Day 70. Wednesday, 6th November, 2024. From Nido Del Flamenco in Uyuni to Casada Del Baron in Tupiza, Bolivia. 122 Miles or 196 Kms.

Leaving Uyuni

After a good buffet breakfast, we needed to sort Poki out before we set off. Everything had been thrown in when we had to evacuate our room, after the misunderstanding regarding whether we could keep it for an extra night.

When we checked out, having had another room on the first floor, with a shower but with the loo next door, we were only charged 100 Bols, about £11. It was a nicely furnished room, with a lovely hot shower. The toilet next door wasn’t an issue, as this was the only room on the first floor.

Some anxiety.

One might have thought that the topic for the day would have been the result of the US election. No, the topic was diesel. Yesterday evening, Raphael, the hotel owner, had advised he may be able to get some diesel for us today, but not before the afternoon. We had debated whether or not to wait, or whether to move on to Tupiza. It might be easier to get diesel there? We might even get to the border, with the diesel we have from Peru?

If we could get to Tupiza with what we have left in the tank and keep the last 20 Litre Jerry can for the Tupiza to Villazon, on the Argentinian border sector, we should be able to make it without any more diesel.

So, we set off hoping to get to Tupiza without having to top up. We found the Tupiza road almost immediately after leaving the hotel. Another great day’s driving, apart from the worry about our diesel supply.

A tar sealed road, although once again our map indicated it wouldn’t be. Obviously, pretty recently upgraded, as it was in good condition and well sign posted. Starting flat and straight, we commented that if it stayed like this it would be beneficial to our diesel consumption.

Once again, the scenery was stunning. Photos don’t do it justice, as you can only capture a small section. Starting level and straight, this did not continue. We started to climb, overlooking craggy gorges and spectacular rock formations. On the downhill sections, coasting as much as possible to save fuel.

The orange warning light came on, which meant we should have fuel for another 50 miles, or 83 kms. Amazingly a sign told us we were 83kms from Tupiza, just as the warning light came on. Now it was really touch and go.

As we came towards Tupiza the rock formations became even more bizarre. Entering the town we were still rolling. We came to the location indicated by Google maps for Casada Del Baron. The place was deserted and seemed to be a site for wrecked cars and trucks.

Very strange rock formation.

Our camp in Tupiza

Arriving at the camp at around 2pm, I looked around and rang the doorbell at the house, twice, but there was no sign of life. Then a small car drew up and a lady, speaking English, welcomed us and told us to follow her around to the back of the property. Here was a camping place, with a French camper van already in residence. 

Mario, the lady’s husband, also speaking fluent English, came and showed us the facilities and chatted for a bit about the fuel shortages and the current political situation in Bolivia. He said it would be no problem to get us 10 litres, if we needed it.

We were still in a state of euphoria having made it without having to use any of the jerry cans 20 litres. It is about 90 kms to the border, so we should make it all the way through Bolivia without having had to obtain diesel.

We wandered into the town in the late afternoon. We are only on the outskirts, so the shopping options were somewhat limited. However, I managed to get a few bits and pieces. Returning to Poki for dinner, we were serenaded by a brass band marching close by. 

Another country tomorrow.

Tomorrow we head for Argentina. We think we will not head directly south, as this isn’t a very interesting part of Argentina, but will head more west into Chile and the Atacama Desert region.

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