TUPIZA - The Slightly Unusual Tourist Destination

Accommodation

We had two accommodations. The first one, "Hostal Valle Hermoso," didn't appeal to us at all. The people were friendly but odd. It was freezing cold, and the breakfast was really bad. They had one of the worst coffees of my life and apparently no butter. Five minutes after my inquiry, one staff member shouted to another throughout the house, asking if she wanted butter on her roll. They also had no jam because it hadn't been restocked. We asked upon our arrival shortly after 5:00 AM if there were any tours, and they said that on Sundays, hardly any tours start. However, there were tours, and we missed our chance to inquire with other agencies because we went to sleep. The shower was also weird; first, they said it didn't work, then it did, bla bla bla... Dubious hostel. We paid 13 US dollars for the few hours we had left before our check-out. We were highly impressed with our second accommodation, "Hotel La Torre." We received a great offer from their agency: if we chose them as our agency, we could stay one night for free at the hotel until the tour started. The reviews on Google Maps for the agency were through the roof, so we said YES. The breakfast was delicious, and there was also a small rooftop terrace. The room was very cold, and the shared bathroom could have been a bit cleaner, but you don't look a gift horse in the mouth ;) The owner was also really nice.

SIM Card

In Tupiza, we didn't have internet because for some reason, our SIM cards were blocked in La Paz. But since we were heading to the Salar de Uyuni, we didn't bother with it.

Attractions

Tupiza didn't seem like a fountain of attractions, but there were somehow more than expected. However, we didn't see much, as we rested and strolled a bit around. We saw the "Plaza de la Independencia" with its "Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria." There was also a mass happening when we passed by on Sunday evening. In the afternoon, there was the start of a cross-motorcycle race at the main square. Really cool!

Transportation

Within the city, we moved around on foot and by mototaxi (6 Bolivianos/person).

Food and Drink

We ate out twice in Tupiza: at an unknown restaurant where we had peanut soup and "Lechon al Horno." We also went to "Milan Center Pizzeria," where we shared a tomato-broccoli pizza. In the evening, I treated myself to a delicious dessert with strawberries and cream at the main square.

Cafés and Restaurants

Milan Center Pizzeria

Plants and Animals

Nothing crazy caught our attention. Only the incredibly many dog droppings are noteworthy.

Number of Germans in the City

At least three!

Contact with Locals

We had some conversation with our receptionist, who was also the owner of the agency and the hotel.

People We Met

As we were waiting for our consultation at the agency on Sunday afternoon, it became clear that the couple (who were getting information at Torre Tours at that moment) also wanted to leave the next day. We were fortunate to do the tour with Mareike and Christopher. Also on board was Niko, also from Germany :) And then, of course, our guide Alvaro, a real gem!

Expenses

In addition to our accommodation and food costs, we also had to pay for the Salar de Uyuni tour. 1300 BOB for the tour 221 BOB entry to other attractions (I believe) 150 BOB entrance to "Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa" = 1671 Bolivianos or 235 Euros per person for four days including guide, transportation, accommodation, and food

Standard Market Offerings

Vegetables, fruits, bread, meat, …

Unsolvable Mysteries

How can it be that during the low season, five Germans end up in a jeep at a relatively unknown starting point for the Salar tour? That's really quite a coincidence!

Journey to the Salar

Our tour started directly from our accommodation at 8:00 AM. We had breakfast beforehand, but somehow no one showed up. We went to look and found an employee cleaning the sidewalk in front of the hotel. Like, really cleaning it with water and a mop ;) Maybe it had something to do with the many dog droppings. He then informed another employee, and we were ready to leave with a five-minute delay. Since everything still had to be loaded, it wasn't a big deal, and the tour could begin!