VIDEO: Sandboarding Bolivia’s Tropical Sand Dunes of Lomas de Arena

Check! Crossing off another item from my Bolivia bucket list!

I am so excited to share with you the debut video for the brand spanking new Bohemian Diaries YouTube channel ! On a whim I recently purchased a new camera and decided to take it for a test drive over the holiday weekend. While my friends back in the U.S. celebrated the 4th with American flag themed desserts and fireworks, I picked sand out of my ears while flying down the sand dunes of Lomas de Arena in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. All I can say is, it’s a lot easier said than done…

So what did you think? We got skills, eh? Talent (or lack thereof) aside,  it was an exceptionally windy day at the dunes and I’d love to go back when it’s a bit calmer to enjoy the park more. It’s a lovely place for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

SEE ALSO: GOT SAND? A DAY AT BOLIVIA’S DUNES

Lomas de Arena Travel Tips:

• Admission to the park is 10 Bolivianos ($1.44) per person. Everyone must pay and register at the entrance.
• The park entrance is miles from the actual sand dunes. If you plan to arrive by taxi, call a taxi service ahead of time and book a vehicle with 4-wheel drive (4×4) to take you all the way to the dunes. It is can be difficult for 4x4s to get through the soft, sandy road so don’t take a chance with a standard auto. Also, make sure the taxi will wait until you are ready to leave! The dunes are in a very remote location where transportation is not readily available. Your best best is to go with an organized tour operator.
• Book a tour with our friends at Nick’s Adventures Bolivia to take advantage of sandboarding and animal sightseeing opportunities. Traveling with a guide anywhere in Bolivia is always recommended.
• Check the weather! If it is as windy as in the video, try and plan to visit another day as the whipping sand can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant. The dunes are a great place to visit year round, although it may be more challenging to arrive during the rainy season November – March.
• On those windy days, don’t take your camera out! You are better off with taking just a cell phone or GoPro that is encased to snap photos. Believe me, it’s just not worth it to battle the high winds with your equipment!
• Contrary to what many local “guides” will tell you, the lagoons and lakes of Lomas de Arena have been dry for years. There is nowhere to swim or grab a drink of water so be sure to fill your bottles up beforehand and don’t expect a day at the beach!

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