The Most Beautiful Place in Bolivia

I'd like to think, now, that I've been to some of the world's most beautiful places.  My mind has been blown (and repatched) after seeing the lunar landscapes of Cappadoccia, Turkey; the long, coconut-strewn beaches of West Africa; the empty yellow and red desert of southern Arizona, and basically any part of New Zealand's islands.  I came to Bolivia expecting to be simply "whelmed" (not over- or under-).  A foray to the town of Sorata had my expectations raised no higher.  I was waiting for a package in La Paz, and filled with wanderlust, I simply picked a place within a three hour ride away, got on a $2 bus, and took off hoping to spend a few nights in mosquito-free peace.

 Well, welcome to Paradise.  Fiji, the Cook Islands, Key West--forget it.  Even my long time affinity for the cobblestones and charm of Seville, Spain and my dream of going to Buenos Aires, Argentina melted away with the first sunny day breaking through the low-hung clouds over Mount Illampu.  The snowy peak, its shining top a perfect backdrop to the tumble of Sorata's buildings, seems to actually smile (I kid you not) down every early morning sunrise.  This is the most beautiful place I've ever been.  The 20 kilometer walk outside of town to the (locally famous) Cave of Saint Peter is one of those empty, thrilling red-dirt-road excursions that makes you want to cry (of happiness) and laugh (with gratitude) that the Earth is so Freaking Amazing. 

Sorata is the one place on my trip that I was able to return to (again and again), and each time, it seemed even more beautiful.  In a way, I want to tell you all never to go--its isolation and quiet is part of the charm, of course--but if everyone I knew had chance to experience the scope, the quiet, the green, the magnificence and simply overwhelming land of the valley and river, I know for a fact it would change and stay with you forever, as it has with me. 

 And in case this all seemed hyperbolic, I brought witnesses: two llamas, gifted to my sister and I for Christmas by an apologetic Peruvian travel agent.  Long story; good times.