'Long Way Up' Episode 5: Crisp ride, glorious views and altitude sickness elevate 'Atacama Desert into Bolivia'
Spoilers for 'Long Way Up' Episode 5 'Atacama Desert into Bolivia'
'Atacama Desert into Bolivia' is rich, vibrant and provides a glorious look at South American culture. The episode sees Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor make their way to Bolivia and they pass through the Atacama Desert. It starts with the two 9,687 miles away from Los Angeles and breezing their way on the highway surrounded by mountains where almost every step is a scenic view. Calchaquí Valley is a sight to behold and when the two ride through — the view is simply out of this world.
The ride also gives them their first dose of proper altitude as the air thins by the minute in their ascent. Even as McGregor and Boorman make their way up, the camera crew following in the Rivians manage to catch up and logistics man Taylor feels the impact almost immediately. It's saddening to see the man, who looks fit, look a pale shadow of himself. However, the crew sends him back down where he will link up with the rest of the team in Bolivia.
The episode also features a fun segment where McGregor's film 'Jack The Giant Slayer' plays on a TV in one of the supermarkets on their way to Bolivia. People recognize the actor and pose for selfies while Boorman has a good laugh. They also stop at a natural amphitheater soon after as they pass through Gorge of the Shells filled with tourists. Up next, the trip includes a skill known as Drafting where the two ride behind their production truck on the climb so as to cut down wind resistance in a low-pressure area.
The scene is quite scary as McGregor inches close to the truck. However, for aspiring and amateur riders, this serves as a valuable lesson to make note of while riding in hilly regions. They finally make it to the San Antonio De Los Cobres, one of the highest towns in the world and their last stop in Argentina. It has been a fun series so far and with the mesmerizing views and crackling chemistry between McGregor and Boorman, the series just gets exciting with each episode.
'Long Way Up' Episode 5 is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
