty confident we were going to die. However, with everything in our trip, we made it safe and sound to our next destination.
Arriving at our 4 star (Bolivian standards) Camino Real Aparthotel & Spa was a wonderful sight for 7 pairs of very sore eyes. We looked like absolute train wrecks among businessmen and fancy tourists. Despite that, the staff treated us like movie stars and allowed us to check-in early (hot showers after a few rough days on the road was a piece of heaven). Despite the treacherous night we had, like true shopaholics, we made our way straight to the markets for 5+ hours of textiles, leather and other Bolivian must-haves.
The main reason for visiting La Paz, aside from being the closest main city to Uyuni, was Death Road. What better way to end the South American adventure than mountain biking down 64km next to a 600m drop with a descent of more than 3,600m. They don't call it the most dangerous road in the world for nothing! Nonetheless, we survived!
Summary Days spent: 2.5 nights, 2 days Type of Lodging: Hotel Name of Lodging: Camino Real Aparthotel & Spa Activities: Shopping, Drinks and Mountain Biking on Death Road
It was a bit nerve racking heading to La Paz, considering its reputation, but we had an awesome time. It was nice to get back to the City lifestyle after a few days of living in the middle of nowhere. Highly recommend the markets and a visit down Death Road!