Ep 5. Atacama Desert Into Bolivia
- October 2, 2020
In Long Way Up season 1 episode 5 titled "Atacama Desert Into Bolivia," Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman continue their epic journey through South America on their electric motorcycles.
The episode begins with the duo in San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the middle of the Atacama Desert. Here, they meet up with some local guides who will accompany them on their journey through the desert. The first leg will take them to a tiny village called Socaire, which is located at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level.
The ride to Socaire proves to be difficult as the terrain is rough and the altitude presents a challenge. Ewan and Charley struggle to acclimate to the thinner air, and they both admit to feeling the effects of altitude sickness. However, they persevere and eventually reach the village, where they are welcomed by the local people.
After spending the night in Socaire, the group sets off again, this time towards the Bolivian border. Along the way, they encounter some breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains and stunning rock formations. They also have to navigate some treacherous terrain, including sandy riverbeds and rocky mountain passes.
One of the highlights of the episode is when Ewan, Charley, and their guides come upon a group of wild vicuñas, which are a type of South American camelid. These beautiful animals are highly valued for their wool, which is used to make luxury textiles.
As they approach the Bolivian border, the group begins to encounter some political unrest. Bolivia is in the midst of an election, and tensions are high. At one point, Ewan and Charley find themselves caught up in a protest, but they manage to navigate their way through unscathed.
Eventually, they reach their destination - the small Bolivian town of Uyuni, which is located near the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Here, they meet up with a group of locals who take them on a tour of the area. They visit a train cemetery, which is a haunting reminder of Bolivia's bygone days of railway travel. They also journey out onto the vast salt flats, which stretch out as far as the eye can see.
The episode ends with Ewan and Charley reflecting on the challenges they've faced on their journey so far. They both admit that the journey has been tougher than they expected, but they are proud of what they've accomplished. As they prepare to continue their journey, they wonder what other challenges lie ahead.
Overall, "Atacama Desert Into Bolivia" is a thrilling episode that showcases some of the most stunning landscapes South America has to offer. It also highlights some of the political and social realities of the region, which adds a layer of complexity to Ewan and Charley's journey. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this action-packed installment.
