CHAPTER XIX

WAYFARING IN BOLIVIA--THE CENTRAL PLATEAU

A Hill-broken Table-land--By Rail along the Cordillera of the Friars--Challapata and Lake Poöpo--Smelters--Spanish Ear-marks in Oruro--By Stage to La Paz--Fellow-passengers--Misadventures--Indian Tombs at Caracollo--Sicasica a High-up Town, 14,000 Feet--Meeting-place of Quichuas and Aymarás--First Sight of the Famed Illimani Peaks--Characteristics of the Indian Life--Responsibility of the Priesthood--Position of the Women--Panorama of La Paz from the Heights--The Capital in Fact--Cosmopolitan Society 297