Border Crossing - Argentina to Bolivia - Not for the faint hearted.

I thought our border crossing from Argentina to Bolivia was an especially bad one; however, when speaking to other travellers, it seems this isn't such an uncommon occurrence..........

The change from Argentina to Bolivia is unfathomable. One minute you are in European-esk surroundings having hopped off your pleasant bus after polishing off a nice meal and the next minute you are thrown into the third world. All of a sudden the streets are laced with short wrinkly women in traditional bowler hats and frumpy alpaca cardigans, everywhere looks poorer and dirtier and the atmosphere is far more alien; I loved it. Bolivia was going to be an adventure; and our first journey did not disappoint.

Due to a 'flood' on the main road from Villazon to Tupiza all the buses were not going and the trains were much later. The only apparent option therefore was a taxi, and we were in for a rough ride. Due to the 'flood' the taxi drove off-road, and I mean proper off road, through the dessert and river banks to avoid the blockage. However when we finally got back on the road we realised it wasn't a flood but a strike blocking the road with lots of angry faces staring at you. After an initial warning our renegade taxi driver decides to swerve around the road block and make our own way. They didn't like that. Chased by a group of ten men our taxi sped off, only to be stopped by a young lad who launched a large rock through the rear windshield, shattering the glass over all of us. After that we obeyed and stopped and were luckily allowed through the blockade shortly after, only to see taxis the other side with similar smashed windows and tyres slashed, with many-a-traveller attempting to hitch a ride after having been ditched by their taxis. Welcome to Bolivia!

Our next journey was equally as bad from Uyuni to Tupiza, try not to get the cheap local bus if there are other options. It was absolutely freezing, horribly uncomfortable and unfortunately some valuables went missing. Keep a keen eye on your possessions if this is the only option.

Fortunately the rest of our journeys were unproblamatic. Just know what you are doing and getting yourself into. Local buses are cheap but sketchy and uncomfortable, fork out a little more and you won't regret it.