Top Gear Bolivia Special Better Full Episode ^hot^ May 2026

A fan of Top Gear, I see!

The Bolivia Special, also known as "Top Gear: The Bolivian Special", is a 7-part episode that was aired in 2010. Here's a brief review of the episode:

Episode Summary: The hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, embark on a 1,000-mile journey across Bolivia, starting from the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. They drive three cars: a Suzuki Jimny, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and a Ford Transit van.

Highlights:

  • The stunning landscapes of Bolivia, including the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert.
  • The challenges faced by the hosts while driving through the harsh Bolivian terrain, including mud, sand, and water crossings.
  • The camaraderie and banter between the hosts, which is a hallmark of the show.

Criticisms and Controversies:

  • Some viewers felt that the episode was too focused on the hosts' antics and not enough on the cars.
  • There were concerns about the hosts' behavior, particularly Jeremy Clarkson's comments about the Bolivian police.

Overall Rating: If you're a fan of Top Gear, you'll likely enjoy this episode. The Bolivian landscapes provide a unique and fascinating backdrop for the hosts' adventures. However, if you're looking for a more car-focused episode, you might find this one a bit lacking.

Full Episode Availability: You can find the full episode on various streaming platforms, including:

  • Amazon Prime Video
  • YouTube (although it may be geo-restricted)
  • DVD/Blu-ray (if you prefer to own a physical copy)

Tips:

  • Make sure to watch the entire episode, as some parts may be removed or censored in shorter clips.
  • If you're interested in watching more Top Gear episodes, consider checking out their other specials, such as the "Top Gear: The Arctic Special" or "Top Gear: The Patagonia Special".

The Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely regarded as one of the show's greatest "solid features" because it blends genuine survival stakes with the trio's classic camaraderie. In this episode, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are dropped in the Amazon rainforest with three used 4x4s bought unseen from local classifieds for under £3,500 each. Why the Full Episode is a Standout

While short clips capture the humor, the full episode is better because it tracks the actual mechanical and physical decline of the team over a 1,000-mile journey. "Top Gear" Bolivia Special (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb

Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely regarded by fans and critics as

one of the greatest episodes in the show's history, currently holding a stellar 9.3/10 rating on IMDb . Originally aired on December 27, 2009

, this 76-minute adventure follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May on a grueling 1,000-mile journey

from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the Pacific coast of Chile. The Cars and the Challenge

Unlike other specials where the production team provides vehicles, the presenters had to purchase their own second-hand 4x4s sight-unseen from local Bolivian classifieds for less than £3,500 each Jeremy Clarkson: Range Rover Classic top gear bolivia special better full episode

, which he mistakenly believed had a 3.9-liter fuel-injected engine. Richard Hammond: Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40)

that had been crudely converted into a soft-top convertible. James May: A small, red Suzuki Jimny (SJ413)

with a 1.3-liter engine, which became a frequent target for mockery from the other two. Key Highlights and Terrifying Moments

The special is celebrated for its mix of genuine peril and classic Top Gear comedy.

The Bolivia special is probably the best of the original specials

The Top Gear Bolivia Special, also known as the "Amazon Rainforest" or "Best of Both Worlds" special, is a 10-part episode that originally aired in 2009. The special was filmed over a period of 14 days, covering over 1,000 miles of the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia.

The Concept

The special was designed to be a "best of both worlds" episode, featuring both Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond driving and testing cars, while also exploring the Amazon rainforest. The duo was joined by their co-host, James May, who didn't participate in the driving segments but instead focused on exploring the local culture.

The Cars

The three cars used in the special were:

  1. Land Rover Defender 110: A 4x4 vehicle used for ferrying the hosts and crew through the jungle.
  2. Toyota Land Cruiser: A rugged 4x4 used for driving through the jungle terrain.
  3. Chevrolet Colorado: A pickup truck used for various challenges and stunts.

The Journey

The hosts, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, embarked on a journey from the top of a Bolivian mountain to the Amazon rainforest, covering a distance of approximately 1,000 miles. The journey took them through various landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and jungle terrain.

Highlights of the Episode

Some of the notable highlights of the episode include: A fan of Top Gear, I see

  • River Crossing: Jeremy and Richard attempted to cross a swollen river using the Land Rover Defender. The attempt ended in disaster, with the vehicle sinking into the river.
  • Mud Slide: Richard Hammond used the Toyota Land Cruiser to drive down a steep mudslide, showcasing the vehicle's capabilities.
  • Jungle Drive: Jeremy Clarkson took the Chevrolet Colorado on a thrilling drive through the jungle, navigating through dense foliage and rough terrain.

Impact and Reception

The Bolivia Special received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The episode was praised for its stunning scenery, exciting driving sequences, and hilarious banter between the hosts. The special also attracted criticism for its depiction of the Amazon rainforest and concerns about the environmental impact of the filming.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Bolivia Special:

  • Filming Challenges: The crew faced numerous challenges while filming, including extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, and encounters with wild animals.
  • Plane Crash: During filming, a plane carrying the crew crashed, fortunately, without any major injuries.
  • Language Barriers: The hosts and crew encountered communication difficulties with the local Bolivian guides, leading to some comedic moments.

A Deeper Look

The Bolivia Special offers more than just thrilling driving sequences and comedic moments. It also provides a glimpse into the Amazon rainforest, showcasing its incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. The special raises awareness about the challenges facing the rainforest, including deforestation and climate change.

Environmental Concerns

The special sparked controversy and debate about the environmental impact of filming in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest. Critics argued that the show's production team did not do enough to minimize their environmental footprint. However, the show's producers argued that they took steps to reduce their impact, including using locally sourced materials and minimizing waste.

Legacy

The Bolivia Special remains one of the most popular and memorable episodes of Top Gear. The episode's success led to the creation of future specials, including the Africa and Patagonia episodes. The special has also been credited with inspiring viewers to explore and learn more about the Amazon rainforest and its cultures.

Watching the Full Episode

If you're interested in watching the full Bolivia Special episode, it's available on various platforms, including:

  • Amazon Prime Video: All seasons of Top Gear, including the Bolivia Special, are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
  • YouTube: Individual episodes, including the Bolivia Special, can be found on YouTube, although some may be region-restricted.
  • DVD and Blu-ray: The Bolivia Special is available on DVD and Blu-ray as part of the Top Gear: The Complete Series collection.

Top Gear's Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely considered a pinnacle of the series, featuring a 1,000-mile journey from the Amazon to the Chilean coast. The 2009 special saw presenters navigate intense challenges, including Death Road and high-altitude Andean terrain in budget 4x4s. The full episode is available on platforms such as BBC iPlayer, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

The Bolivia Special - Top Gear (Series 14, Episode 6) - ‎Apple TV Criticisms and Controversies:

‎The Bolivia Special - Top Gear (Series 14, Episode 6) - Apple TV (UK) ‎Apple TV Top Gear - Series 14: 6. Bolivia Special - BBC iPlayer Bolivia Special - BBC iPlayer. Top Gear, Series 14, Bolivia Special - BBC One

Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely recognized for its raw authenticity, documenting a 1,000-mile journey from the Amazon to the Pacific in budget 4x4s. The 2009 special is celebrated for featuring genuine survival challenges, including navigating the "Death Road" and extreme high-altitude sickness. For a detailed breakdown of the episode, visit Top Gear Wiki "Top Gear" Bolivia Special (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb

Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely considered one of the greatest episodes in the show's history, often praised for its "unforgiving" and "rugged" nature. Critics and fans frequently rank it as the series' peak due to its high-stakes tension and genuine sense of struggle. Britannia Car Leasing Critical Reception High Praise: The episode holds a

on IMDb, making it one of the highest-rated specials alongside the Africa and Vietnam specials. Viewer Hit:

Upon its original release in December 2009, it was the most-watched program of the day, drawing 6.4 million viewers "Flawless" Format:

Reviewers note that it "had it all"—hilarious banter, high-stakes danger, and cars that perfectly reflected the presenters' personalities. Why It’s Better Than Other Specials Genuine Peril:

Unlike some later episodes that felt staged, the Bolivia Special is celebrated for its "real-life scary situations," specifically crossing the and navigating the infamous Death Road No Safety Net: This was the first special where the presenters were not provided with a backup vehicle , meaning if a car failed, they would be left behind. High Altitude Tension:

The final ascent to 17,200 feet, where oxygen was scarce and the cars began to fail, provided a climax that many find more visceral than other travel challenges. Britannia Car Leasing Key Highlights The Best Top Gear Specials Ranked - Britannia Car Leasing

2. BBC iPlayer (VPN Required)

Quality: 720p/1080i | Runtime: 82 Mins | Verdict: The "True" Original If you can spoof a UK IP address, the BBC iPlayer holds the original broadcast master. This is the "better" version because it has the original transitions and the uncensored banter (US versions sometimes beep mild swears). It is the version the editors intended.

Three-Act Expanded Structure

4. The Altitude Sickness

The journey took them from sea level to nearly 17,000 feet. The episode hilariously captures the physiological toll of high-altitude driving. We see Jeremy Clarkson, a man who usually dominates any room he is in, reduced to a wheezing wreck, opening packets of crisps just to hear the air pressure difference.

It humanized them in a way that studio segments never could. When they finally reached the top of the volcano to look down into Chile, the exhaustion on their faces was 100% real.

2. The "Old Lady" Moment

If you are hunting for the full episode, you are likely craving the camaraderie. The Bolivia Special gave us one of the most touching moments in the show's history.

After spending days in the Amazon jungle, bickering and suffering, the trio emerges from the dense foliage to see the sunset over the Andes. They sit on the hood of the Range Rover, share a moment of silence, and Clarkson famously remarks on the beauty of the world. It was a reminder that beneath the insults and the crashes, these were three friends sharing experiences most people only dream of.