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TravelogueviExplorer Peru, Bolivia, Chile
20 days
Alejandro
Guide for this tour
Alejandro is an Arequipeño. Foreign languages and tours are his hobbies. Therefore he speaks not only fluent German, but also English and some French. He graduated as a cook and so will be able to show you the best cuisine in Peru on your trip. In his leisure time he enjoys music and sport.
| 2 |
Lima - Pisco
We landed in Lima today in the morning, after a quiet, but also very long, flight. After the tiring search for our guide we finally found Alejandro. We drove to a little hotel in the city where we took our breakfast after a taking shower. Ursula, our local guide, told us something about the history of Lima and Peru. We could look over the Pacific Ocean from the square of love. Afterwards we admired the impressive San Francisco convent. At lunch we enjoyed our first Pisco Sour. Afterwards we drove to Pisco. In a very comfortable restaurant in Pisco we could evaluate our first day and first experiences in Peru. Before midnight we fell exhausted into our beds. “We arrived – our suitcases too – where is our guide…?!”
We landed in Lima today in the morning, after a quiet, but also very long, flight. After the tiring search for our guide we finally found Alejandro. We drove to a little hotel in the city where we took our breakfast after a taking shower. Ursula, our local guide, told us something about the history of Lima and Peru. We could look over the Pacific Ocean from the square of love. Afterwards we admired the impressive San Francisco convent. At lunch we enjoyed our first Pisco Sour. Afterwards we drove to Pisco. In a very comfortable restaurant in Pisco we could evaluate our first day and first experiences in Peru. Before midnight we fell exhausted into our beds. “We arrived – our suitcases too – where is our guide…?!”
| 3 |
Pisco – Ica - Nazca
The second day after 6 hours of sleep and a little breakfast we were mey by our bus driver Pedro in front of the hotel. He took us to a little port in front of the Ballestas Islands. From there we started a boat trip where we saw, besides a giant figure in the sand in form of a candle holder, penguins, sea lion families and many other animal species. Thanks to an engine failure some of us were able to take a bath in the sea. Back on the mainland we drove to a Pisco distillery where we were able to taste 6 different types. Afterwards our journey took us to the oasis Huacachina where after lunch our Sand Buggies waited. During the Buggy tour we could practice Sandboarding on 6 different dunes. We all had lots of fun!! At night we drove over many, bumpy Peruvian roads to our hotel where a BBQ waited for us. In the evening we played a well-known dice game. “Even engine failure has its advantages.”
The second day after 6 hours of sleep and a little breakfast we were mey by our bus driver Pedro in front of the hotel. He took us to a little port in front of the Ballestas Islands. From there we started a boat trip where we saw, besides a giant figure in the sand in form of a candle holder, penguins, sea lion families and many other animal species. Thanks to an engine failure some of us were able to take a bath in the sea. Back on the mainland we drove to a Pisco distillery where we were able to taste 6 different types. Afterwards our journey took us to the oasis Huacachina where after lunch our Sand Buggies waited. During the Buggy tour we could practice Sandboarding on 6 different dunes. We all had lots of fun!! At night we drove over many, bumpy Peruvian roads to our hotel where a BBQ waited for us. In the evening we played a well-known dice game. “Even engine failure has its advantages.”
| 4 |
Nazca – Puerto Inka - Arequipa
After getting out of bed relatively early, we drove to the airport of Nazca. After a short time of waiting (30 Peruvian minute = 2 hours ;)) we could finally start our adventurous flight. Even though Alejandro warned us we were surprised how fast we got dizzy. But the view compensated for everything and after a Coca tea we were OK again. Later, we drove to Puerto Inka to a wonderful isolated beach. Simply very relaxed. The weather until now was also very good – only sunshine :). Unfortunately, we still had a long and adventurous journey ahead of us (serpentines in the Andes…). After 7 hours we arrived exhausted in Arequipa and fell into our bed. We are looking forward to the next days. Conclusion of all (female) participators: “So soon we won’t fly again in a Cessna ;)”
After getting out of bed relatively early, we drove to the airport of Nazca. After a short time of waiting (30 Peruvian minute = 2 hours ;)) we could finally start our adventurous flight. Even though Alejandro warned us we were surprised how fast we got dizzy. But the view compensated for everything and after a Coca tea we were OK again. Later, we drove to Puerto Inka to a wonderful isolated beach. Simply very relaxed. The weather until now was also very good – only sunshine :). Unfortunately, we still had a long and adventurous journey ahead of us (serpentines in the Andes…). After 7 hours we arrived exhausted in Arequipa and fell into our bed. We are looking forward to the next days. Conclusion of all (female) participators: “So soon we won’t fly again in a Cessna ;)”
| 5 |
Arequipa
Today started with sleeping in and a collective breakfast. We were received cordially for a lunch in the viventura office and got to know the Team. Afterwards we went on a city tour of Arequipa, the white city between the volcanoes. The visit of a Alpaca store also could not be missed. Later we could not resist a yummy peace of cake. The nightlife of Arequipa brought some surprises – until now we only knew cocktails in pitchers – not in buckets. So, we all like to party – we will have lots of fun… “Alejandro – You are our group.” “Everything in the bucket ;)”
Today started with sleeping in and a collective breakfast. We were received cordially for a lunch in the viventura office and got to know the Team. Afterwards we went on a city tour of Arequipa, the white city between the volcanoes. The visit of a Alpaca store also could not be missed. Later we could not resist a yummy peace of cake. The nightlife of Arequipa brought some surprises – until now we only knew cocktails in pitchers – not in buckets. So, we all like to party – we will have lots of fun… “Alejandro – You are our group.” “Everything in the bucket ;)”
| 6 |
Arequipa
In the morning we went to a school, a social project. The children received us very nicely and soon we made some friends. After we sang an Irish song things got better. The guys made a jungle gym for the children. They felt the height and were exhausted afterwards. At the market we saw lots of curious things. The guys wanted to taste the “frog shake” at all costs – we could prevent them from doing so ;-). For lunch we had guinea pig… there’s not very much meat… After a nice dinner we surprised Ulrike at midnight with a birthday song…;-) “Frogs, guinea pigs and other curiosities!”
In the morning we went to a school, a social project. The children received us very nicely and soon we made some friends. After we sang an Irish song things got better. The guys made a jungle gym for the children. They felt the height and were exhausted afterwards. At the market we saw lots of curious things. The guys wanted to taste the “frog shake” at all costs – we could prevent them from doing so ;-). For lunch we had guinea pig… there’s not very much meat… After a nice dinner we surprised Ulrike at midnight with a birthday song…;-) “Frogs, guinea pigs and other curiosities!”
| 7 |
Arequipa - Cuzco
After a maximum of 2 ½ hours of sleep we woke up at 3. We travelled to the airport and arrived in Cuzco faster than expected. Without a break we continued with Willy on our city tour. Exhausted because of the height (ca. 3.430m), very tired and hungry we only had lunch at 3 in the afternoon and fell into our beds at 4:30. More or less fit we had a nice dinner at 21.30 and some of us partied until 3 in the morning… P.S. By and by everybody has got problems with his or her stomach. The weather: “When angels travel…” “Learning from Peter means learning to drink” “Ulrike is always right – but only today.”
After a maximum of 2 ½ hours of sleep we woke up at 3. We travelled to the airport and arrived in Cuzco faster than expected. Without a break we continued with Willy on our city tour. Exhausted because of the height (ca. 3.430m), very tired and hungry we only had lunch at 3 in the afternoon and fell into our beds at 4:30. More or less fit we had a nice dinner at 21.30 and some of us partied until 3 in the morning… P.S. By and by everybody has got problems with his or her stomach. The weather: “When angels travel…” “Learning from Peter means learning to drink” “Ulrike is always right – but only today.”
| 8 |
Cuzco
The last night in Cuzco was very short (and cheerful). All the more we enjoyed sleeping in today. After a great breakfast (finally with sausage, cheese and fresh fruits) we started a souvenir shopping tour. We found: caps, gloves, Zipo pants, panpipes, dolls, a wallet, jewellery, ponchos… A collective, relaxing coffee break could not be missed to recover from the stress of the last days. The girls were thrilled about the good quality of the coffee, the boys liked the waitress. Closing this nice relaxed day we went out for a Peruvian dinner with Alejandro. After a final drink we went to bed exceptionally early today, because the arduous journey to Machu Picchu awaits us tomorrow. “Looking 1 Sol” - Salesman after showing us some post cards.
The last night in Cuzco was very short (and cheerful). All the more we enjoyed sleeping in today. After a great breakfast (finally with sausage, cheese and fresh fruits) we started a souvenir shopping tour. We found: caps, gloves, Zipo pants, panpipes, dolls, a wallet, jewellery, ponchos… A collective, relaxing coffee break could not be missed to recover from the stress of the last days. The girls were thrilled about the good quality of the coffee, the boys liked the waitress. Closing this nice relaxed day we went out for a Peruvian dinner with Alejandro. After a final drink we went to bed exceptionally early today, because the arduous journey to Machu Picchu awaits us tomorrow. “Looking 1 Sol” - Salesman after showing us some post cards.
| 9 |
Machu Picchu
In the morning we had to get up at 5:30 to get our train to Aguas Calientes. We got off the train at 104m and continued by foot. The first part of the trail we hiked ca. 500m of altitude. The trail consists of many stones, narrow paths at the abys (without protection) – but we accomplished all of it and arrived thanks to our guide William. Our guide assured us that there were no snakes – but soon we found the first one on the trail. After a short fright we did not dare ask more questions about the fauna. After 6 hours, interrupted by some nice breaks, we arrived at the sun gate. Here we used the view for a photo session and enjoyed the impressive view of Machu Picchu. Further on the way we also met some Lamas which made the image perfect. For a short time we had the energy to enjoy the nightlife of the Urubamba valley… 4 days Incatrail: After a collective breakfast we drove by bus to the km 82. There we (Peter, Andy and Chris) met our carriers who would take our big bags for the next 4 days. Our 15-headed group consisted of Argentinian, Spanish, Canadian and Irish people. At about 11 we left for our first milestone near Wayllabamba. The first part was relatively easy and after lunch we visited the first Inca ruins of Patallacta. At about 5 in the afternoon we arrived at our camp and after dinner we vanished into our short tents (it was not possible to sprawl out). Best conditions for the hard day tomorrow ;-). Motto of Steffen: “Finally the girls are quiet.” Motto of the girls: “Workout XXL“
In the morning we had to get up at 5:30 to get our train to Aguas Calientes. We got off the train at 104m and continued by foot. The first part of the trail we hiked ca. 500m of altitude. The trail consists of many stones, narrow paths at the abys (without protection) – but we accomplished all of it and arrived thanks to our guide William. Our guide assured us that there were no snakes – but soon we found the first one on the trail. After a short fright we did not dare ask more questions about the fauna. After 6 hours, interrupted by some nice breaks, we arrived at the sun gate. Here we used the view for a photo session and enjoyed the impressive view of Machu Picchu. Further on the way we also met some Lamas which made the image perfect. For a short time we had the energy to enjoy the nightlife of the Urubamba valley… 4 days Incatrail: After a collective breakfast we drove by bus to the km 82. There we (Peter, Andy and Chris) met our carriers who would take our big bags for the next 4 days. Our 15-headed group consisted of Argentinian, Spanish, Canadian and Irish people. At about 11 we left for our first milestone near Wayllabamba. The first part was relatively easy and after lunch we visited the first Inca ruins of Patallacta. At about 5 in the afternoon we arrived at our camp and after dinner we vanished into our short tents (it was not possible to sprawl out). Best conditions for the hard day tomorrow ;-). Motto of Steffen: “Finally the girls are quiet.” Motto of the girls: “Workout XXL“
| 10 |
Machu Picchu
After we got up early as usual (at 4:30) we drove fortunately by bus to the Inca town. There it was very mystic in the morning with the rising mist, so that getting up early had been worth it. William explained the history of the Inca and the life in the mountains. Claudia and Janine decided to climb Waynapicchu to enjoy the impressive view. In the meantime, Susan, Steffen and Urike discovered the city. Exhausted by all the impressions we got back by train to Cuzco. At night we enjoyed Cuzco’s nightlife and consumed our last energy reserves. 4 days Incatrail: At 5:30, after a not very restorative night we were woken up with Coca tea by our carriers. Pack our backpack, a nutritious breakfast, (incl. Quinua oatmeal), brush our teeth – we did not have time for more before we started. Today we went to the “Dead Woman’s Pass” respectively Warmiwañusca at a height of 4200., i.e. we had to overcome 1200m difference in altitude. The first parts were relatively without problems, because the sun did not burn too much yet. However, we felt increasingly the height, breathing got more difficult and climbed the numerous steps to the pass. The feeling of success and the fantastic view compensated for the effort. It took about 2 hours until everybody of our group arrived at the pass for a group picture. Afterwards there was a descend of 2 hours to our camp Pacaymayo which absorbed our concentration very much. At 4 in the afternoon we arrived exhausted at camp and had diner. Even earlier than yesterday we went to sleep and prepared for a freezing night. “A kingdom for a shower.”
After we got up early as usual (at 4:30) we drove fortunately by bus to the Inca town. There it was very mystic in the morning with the rising mist, so that getting up early had been worth it. William explained the history of the Inca and the life in the mountains. Claudia and Janine decided to climb Waynapicchu to enjoy the impressive view. In the meantime, Susan, Steffen and Urike discovered the city. Exhausted by all the impressions we got back by train to Cuzco. At night we enjoyed Cuzco’s nightlife and consumed our last energy reserves. 4 days Incatrail: At 5:30, after a not very restorative night we were woken up with Coca tea by our carriers. Pack our backpack, a nutritious breakfast, (incl. Quinua oatmeal), brush our teeth – we did not have time for more before we started. Today we went to the “Dead Woman’s Pass” respectively Warmiwañusca at a height of 4200., i.e. we had to overcome 1200m difference in altitude. The first parts were relatively without problems, because the sun did not burn too much yet. However, we felt increasingly the height, breathing got more difficult and climbed the numerous steps to the pass. The feeling of success and the fantastic view compensated for the effort. It took about 2 hours until everybody of our group arrived at the pass for a group picture. Afterwards there was a descend of 2 hours to our camp Pacaymayo which absorbed our concentration very much. At 4 in the afternoon we arrived exhausted at camp and had diner. Even earlier than yesterday we went to sleep and prepared for a freezing night. “A kingdom for a shower.”
| 11 |
Cuzco
Easily said: to sleep out, to write postcards, to wander through Cuzco and at night dancing after a nice dinner. 4 days Incatrail: After a very cold (we put on everything we had) and short night today the longest but not most difficult leg of the trail was in store. So we got up very early again (we were woken up with Coca tea like usual) and taking a proteine-containing breakfast we hit the road for Winay Wayna. The first barrier was a “small” pass on 3950 m and we felt clearly the second day in our legs. Here we had a sensational view over the moutain ranges Vilcabamba and Urubamba. Then, we went downhill again, through an Inca tunnel and approached the second pass of today on 3670 m. Unfortunately we had bad luck with the weather for the first time, so that our rain ponchos had their first application. Then we followed a more or less paved trail through the mountain jungle. Because everybody was so enthusiastic we built in a etour to the Winay Wayna ruins. The efforts were worth it and we were compensated by a fantastic view over the Urubamba valley. In Winay Wayna camp (after 9 hours and 12 km) we approached civilization for the first time by drinking 1,2,3,…beers. The following hot shower woke our spirits. After a collective dinner we said goodbye to our carriers which really carried heavy and cooked delicious meals. It is really incredible how much those people accomplish. The rest of the night we spent in different ways, some partied, while others preferred to prepare quietly for the big goal Machu Picchu. Alejandro: “You are my rabbit group.” Translation: We are his guinea pigs, not to confuse with “bunnys”.
Easily said: to sleep out, to write postcards, to wander through Cuzco and at night dancing after a nice dinner. 4 days Incatrail: After a very cold (we put on everything we had) and short night today the longest but not most difficult leg of the trail was in store. So we got up very early again (we were woken up with Coca tea like usual) and taking a proteine-containing breakfast we hit the road for Winay Wayna. The first barrier was a “small” pass on 3950 m and we felt clearly the second day in our legs. Here we had a sensational view over the moutain ranges Vilcabamba and Urubamba. Then, we went downhill again, through an Inca tunnel and approached the second pass of today on 3670 m. Unfortunately we had bad luck with the weather for the first time, so that our rain ponchos had their first application. Then we followed a more or less paved trail through the mountain jungle. Because everybody was so enthusiastic we built in a etour to the Winay Wayna ruins. The efforts were worth it and we were compensated by a fantastic view over the Urubamba valley. In Winay Wayna camp (after 9 hours and 12 km) we approached civilization for the first time by drinking 1,2,3,…beers. The following hot shower woke our spirits. After a collective dinner we said goodbye to our carriers which really carried heavy and cooked delicious meals. It is really incredible how much those people accomplish. The rest of the night we spent in different ways, some partied, while others preferred to prepare quietly for the big goal Machu Picchu. Alejandro: “You are my rabbit group.” Translation: We are his guinea pigs, not to confuse with “bunnys”.
| 12 |
Cuzco-Juliaca-Capachica / Incatrail day 4
At 8.30 the group met in the hotel and we started our journey to Capachica on the Titicaca lake. Our first stop was “Vicuñita”, where we could take great pictures of Alpacas, Lamas and Vicuñas. We continued to the pass “La Raya”. This pass constitutes the border between Cuzco and Puno in 4334 m. Juliaca was our next stop. The city seemed very dusty. It is located close to the Titicaca lake. About 4 hours later we arrived at Tomas’ house. It is located on the Capachica peninsula. On Capachica the most important villages are: Santa Maria, Llachon and Chifron. 4 days Incatrail: Today we had to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning to arrive at the sun gate of Machu Picchu at 7. Because of yesterday’s party many of our group were a little bit groggy. In addition it rained almost all of the climb. However, the view from the son gate over Machu Picchu was worth it. We went to the main entrance where we got a stamp into our passports. Eventually, after a 2 hour guided tour through Machu Picchu we had to say goodbye to our nice group. In the afternoon we got back to Cuzco in bus/train/car where we could remember the last 4 days of Incatrail and look forward to the upcoming
At 8.30 the group met in the hotel and we started our journey to Capachica on the Titicaca lake. Our first stop was “Vicuñita”, where we could take great pictures of Alpacas, Lamas and Vicuñas. We continued to the pass “La Raya”. This pass constitutes the border between Cuzco and Puno in 4334 m. Juliaca was our next stop. The city seemed very dusty. It is located close to the Titicaca lake. About 4 hours later we arrived at Tomas’ house. It is located on the Capachica peninsula. On Capachica the most important villages are: Santa Maria, Llachon and Chifron. 4 days Incatrail: Today we had to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning to arrive at the sun gate of Machu Picchu at 7. Because of yesterday’s party many of our group were a little bit groggy. In addition it rained almost all of the climb. However, the view from the son gate over Machu Picchu was worth it. We went to the main entrance where we got a stamp into our passports. Eventually, after a 2 hour guided tour through Machu Picchu we had to say goodbye to our nice group. In the afternoon we got back to Cuzco in bus/train/car where we could remember the last 4 days of Incatrail and look forward to the upcoming
| 13 |
Capachica
This morning we slept in. After an ample breakfast we started a walk to one of the little peals near the village. As promised was the climb really exhausting. At the top we had a wonderful view over the landscape and the Titicaca Lake which presented its real size only from above. The descend was easier and we arrived at our village at time for lunch. It is really incredible which delicious meals the villagers cooked. In the afternoon came the children of the village and we played a match of soccer. Then the fruits we brought were distributed. It really makes one think how happy those children are about apples and oranges. Shortly after our other 3 strugglers arrived from their Inca trail and we played a second half of soccer. Shortly before it got dark we all went to the beach and tried the water temperature. Together we enjoyed the very, very good dinner. Before going to bed, there was a round of Pisco Sour for all. 18:47. Shortly before dinner. Peter found his “visa”. Alejandro almost had a heart attack. Peter to Alejandro: “We were lucky, we both…”
This morning we slept in. After an ample breakfast we started a walk to one of the little peals near the village. As promised was the climb really exhausting. At the top we had a wonderful view over the landscape and the Titicaca Lake which presented its real size only from above. The descend was easier and we arrived at our village at time for lunch. It is really incredible which delicious meals the villagers cooked. In the afternoon came the children of the village and we played a match of soccer. Then the fruits we brought were distributed. It really makes one think how happy those children are about apples and oranges. Shortly after our other 3 strugglers arrived from their Inca trail and we played a second half of soccer. Shortly before it got dark we all went to the beach and tried the water temperature. Together we enjoyed the very, very good dinner. Before going to bed, there was a round of Pisco Sour for all. 18:47. Shortly before dinner. Peter found his “visa”. Alejandro almost had a heart attack. Peter to Alejandro: “We were lucky, we both…”
| 14 |
Capachica - Puno - La Paz
After a rainy night in a Peruvian farmhouse (some were scared it would rain through the straw roof) we had breakfast in the main house at 5:30. After omelet, bread, jam and tea we continued to the landing stage and then by boat to a 100m² reed island were Uros families live. There we learned about the construction of the islands and the life there. Afterwards we went by boat to Puno where already a bus was waiting for us. We drove to Desaguadero where we were supposed to cross the border to Bolivia. However, because the Peruvian officials apparently didn’t know what date it was and were stingy with ink we had to cross this adventurous border twice by foot. In Bolivia already waited our tour guide Carlos for us who guided us to Tiahuanaco and gave us an understanding of this old culture. Then we continued to the highest metropolis of the world: La Paz – the city of peace. After a breathtaking view over the city we checked into our hotel. After a briefing about the upcoming Mountain biking tour we had a 3-course meal for 2,50 Euros.
After a rainy night in a Peruvian farmhouse (some were scared it would rain through the straw roof) we had breakfast in the main house at 5:30. After omelet, bread, jam and tea we continued to the landing stage and then by boat to a 100m² reed island were Uros families live. There we learned about the construction of the islands and the life there. Afterwards we went by boat to Puno where already a bus was waiting for us. We drove to Desaguadero where we were supposed to cross the border to Bolivia. However, because the Peruvian officials apparently didn’t know what date it was and were stingy with ink we had to cross this adventurous border twice by foot. In Bolivia already waited our tour guide Carlos for us who guided us to Tiahuanaco and gave us an understanding of this old culture. Then we continued to the highest metropolis of the world: La Paz – the city of peace. After a breathtaking view over the city we checked into our hotel. After a briefing about the upcoming Mountain biking tour we had a 3-course meal for 2,50 Euros.
| 15 |
La Paz
Breakfast at 7, because our “A-team“ bus fetched us at 7:30. Full of anticipation but also with an anxious glance to the sky we went up 4600m. After a quick explanation how to use the gear shift and so on we drove downhill on our bikes. The weather was not loyal today - maybe because one of the “Angels” – Susan could not participate :-( The first 30 km we went downhill on a paved road. The last 30 km we drove on the most dangerous road of the world (gravel, stones, abysm, waterfalls…) – at least until 2 years ago when it was still used as regular road. First of all – we all arrived well, nobody took the shortcut directly down :-). Chilled to the bone, wet to the underwear, lulled by the mist, we enjoyed the view later from lower regions. After a successful descend we enjoyed shower, pool and lunch. Back full of adrenaline, we tried out the nightlife of La Paz – some until 3 in the morning. Peter: “Ready to Rumble” The group: “ What are the pants of our guide doing on the roof of our bus?”
Breakfast at 7, because our “A-team“ bus fetched us at 7:30. Full of anticipation but also with an anxious glance to the sky we went up 4600m. After a quick explanation how to use the gear shift and so on we drove downhill on our bikes. The weather was not loyal today - maybe because one of the “Angels” – Susan could not participate :-( The first 30 km we went downhill on a paved road. The last 30 km we drove on the most dangerous road of the world (gravel, stones, abysm, waterfalls…) – at least until 2 years ago when it was still used as regular road. First of all – we all arrived well, nobody took the shortcut directly down :-). Chilled to the bone, wet to the underwear, lulled by the mist, we enjoyed the view later from lower regions. After a successful descend we enjoyed shower, pool and lunch. Back full of adrenaline, we tried out the nightlife of La Paz – some until 3 in the morning. Peter: “Ready to Rumble” The group: “ What are the pants of our guide doing on the roof of our bus?”
| 16 |
Uyuni – San Juan
Today, after sleeping in, we started our 2-day-Jeeptour. Divided into 2 groups we said goodbye to paved roads and drove into the direction of the salt desert. First, we stopped at a small village where we learned something about salt extraction and salt processing. Shortly after we drove into the brilliant white of the salt desert. A great view – we started our first photo session – and not our last one ;-). At about noon we reached the Inkahuasi (fish island) – an island in midst the salt lake. Besides a little snack we did a walk to the “peak” of the island from where we had a great view. We also had to take some pictures of the giant cacti. In the late afternoon we left the salt desert and arrived at San Juan at dawn. With dinner and a little wine we concluded the day. “Only one more picture”
Today, after sleeping in, we started our 2-day-Jeeptour. Divided into 2 groups we said goodbye to paved roads and drove into the direction of the salt desert. First, we stopped at a small village where we learned something about salt extraction and salt processing. Shortly after we drove into the brilliant white of the salt desert. A great view – we started our first photo session – and not our last one ;-). At about noon we reached the Inkahuasi (fish island) – an island in midst the salt lake. Besides a little snack we did a walk to the “peak” of the island from where we had a great view. We also had to take some pictures of the giant cacti. In the late afternoon we left the salt desert and arrived at San Juan at dawn. With dinner and a little wine we concluded the day. “Only one more picture”
| 17 |
Chuvica - Laguna Colorada - San Pedro d.A.
After a restorative night in the middle of nowhere, we continued in our jeeps at 6:30. During a 11 hour ride we were able to admire breathtaking landscapes in heights of up to 5000m. We saw lagoons, geysers and the crater of a volcano. At 5:30 we arrived, with one hour of delay, at the border of Bolivia and Chile. After we got refreshed in San Pedro de Atacama we did a little city tour. In doing so we had to discover that in San Pedro de Atacama, a touristy town, there is no ATM where you can get cash with a visa card. After a good, but in comparison to the last weeks, very expensive meal (ca. 10 Euros per person) we had a funny evening in the hotel. “…slowly pleace ;o)” “…for what there can be misused stove pipes…”
After a restorative night in the middle of nowhere, we continued in our jeeps at 6:30. During a 11 hour ride we were able to admire breathtaking landscapes in heights of up to 5000m. We saw lagoons, geysers and the crater of a volcano. At 5:30 we arrived, with one hour of delay, at the border of Bolivia and Chile. After we got refreshed in San Pedro de Atacama we did a little city tour. In doing so we had to discover that in San Pedro de Atacama, a touristy town, there is no ATM where you can get cash with a visa card. After a good, but in comparison to the last weeks, very expensive meal (ca. 10 Euros per person) we had a funny evening in the hotel. “…slowly pleace ;o)” “…for what there can be misused stove pipes…”
| 18 |
San Pedro
Finally sleeping in! A luxury which we could not enjoy in the last few days. After a late breakfast we strolled thorough San Pedro and were surprised what there is to see in this little town: a wonderful old church made of Adobe with a roof of cactus wood, pleasant streets with many little shops and a village square with music. Until 4 in the afternoon we had time to laze around or to care for the girls, then we did our last tour with Alejandro into the Valle del Marte (Mars) which is called Valle de la Muerte (Death) because of a misunderstanding. The red color of the stones fascinated more than the group of sandboarders which did their first tries. We have been a lot better!!! Then we continued to the Valle de la Luna. We did not find the Salt mine, instead of that we had wild discussions about the “Three Marys”: Frog, toad, a human throwing stones..??? From a huge dune we contemplated the sunset. And then?? Now there was only the dinner that Alejandro had organized in viventura’s name. Mmmmmh, yummy and the mood was not that sad thanks to four bottles of wine. “Rosa???”
Finally sleeping in! A luxury which we could not enjoy in the last few days. After a late breakfast we strolled thorough San Pedro and were surprised what there is to see in this little town: a wonderful old church made of Adobe with a roof of cactus wood, pleasant streets with many little shops and a village square with music. Until 4 in the afternoon we had time to laze around or to care for the girls, then we did our last tour with Alejandro into the Valle del Marte (Mars) which is called Valle de la Muerte (Death) because of a misunderstanding. The red color of the stones fascinated more than the group of sandboarders which did their first tries. We have been a lot better!!! Then we continued to the Valle de la Luna. We did not find the Salt mine, instead of that we had wild discussions about the “Three Marys”: Frog, toad, a human throwing stones..??? From a huge dune we contemplated the sunset. And then?? Now there was only the dinner that Alejandro had organized in viventura’s name. Mmmmmh, yummy and the mood was not that sad thanks to four bottles of wine. “Rosa???”
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San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago
After a short night we drove to the airport of Calama. After a tearful goodbye from Alejandro we arrived in Santiago 2 hours later where Adrian and Jaime were already waiting. First we could enjoy culinary specialities in form of seafood and fish. Then we continued to a city tour with a “romantic” view of Santiago at sunset… Goodbye Alejandro and thanks for the great time, your rabbit group!!! “Alejandro, please wait at the security gate in case we have to through something (dynamite? ;))”
After a short night we drove to the airport of Calama. After a tearful goodbye from Alejandro we arrived in Santiago 2 hours later where Adrian and Jaime were already waiting. First we could enjoy culinary specialities in form of seafood and fish. Then we continued to a city tour with a “romantic” view of Santiago at sunset… Goodbye Alejandro and thanks for the great time, your rabbit group!!! “Alejandro, please wait at the security gate in case we have to through something (dynamite? ;))”
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