We made it to Argentina!

October 25, 2023

After many hundreds of kilometers riding mentally challenging straight-lined flat roads, we finally got to climb again! The road from Uyuni southward led us to the border with Argentina. We knew the route was going to be surprising, but this... wow. After the last climb before Tupiza, we descended into a valley like no other. Wild West-like rock formations, massive cactuses, beautiful trees amidst bright green grass fields, and a small river smoothly curving through the countryside. What a contrast. In weeks we hadn't seen so many colors coming together. We soaked it all up and landed a big high-five to celebrate the joy we felt cycling this route. Though the long and hot 100+km days with well over a thousand meters of elevation gain around 3500 masl made it as challenging as any other. We loved it!

Arriving at the border town Villazón, we are again welcomed by a road block. A small group of people barricaded the bridge at the entrance of the village with chicken wire. This time there was no way through. We had to go underneath and followed the stream of locals that were carrying their stuff while sweating and puffing. It was a funny transition, making our last day in Bolivia eventful as ever. The next day we crossed the border onward to the third country along our journey south. We do a quick count. Over 3000 km total cycling distance completed!

Bye bye Bolivia. Hello Argentina, here we come!

Route: Uyuni - Atocha - Tupiza - Villazón (BOL) - Abra pampa (AR) - Humahuaca