From Cuzco to Puno to Copacabana

$1 = 7 Bolivianos

Bolivia has been described as, "Simply Superlative... It's the hemisphere's highest, most isolated and most rugged nation. It's one of earth's coldest, warmest, windiest and steamiest places. It boasts among the driest, saltiest and swampiest natural landscapes in the world. Although the poorest country in South America, it's one of the richest in terms of natural resources. It's also South America's most indigenous country..." -Lonely Planet.

From the small amount we've seen so far, we would have to agree.

The border crossing into Bolivia was distinct from Peru. This time, the immigration official didn't want our phone numbers; he just wanted our money. Come to find out, U.S. citizens need a $135 visa to enter Bolivia. We are one of the two countries that has this requirement. (Thanks Bush!)

While everyone else on our bus skipped happily, cost-free through immigration, then sat patiently on the bus waiting, the dos americanas filled out visa applications. Apparently we also needed to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Since we didn't have that, they squeezed another $10 out of us. (One guy also told me he needed a copy of my credit card! Even if I had arrived to South America yesterday, I don't think I would have fallen for that one.)

Before giving us our visas, one of the officers gave us a speech about how much Bolivians pay ($180 ?) for a 30 day visa to the states. (hmm ok, he has a point there.) We finally took our newly stamped passports and crossed the border; with a lot of good memories behind us, happy to begin a new adventure.