Peruvian highlights

The mysterious setting of Machu Picchu.

Peru is a country that everyone knows at least a bit about – mainly thanks to those Inca guys – and one that is on every South American itinerary. I too hit the main sights, but that’s not to say they weren’t special.

Climbing Huayna Potosí

Ice climbing on day 1.

One of the most memorable things I did in Bolivia – on this whole trip even – was to climb Huayna Potosí. This 6088m mountain stands proudly over La Paz, its classically pointed peak daring to be conquered. It was memorable both because it was high, and because it was one of the tougher things I’ve ever attempted.

Bolivia

Plaza Murillo, La Paz

I have to admit I didn’t know much about Bolivia before coming here. I’m pleased to say I found it to be the most intriguing South American country I’ve visited so far. Intriguing both because of the people (mostly indigenous), and the landscape – a land of salt flats, jungles, ancient cities and, needless to say, mountains.

The top half of Chile

A spurting geyser in the Atacama, Chile.

It was another overnight bus ride to get from Valdivia to the capital of Chile, Santiago. This was just the start of northern Chile, a region with astoundingly disparate climates and scenery. From the sea to the desert, it was constantly astounding.

Northwest Patagonia

Skiing in El Bolsón, Argentina.

The bus left El Calafate in the afternoon and, though its destination was north, it shot east across the country to Rio Gallegos (that weird town of not very much) and then northwest towards the top of Argentine Patagonia. The famous Ruta 40 that runs up the west of Argentina, dissecting Patagonia in two, is closed to buses at this time of year, so there’s no choice but to zigzag across as we did. The scenery, as described previously, was bleak and grey, with only the occasional scrub sprouting life out of the infertile soil. On the horizon appeared the Andes once again, and after a comfortable night we arrived in the small town of El Bolsón.