Our bus ride from JuJuy to San Pedro de Atacama proved to be one of the most beautiful, and one of the most unpleasant we’ve had so far. The bus made it’s way past Purmamarca, where we had spent our previous day, and high up into the mountains to cross the Andes. We had amazing views of the mountains and the surrounding valleys; however, the border crossing into Chile was at an alarming height of over 4,000m above sea level. [Read more…] about Roughing it in San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
Exploring Santiago, Valparaiso & Isla Negra
Santiago is the capital of Chile, home to over 6 million people. The city is nestled in a valley between the Andes mountains, and the surrounding hills dipping towards the west coast. Fortunately, my grandpa’s cousin (on my mom’s side), Karin, lives in Santiago, and after connecting on Facebook, she kindly opened up her home to Ryan and I for a visit. [Read more…] about Exploring Santiago, Valparaiso & Isla Negra
Bariloche: Lakes & Chocolate
Bariloche is a city of approximately 100,000 people, making it the largest city in Argentina’s “Lake District”. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains on one side, and Lago Nahuel Huapi on the other. Although the city is cute, all of the best “attractions” are located outside of the city in the surrounding mountains and national parks. Except for the famous chocolate, of course. [Read more…] about Bariloche: Lakes & Chocolate
Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park
Where do I even begin when it comes to writing about Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park? First of all, the reason that tourists flock to this area of Patagonia is due to the famous “W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park. The park is famous for it’s towers, which have a very interesting geological background (of which I don’t know enough about to discuss). This area attracts individuals who are passionate for the mountains and for trekking, and it is almost guaranteed that if they have not already been, these individuals have Torres del Paine on their list of places they would like to visit. [Read more…] about Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park
Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego National Park
Well the last few days in Patagonia have definitely been an adjustment. Not only is it freezing way down south, but it has also been a change of pace from life in BA. Since Brazil, I’ve gone from wearing as little as is acceptably possible to wearing as much as possible. Because I have very few warm articles of clothing, I essentially wear the same thing everyday: leggings, track pants, a Lulu tank, a light hoodie, a bigger hoodie, and then my jacket. On top of that, I bundle up in a scarf and headband, both of which were made more for looks than for warmth, and are not entirely effective in this cold climate. All of that is enough to keep me decently warm down here. [Read more…] about Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego National Park