La Paz, Bolivia 2002

Bolivia is called the "Tibet of South America." It has earned this nickname because of its high arid plateau, the Altiplano, as well as its intact indigenous culture. These people live a very tough yet simple existance. Traditional livelihoods include herding, farming, and weaving. Set amongst the high glaciated mountains of the Andes in the west, the highlanders brave intense sun and bitter cold. To the east the high mountains drop into cloud forests which further drop into the Amazon Basin. Landlocked and diverse, Bolivia holds wisdom and character evolved over centuries.

Cloud Forest, Bolivia 2002

Amongst the many wonders of Bolivia are the indigenous peoples. From the Altiplano, the high plains, through the cloud forests pictured here, to the Amazon Rain Forests, these native peoples have found a variety of ways to survive and thrive. Although vehicular traffic is limited to a few dangerous roads which link these distinct regions together, walking between them is like walking through a dream. Leaving the high mountainous regions and entering the misty passes and valleys, one could imagine traders and explorers drawn in by the consistent unvailing of new wonders.