Backpacking South America

Consulate: We don’t have enough Visa’s for you.

Us: What? What do you mean you don’t have enough Visa’s for us? Can’t we just pay you the money?

Consulate: No. I don’t have enough of these little pieces of paper to stick in your passports.

Us: Well, where can we get more? When will you get more?

Consulate: The closest place to get a Visa is Jujuy or Salta. We won’t get more for another week.

Us: You don’t have enough pieces of paper to stick in our passports? Can’t we still just pay some US dollars and enter?

That was the start of our conversation at the Bolivia Consulate. In the end, our experience trying to enter Bolivia was more than slightly confusing and took an entire morning.

We knew prior to entering that we would need to pay $135 each (yes… US dollars), proof of stay and yellow fever shot in order to obtain a visa. This fee is in place because the US levies the same fee on Bolivians wishing to visit the States. Other South American countries also charge the fees: Brazil at all border crossings, Chile and Argentina at the international airports.

Finishing the W trail in Torres del Paine was, perhaps, our greatest accomplishment. After countless training hikes, a few days of preparation, and bracing ourselves for the worst – we set off for Torres del Paine.  We were excited for the adventure and the sights, but slightly nervous about the well-being of our relationship.

Fortunately, we were blessed with great weather, aside from the wind on day 4. We didn’t have to contend with the rain. As we continued through each day, step after step, it seemed as if our goal was a bit more attainable. Sure, there were times when it was best that I didn’t say more than, “almost there” or “you’re doing great.” But, we were accomplishing what we set out to do.

During monotonous or overly arduous portions of our travels, we’ve had to push on in the hope that the best is yet to come. Torres del Paine was no exception, whether it was the vista that awaited us around the next bend or the cold beer and buffalo wings in Puerto Natales after the hike. The hike was only 5 days, but it seemed to be a reflection of our entire journey. Lots of preparation, a bit of hard work and finally, celebration.