Machu Picchu

The aptly named "Old Mountain" city has had a magical appeal since its rediscovery by the Western world in 1911. Of course it is most famous for its postcard view, one which thousands of tourists flock to daily at ungodly hours. What makes it so special, even after years of tourist demysticism is its magic and mystery that prevails, some 6 centuries after its construction.



Nevertheless, I will justify my having travelled to the other side of the world, taken a couple busses, a train, staying overnight in an overpriced town, and waking up at 3am to catch another bus to arrive early enough to get an exclusive stamp to climb Huayna Picchu for the day.

1. The ancient Incan city, home to the most brilliant minds of the Incans, was never touched by the Spaniards in their conquests.

2. To add further mystery, the city was never completed, with much evidence to prove it was abandoned.

3. The city is tucked in secretly amidst the mountains and jungle of the sacred valley, rich with resources surrounding it.

The condor shape of Machu from Huayna Picchu

Lago Titicaca

The highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3800m, is also the largest in South America. Lake Titicaca, once believed to be a sacred, inland sea by the Incans, is a marvel, straddling the border between Perú and Bolivia, South American countries with the highest per capita indigenous populations. It is not surprising that the ancient civilizations were in such reverence of the lake, with its sheer enormity, the sun rose and set along its horizon.

Argued to be the birthplace of the Incans, Sun Island sits on the lake, with many ruins alluding to its past. The lake is just another testament to Bolivia and Peru's geographical diversity, complete with desert, rainforest, mountains and the lake.

Bolivian Moonscape

Enter Bolivia from the southern Chile border and what you will find is an outer-worldly place, inhabitted solely by a few llama farmers. The Bolivian desert has the harshest of conditions, from subzero evenings to sweltering afternoons. Yet to traverse the region in a 4x4 allows one to marvel at the geography of the region. From deserts, to mineral lagoons of different colours, to mountains and volcanoes, as well as hot springs and geysers spewing black sulfur gas into the air. All of this is present at a breathtaking altitude of up to 4800m.

Let's not forget to mention the world famous Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, at some 25m deep and 12000km squared.

In the end, the barren land teaches you to appreciate so much more the habitable land you call home, as well as develop a greater sense of awe for Earth.

The Atacama

Most Chileans from the central region, if asked, will claim that the south is much more beautiful than the north. This is a sensible conslusion to be made, as the mountains, lakes and skiing are world class the further south you stray. Furthermore, northern Chile contains only small copper mining towns.

However, a visit up north will reveal the beauty of the Atacama desert, and its cozy litle oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Full of artesans and desert treks, it is the best place in the world to do some star-gazing. It is the driest desert in the world; the low moisture content and little if any light pollution, make the night sky so much more clear.



My camera was no where near good enough to capture the real night sky. Zoom in.



A few pics from Santiago.

Bodegas

All wine connoisseurs know that Argentinian wine, particularly that which comes from the Mendoza vineyards, is among the best tasting and full-bodied in the world. Mendoza produces 75% of Argentinian wine.

Although it is a huge export, many vineyards are classic and family owned, only selling their product on site. The Cabernet Sauvignon, considered a man's wine in a machisto country, for its stronger flavour and spice, as well as the Malbec, the softer, yet just as flavourful wine are the main products of the vineyards, or bodegas.



The reserve 2004 Malbec. A good year.


American Oak Barrels

Andes

The longest continental mountain range in the world, the Andes are a marvel for their wildlife and varying cultures that inhabit its highlands. Crossing over from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast inevitably brings you to the Andes. And we will continue along the Cordillera for the next few weeks - Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colomibia.

Mendoza - Santiago: a mere 225 mile trip which takes 7 hours, thanks to winding, steep roads, which provide an excellent view of the peaks.