PotD: Palette Earth

I hope this landscape gives some idea of the different tones and hues that surround you in the Bolivian altiplano, or ‘Palette Earth’ as I like to call it. With so much open space and so little vegetation growing in these vast arid lands, you become very aware of the changes in the terrain, being able to see long distances to the horizon in every direction. It’s a mineral rich part of the world and our driver Hugo was able to explain which minerals caused which colours, to the land and to the waters. When we were there, the rains were late due to ‘El Niño’, so the water in the lakes was very low and the farmers were having to ration the water supply to their livestock. I learnt that llamas and alpacas can survive for two days without water so the farmers would alternate the herd’s access to the dwindling water supply. The sheep on the lower altiplano were not faring so well. It’s a beautiful part of the world but harsh.