Adopted as an infant, kimkim traveler Casi Brough always dreamed of going back to her birth country of Bolivia. So when she and her husband Tim finally got the chance, they wanted to see it all. From planning the itinerary to hanging out on the famous Salt Flats, read all about Casi’s two-week adventure below—and get inspired by her gorgeous photos, which will have you booking a flight to Bolivia in no time.
Tell us a bit about you and your husband Tim. What’s your travel style, and what are some of your favorite destinations?
My husband, Tim, and I are avid travelers, both individually and as a couple. We’ve collectively explored a significant portion of the globe, accumulating a diverse range of experiences and memories along the way. Tim’s adventures have taken him to some fascinating corners of the world. He has explored the vast landscapes of Mongolia, experienced the vibrant culture of Burundi, wandered through the bustling souks of Morocco, and immersed himself in the rich history of China. South America is currently at the top of his travel wishlist, and he is actively researching potential destinations there. I, on the other hand, have always been drawn to the allure of Africa. I’m thrilled to share that a trip to New York is on the horizon for me, and I’m also hoping to visit Canada in the near future. There are many amazing places on the planet that are calling my name, but my travel goals include a trip to Iceland, and a train journey across Europe. The possibilities are truly endless! Both Tim and I are eager to experience the wonders of Thailand, a destination that has been on our shared travel radar for quite some time. And of course, the incredible journey I recently undertook to Bolivia has left an indelible mark on my soul, and I would absolutely love to return someday to further explore its beauty and culture.
In terms of our travel style, we embrace a well-rounded approach that incorporates elements of spontaneity and meticulous planning. We find immense joy in simply wandering around new cities and towns, allowing ourselves to get lost in the labyrinthine streets and discover hidden gems along the way. There is something magical about stumbling upon a charming café, a local artisan’s workshop, or a breathtaking vista that wasn’t on our original itinerary. However, we also appreciate the structure and guidance that comes with having a well-defined plan. This allows us to make the most of our time and ensure that we don’t miss out on any key attractions or experiences. While Tim tends to prefer a fast-paced itinerary packed with activities and sightseeing, I generally lean towards a more relaxed and immersive approach, preferring to savor each moment and fully absorb the atmosphere of a place. One aspect of travel that we both particularly value is the opportunity to stay with local families. We believe that this provides a unique and invaluable insight into the local culture, allowing us to connect with people on a deeper level and gain a more authentic understanding of their way of life. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal with a local family, learning about their traditions and customs, and hearing their stories firsthand. It’s an experience that truly enriches our travels and creates lasting memories.
Tell us about the family heritage connection to your Bolivia trip.
My connection to Bolivia is deeply personal and rooted in my own life story. I was adopted when I was just 5 weeks old, having been born in La Paz. My adoptive parents, who were from the UK, made the long and arduous journey to Bolivia to bring me home and welcome me into their family. From a young age, I was aware of my adoption and my parents always openly shared stories about the process of bringing me into their lives. These stories were always told with love and warmth, and I never felt that my adoption was something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, I always felt that it was a special and unique part of my identity.
Growing up, I always felt a deep curiosity about my birth country and a desire to one day return to Bolivia to connect with my roots and learn more about my heritage. It was a dream that I held close to my heart for many years, but one that always seemed just out of reach. Sadly, my father passed away last year, which was a deeply painful and transformative experience for me. However, in the midst of my grief, I also felt a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to finally fulfill my dream of visiting Bolivia. I realized that life is too short to postpone our dreams and that we must seize every opportunity to live life to the fullest.
The decision to visit Bolivia was not an easy one, as I had many worries and uncertainties about what it would be like. I wondered if I would feel a sense of belonging, if I would be able to connect with the culture, and if I would be able to cope with the emotional impact of retracing my father’s journey. However, I knew that it was something I needed to do, both for myself and in honor of my father. The trip represented a chance to connect with my past, to understand my identity more fully, and to pay tribute to the man who had given me a loving home and a wonderful life.
What encouraged you to seek some help from a local specialist for your Bolivia trip?
When I finally made the decision to embark on my journey to Bolivia, I knew that I wanted to make the most of the experience and ensure that it was both meaningful and safe. I started by doing some research online, reading travel blogs and guides to get a sense of what the country had to offer. However, I quickly realized that planning a trip to Bolivia, especially one with such a personal connection, was a complex undertaking. I wanted to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and delve deeper into the local culture, but I also wanted to ensure that I was traveling responsibly and ethically. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that engaging a local specialist was the best way to achieve my goals. I wasn’t necessarily planning to take a private tour initially, but that quickly became my preference after discussing my goals.
I felt incredibly fortunate to connect with Marie, a local specialist who was not only knowledgeable about Bolivia but also deeply passionate about sharing its beauty and culture with others. From our very first conversation, I felt that Marie truly understood my vision for the trip and was committed to helping me create an unforgettable experience. Marie was exceptionally informative and helpful throughout the planning process. She answered all of my questions patiently and thoroughly, offering valuable insights and recommendations based on her own personal experiences and expertise. She took the time to understand my interests, preferences, and budget, and then crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly matched my needs.
What impressed me most about Marie was her ability to incorporate everything that I wanted to experience into the trip while staying within my budget. She was able to suggest alternative options for accommodations, transportation, and activities that allowed me to save money without sacrificing the quality of the experience. I felt completely confident in Marie’s ability to handle all of the logistics of the trip, allowing me to relax and focus on enjoying the journey itself. Her expertise was invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of traveling in Bolivia and ensuring that I had a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience.
Do you have any favorite/especially memorable moments from Bolivia that you’d like to share?
It’s incredibly difficult to single out just a few favorite moments from my trip to Bolivia, as the entire experience was filled with so many unforgettable memories and emotions. From the moment I arrived in the country, I was overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of the Bolivian people, the stunning beauty of the landscapes, and the rich tapestry of culture and traditions. Every day brought new adventures and discoveries, leaving me with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder.
One of the most vivid memories that stands out is the breathtaking beauty of the Laguna Colorada in the early morning light. The vibrant colors of the lake, reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, were simply mesmerizing. The sight of the thousands of flamingos wading in the shallow waters, their pink feathers shimmering in the sunlight, was a truly magical experience. I also vividly recall the simple joy of eating delicious food outdoors, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and serene lagoons. There was something incredibly special about savoring the flavors of traditional Bolivian cuisine while immersing myself in the natural beauty of the country.
Of course, I can’t forget the surreal experience of standing on the vast salt flats, the largest in the world. It felt like I was walking on another planet, surrounded by endless white expanse stretching as far as the eye could see. The optical illusions created by the salt flats were incredible, and I had so much fun taking creative photos and exploring the unique landscape. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
However, what truly made my trip to Bolivia so special was the people I met along the way. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their country, sharing fascinating insights into the history, culture, and traditions of Bolivia. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had a memorable and enriching experience. The local people I encountered were also incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. The delicious food that was prepared for us was definitely a highlight. The other travelers I met along the way shared the experience and made it all the more memorable. It’s the people that truly make a place, and the people of Bolivia made my trip an unforgettable one.
What did you like about Bolivia from a photographer’s standpoint? What are your favorite photos from the trip?
As an enthusiastic amateur photographer, I found Bolivia to be an absolute dream destination. Everywhere I looked, there was another opportunity to capture stunning images, from the vibrant colors of the cities to the dramatic landscapes of the Andes Mountains. I ended up taking over 1000 photos on my iPhone (I decided to leave my heavy camera at home for this trip), and I could have easily taken even more! Every corner of the country seemed to offer something interesting and unique to photograph.
I especially loved taking photos of the salt flats. The vast white expanse provided an endless canvas for creativity, and the optical illusions created by the salt were truly mind-blowing. I spent hours experimenting with different angles and perspectives, trying to capture the surreal beauty of the landscape. The photos I took there are some of my favorites from the entire trip.
In addition to the salt flats, I also enjoyed photographing the local people. Their faces are so expressive, and their traditional clothing is so colorful and vibrant. I tried to capture the essence of their culture and way of life through my photos, hoping to share their stories with the world.
You were able to take part in some cool local experiences, like staying with Jamie and Marisol and seeing wrestling in La Paz. Tell us how cultural experiences enhanced your trip.
Staying with Jamie and Marisol in the Aymara village of Chuñavi, Cordillera Real, was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, and I immediately felt like I was part of their family. The food they prepared for us was absolutely delicious, and I truly believe that I ate some of the best meals of my life during my stay with them. What I appreciated most was that they encouraged us to participate in their daily activities, such as picking potatoes and making cheese. It was a truly immersive cultural experience that allowed me to learn about their way of life firsthand. Plus, as it was my birthday during my stay with them, they went above and beyond to help me celebrate, making it an unforgettable occasion. They showed us a glimpse into their lives, and I consider it a great honor to have been welcomed into their home.
The wrestling in La Paz was another unforgettable cultural experience. Just getting to El Alto was an adventure in itself! The atmosphere was electric, and the energy of the crowd was infectious. I think we were perhaps a little too tired to fully appreciate the spectacle, as it was towards the end of our trip, but it was still a fun and novel experience that I’ll never forget.
Did anything about the trip surprise you?
The biggest surprise for me was that Bolivia didn’t feel as dangerous as I had anticipated, based on some of the information I had read on travel websites. Of course, like any country, Bolivia has its share of crime, but I always felt safe and protected during my trip. I believe that having a guided tour played a significant role in this, as I had the support and guidance of experienced local experts who knew the area well. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how safe and welcoming Bolivia was, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.
Do you feel like you covered Bolivia pretty comprehensively? What would you want to see if you visit again?
While I feel like I saw a good portion of Bolivia during my trip, there is still so much more to explore. Tim and I both definitely want to return to Bolivia in the future. Tim is particularly interested in visiting Santa Cruz and exploring the Amazon rainforest. I, on the other hand, would love to go back to La Paz and spend more time hiking in the mountains. I could never get tired of seeing those breathtaking landscapes!
Would you recommend this itinerary? Is there anything you would change if you could do it again?
I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in experiencing the beauty and culture of Bolivia. What I particularly appreciated about the itinerary was that the guides often took us off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist hotspots, which made the experience feel much more personal and authentic. The only thing I would change if I could do it again would be to add some rest days to the itinerary. By the time we got to Potosi, we were so exhausted that we didn’t have the energy to explore as much as we would have liked. Therefore, I would recommend incorporating a few more days into the trip, perhaps making it a 3-week adventure instead of a 2-week one.
Last but not least: Where do you want to travel next?
Lastly… yes Thailand is our plan for the next big trip!
Our next big adventure is definitely going to be in Thailand. We’re both incredibly excited to explore the beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and bustling cities of this fascinating country. We’re also looking forward to experiencing the delicious Thai cuisine and immersing ourselves in the local culture. We have spent some time looking into the best regions to explore in Thailand, including booking some private tours to make the most of our time there. It’s a trip that we’ve been dreaming about for a long time, and we can’t wait to make it a reality.
B-188