In 18 days I will be headed to South America for the first time (I can cross off #5 of 7 continents after that, baby!).  *Cue Applause Track*

The majority of my 3.5 week visit will be in Bolivia, but I also have a side trip planned to visit the fabled Machu Picchu in Peru. Those famous Inca ruins are on every “must experience” travel/bucket/life list that exists which seems like a strong enough endorsement for me to go out of my way for a few days :).

While I am finding it hard to get responses from hotels to confirm my reservations (spotty internet connections in their off beaten location? something else?), I have a solid itinerary in place of where I will be and what I will be doing. I now just need a good list of back-up hotels for when I show up at my first choices and find them full :).  In one attempt to reach out to a hotel I was having limited success communicating with, I became their 5th follower on Twitter. They did indeed follow me back, however they, er, forgot (?) to respond to my tweet about a reservation request. I did read in my guide book that hammocks are plentiful at this Amazon basin hotel and that time in the hammocks is greatly emphasized and rejoiced…perhaps this explains my forgotten tweet. Ahhh, all good warm-up for what is to come…

So while I still have a roof over my head and decent internet access, here is what is indeed to come in Bolivia (and Peru)…well, at least a few of the things that I can plan for :):

First stop: La Paz

Considered the highest capital city in the world at an elevation of 12,007 ft (that is 2.2 miles above sea level!), La Paz sits in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andes.  Here I will acclimatize for several days.  I already know my headaches in La Paz will be from lack of oxygen…not Diet Cokes.

I am most looking forward to exploring the vibrant and frenzied markets ( a witch market too!?). Cross your fingers I can find some cool wares for the shop!

Next up: Coroico at the end of the “World’s Most Dangerous Road”

After I survive a mountain bike trek from La Paz down the “World’s Most Dangerous Road” I will nurse my bruised derrière in the laid back town of Coroico. Said to have spectacular views from its hillside perch in the Yunga Valley, the town’s subtropical weather and slow pace should allow me plenty of time for sun bathing, swimming and hammock swinging.  I may consider a  hike through the neighboring citrus plantations or to a nearby trio of waterfalls…although as a single, woman traveler it is advised that I check the security situation before heading out. This may mean just more pool time.

Then: Into the Amazon Basin

A town called Rurrenabaque (about a 20 hour bus ride from La Paz or 45 minute flight) is one of Bolivia’s gateways into the Amazon.  I have decided that instead of a jungle tour I will do a pampas tour (wetlands).  I think the following description sealed the deal for me, “Picture slowly puttering down the river in a dug-out canoe, with literally hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, pink dolphins, capybaras, and an abundant species of birds all around.  Envision piranha fishing, swimming with the dolphins, hiking around the jungle in search of the largest snake in the world, the anaconda.” Oh, and I WILL find an anaconda.

Next: Salar de Uyuni

Two flights later I will end up in the lower eastern corner of Bolivia to discover the world’s largest salt flat near the town Uyuni. The surface will be dry as I am visiting during the dry season. This means I will witness a great expanse of pure white nothingness and blue sky.  Sounds unworldly, no?! My 3 days here will also include jeep touring to see volcanoes, geysers, blue and red lagoons and hopefully pink flamingos (apparently there are a lot of pink animals in Bolivia!).

Then: Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and will be my home for several days as I explore the charming and quaint town of Copacabana. A boat trip to Isla del Sol in the middle of the lake may be a nice way to experience the beautiful water and surrounding scenery. Perhaps I will also see the Uros, a pre-Inca people who live on floating islands made of reeds and have been for centuries! Since Lake Titicaca borders both Peru and Bolivia, it will be from here that I head to Cusco in route to Machu Picchu.

Finally: Machu Picchu

Built in1450 by the Incas, the reason for Machu Picchu’s existence is still up for discussion (royal retreat, ceremonial site, military stronghold?), but not debatable is the undeniable magic that is felt by so many that visit the site.  I am soooo excited to witness it first hand, and in preparation I have been living and sleeping in my new Merrell’s so that I can make it blister-free on all the rigorous lookout hikes! A dear friend of mine spent his 40th birthday here earlier this year and he sent me his brilliant itinerary. I will follow it word for word. Cusco, Aguas Calientes and the Sacred Valley, here I come…and I think I will indeed try the guinea pig!!

Phew! So that is all I can fit in 24 days! I honestly wish I had longer as I will miss Bolivia’s wine country, the white city of Sucre and the historic town of Potosi…but I guess that is why god invented return flights.

Come back here for updates on all my Bolivian and Peruvian adventures (when I have internet access of course).  I am on pins and needles!