13 Nov 2012
Southern viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
If it doesn't move, the Viscacha is near impossible to see. The color is so similar to the rocks, sand and shrubs, that it's only patience or luck that makes…
13 Nov 2012
Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
Leaving the Sajama National Park, I had the first sighting of the northern Vicuna. They were grazing on the top of this hill, and was not particularily…
13 Nov 2012
Junellia minima
Thick succulent-like leaves that can hold water for very long dry periods. Just what you need in the desert-like environment of Sajama National Park and…
13 Nov 2012
Junellia minima
I saw several of the species in close proximity to the Tomarapi lodge, and this one is in fact placed in flowerbed right outside the reception building and…
13 Nov 2012
Nevado Sajama
Bolivias highest mountain - 6542 metres high - facing south. What a magnificent moment - the Large Magellanic cloud right above Sajama, the Milkyway to the…
12 Nov 2012
Star trails over Nevado Sajama
This was my first night at this altitude, and I was really struggling. The landscape and sky was incredibly beautiful, but I was unable to fully enjoy it due…
12 Nov 2012
Polylepis tarapacana
Some of the highest elevation of Polyepis forests are found in this park, and in particular on the slopes of Nevada Sajama seen in the background here. This…
12 Nov 2012
Yareta (Azorella compacta)
Perhaps the plant that has fascinated me the most on the Altiplano. It reminds me of coral reefs and the Brain coral (Faviidae), and grows comparably slowly.…
12 Nov 2012
Yareta (Azorella compacta)
Most will think this is a moss, but it's a very slow-growing perennial that can grow to huge individuals. It grows less than 2 cm per year, so the largest…
12 Nov 2012
Dust Devil
The nights are cold throughout the year, and are rarely above zero celsius when the sky is clear, adding the wind and it's not a very pleasant environment for…