Alone in Bolivia
 

I just rode from La Paz to Potosi and then Potosi to Tarija by myself and felt totally safe. I was pulled up for my first time ever speeding on a motorbike and even though the police weren't impressed I was doing 85km in a 35km (I was about to slow down for the town - but they post the 35km limit quite far before the towns here) they were really nice and let me off with a warning.

Then when I got to Tarija I asked for directions and this guy escorted me on his bike to a restaurant where the owner spoke english then someone else showed up and let me stay at their place.

I almost don't want to leave to go to Argentina tomorrow.

Cheers,
Annette

Bolivia
 

Hi!

My info is 4 years old but the principle still stands: End of 2005 I travelled solo through Bolivia. It was about a week or two after international news services reported severe unrest and even civilians & miners throwing lit dynamite sticks at government troops. I found the Bolivian people to of the most friendly I have ever met, except parhaps for Malawians. Not a bit of trouble anywhere, not even an unfriendly face. There were bad fuel shortages from Potosi southward, but everywhere there was someone willing to help. La Paz had a policeman on almost every corner and although the traffic was crazy I never saw a single accident.

If I ever get the chance I'll go back to Bolivia without thinking twice. The country is dirt poor but the people are magic!

I used Michelin maps but something more detailed would have been useful for Bolivia, especially after you leave the asphalt going to Uyuni - not too many people around to ask for directions!

Show respect, help if you can and smile and you'll have a GREAT time!

Post a rteport, please!

Thanks all - we are in Bolivia now (Sucre) and loving it. Potosi tomorrow then heading to Uyuni 16th Oct :-)