In pictures: Leaving Bolivia

Most of the fortune-seekers who've left Tablas Monte say they intend to return.

Jose's wife is due back in the next few months. Then Jose will take her place.

"Maybe I'll build houses in Spain, or harvest olives," he says.

It seems that more and more Bolivian poor are finding the lure of bringing home some of the conquistadors’ silver too tempting to resist.

Words: Andrew Carter
Photos: Andrew Carter and Louise Turner