Safari-Wild Drive-To-Ness

Author: Creswell James

  • What to see in Argentina: the top of the most interesting sights

    What to see in Argentina: the top of the most interesting sights

    Most tourists prefer to visit European countries, Argentina is most often not included in their plans. However, the country has a bright history and many attractions. Only positive memories will remain from the trip, if you do not violate the zakit and do not get involved with dubious companies. It is worth knowing what should first be examined in Argentina, and go on a trip to the next vacation.

    Salinas Grandes Salt Marsh

    When visiting Argentina, it is worth visiting the Salinas Grandes salt marsh. It can be accessed by the highway of the same name. The landmark is easy to find. When approaching it, tourists gradually find themselves in a completely different world. It is dazzling white, like a separate kingdom, where the territory is covered with a crust of salt. It resembles asneg, but it is worth going down to the surface to feel the crystals under your feet.

    Tourists love the Salinas Grandes salt marsh. Amazing photos can be taken in this area. Anyone who does not know about the salt marsh will say that they were made in a different reality. The reality of the frames will be questioned.
    Experienced travelers visit the salt marsh between January and March. During this period, the area with salt crystals is covered with a thin layer of water, as a result, the surface becomes like a huge mirrorof the island. It reflects the sky, the sun, the stars. Photos of the area come out surreal and attract attention.

    Valdez Peninsula

    In Argentina, you can easily see penguins and southern right whales. To do this, you need to go to the south-eastof the country, where valdez is located. It is famous for its quiet bays. In them you can see killer whales, colorful dolphins, penguins, whales, elephant seals. The spectacle is unforgettable, so tourists are happy to rent yachts and go to explore the water areas.

    If I don’t wantto travel by sea, I can stay on land. Ostriches, armadillos, gray foxes, guanacos and Patagonian maras often appear on the shores of the island. Hunting on the island is prohibited. It is an important area for the conservation of endangered species of wild birds and animals. Controlled by UNESCO.

    This is not to say that the animals on the island are easy to see. Most often they appear there during the breeding season. It is best to visit Valdez from September to November. At this time of year, the chance of seeing penguins, whales, ostriches is much higher.

    Ushuaia

    The city is considered the southernmost on the planet. This is a small area located on Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is distinguished by its harsh nature. Tourists will be able to appreciate the miraculous sights and enjoy the detached silence.
    The city iscarved from the outside world, there are practically no buildings. However, tours to Antarctica depart from the territory. Travelers are invited to explore the Beagle Strait. It is known for the fact that the famous Charles Darwin circumnavigated South America along it.

    However, the BeeGl Strait is interesting not only for this. In the waters there are sea lions, penguins and other marine mammals. The main attraction is the lighthouse. Its tourists photograph more often than other objects of the island. The pictures are bright and instantly attract attention insocial networks.
    Bariloche

    It is considered the most picturesque place in Argentina. The town is located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. In winter, from June to September, tourists come here to ski. In summer, travelers visit the town for an activeholiday. They ride along the picturesque trails on bicycles, hike, hike, enjoying incredibly beautiful nature. You can also rent a horse or kayak and get unforgettable emotions.
    The best and most popular place in the town is Before theHorn of the Seven Lakes. You will be able to visit reservoirs of incredible beauty, mountains, forests. They are part of the territory of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The area is considered the most beautiful in Argentina.

    Because of the beautiful views, tourists from all over the world come to Bariloche. It is better to book a room in a local hotel so as not to be left without overnight accommodation. In the season, it is difficult to find free rooms even in expensive hotels.

    Iguazu National Park

    Being in Argentina, you should definitely visit Iguaza. The territory is unique. Morethan 200 waterfalls are built on it. From the sight of tons of water that fall from the rocks into rivers and lakes, the spirit freezes. The spectacle is impossible to forget, it attracts eyes and makes time stop.

    Tourists before visiting the national park are advisedto put mobile devices and documents in packages: while viewing natural attractions, you can get wet to the thread.
    Waterfalls fascinate so that travelers often do not notice the cold. Wet clothes are not a problem when viewingthe waterfall in. Every tourist wants to get as close as possible to the water and enjoy the panoramic views.
    The maximum accumulation of travelers is observed near the waterfall “Devil’s Throat”. It is located on the border with Brazil, amazes with its size and picturesque views.
    In Iguazu National Park , tourists most often stay for 3-6 hours. During this time, they inspect the trails, take photos, get acquainted with the coati noses. It is worth taking something delicious with you to treat curious animals.

    What should I consider?
    It is important to remember that the climate in Argentina is “inverted”. When it’s winter in Europe and Asia, it’s summer in this area. When visiting certain attractions, you should find out in advance what things you will need and at what time of the year it is better to come to get acquaintedwith the flora and fauna of the territory.

    Many people hitchhik in Argentina. However, it is better to purchase a tourist voucher and enlist the support of a guide. Not all locals speak English. Mobile Internet does not always work clearly, it prevents you fromusing an electronic translator to ask for help or clarify the details of the route.

    Being in Buenos Aires, you should avoid people participating in the protests. They can be aggressive. Also, in case of violent clashes, the police will send everyone to the station, including tourists who passed by. As a result, precious time will be lost.

  • Safari in Chile: what is worth seeing first?

    Safari in Chile: what is worth seeing first?

    The country is located in the southwest of South America. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean, rich in natural and historical sights. Tourists from dozens of countries travel to Chile to touch the cultural heritage. Visiting the state for the first time, it is worthconsidering the most popular attractions.

    Easter Island

    The attention of conspiracy theorists, scientists, esotericists and spiritual teachers is riveted to this territory. It is not known for certain by whom the stone idols were erected and what their age is. Scientists have found out that earlier on the territory of the island lived a Polynesian civilization. However, later it fell into decay. Only unique statues remained of it.

    Getting to Easter Island is problematic, it is located far enough from the main territory of Chile. However, alocal airline organized air travel for tourists.

    The main attraction of the island is the ancient statues. When inspecting, you need to remember about strict rules. You can not come close to them and touch them, otherwise you will have to pay a large fine.
    On topof that, there are caves on the island, but they are not allowed to be visited. They have been deemed unsafe for tourists. Some are too small, others are deep, others are slippery. They are easy to get lost and seriously injured.
    In addition, the island is famous for its picturesquebeaches. You will be able to make stunning photos that will be admired by all friends and followers on social networks. Swimming in the ocean is not prohibited, but you should remember about safety precautions.

    Seven Lakes

    On the territory of the commune of Pangipulli there is a very developed turizm. It boasts a natural landmark, which is popularly called the “Seven Lakes”. They are united by rivers and attract tourists with unusual nature.
    Most travelers visit the lakes of Rinco, Villarrica and Llanquihue. Nearby you can findsmall towns, such as Puerto Varas. They are interesting not only for their special flavor, but also for additional entertainment. There are casinos on the territory. There are few gambling establishments in the country, so tourists often look to Puerto Varas to entertainme and try to win a large amount.

    If you can’t get to the city, you can use the services of online casinos https://www.online-casino.bg/. Chile has a good enough Internet. It’seasy to play on mobile devices. It’s easy to find new casino sites and get generous bonuses for registration.
    In addition to the gambling establishment in Puerth Aux Varas, you can visit Frutillar with the Historical Museum, see the exhibits that are thousands of years old, and learn about the life of the settlers of the region. Also tourists are waiting for a ski resort, drifting, yachting, horseback riding. It is worth visiting the Hornopyren National Park. Itwill please you with wild animals and a picturesque volcano.

    Atacama Desert

    It is considered the driest in the world. The total area is over 105,000 square meters. m. Many tourists like to visit the territory as part of a safari. When exploring the area, it seems to many that they found themselveson a completely different planet: the landscapes here are similar to lunar or Martian.

    Scientists are diligently studying the territory, installed several weather stations. For more than 10 years, none has been able to record precipitation. Humidity is 0%..
    Despite the harsh conditions, there are settlements near the Atacama Desert. To collect water, they use special fog detectors. Thanks to them, it is possible to collect up to 18 liters of water per day.
    In the desert, the flora and fauna are not rich. Gumbo ice penguins live on the coast. If you visit the high-altitude salt plains, you will be able to see flamingos. Darwin’s eared mice and the gray South American fox are also found on the territory.
    There are few attractions in the Atacama, the main one is the “Hand of the Desert”. There is nothing mystical about it. It was created by the sculptor Mario Irrazabalus Covarrubias. The creation took him 4 years. The total height is 11 meters.
    Many people visit the desert for the thermal springs of Puritama. Tourists will find 8 reservoirs. The water temperature varies between 28-31 ° C. The springs are rich in healthy salts and minerals, so they are very popular.
    The desert cannot be called uninhabited. Because of its resemblance to the granite of the Moon and Mars, the territory is quite lively. You can meet Americanresearchers and they are testing robots that will later be sent to Mars to obtain soil samples and study the surface of the planet.

    Quinta Vergara Park

    The territory was formerly owned by the Álvarez-Vergara family. The complex was completed by 1910 andhouses several interesting sights. The pride of the residence is a palace made in the Venetian style. Currently, a museum is organized there. Tourists will be able to get acquainted with the history of chilean art. In the park, visitors will find a variety of sculptures.

    The Quinta Vergara amphitheater was built after the first Festivals of Viña del Mar. In subsequent years, the song contest was visited by famous performers – Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Chayan, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and others.

    San Cristóbal Hill
    Located in the northern part of the capital of Chile Santiago, rises to 850 m above sea level. The natural attraction has been known since the time of the Spanish conquistadors. Chileans began to actively use it only in 1903, when the construction of the Mills
    Observatory was completed.

    For tourists, the hill is interesting primarily for its picturesque nature. In the center was erected a statue of the Virgin Mary. Its heightis 22 meters. It rises above the entire capital. You can reach it by specially created steps.
    The hill of San Cristóbal is always lively. Thousands of tourists visit the observatory and take pictures against the backdrop of the statue of the Virgin Mary. To get the most out of the experience, you should use the cable car. It is quite long. For a small fee, you can see the whole of Santiago from a bird’s eye view and take excellent photos.

  • Torres del Paine National Park

    Torres del Paine National Park

    Torres del Paine National Park

    Torres del Paine National Park is located on the border of Chile and Argentina. It is an amazingly beautiful place known for its stunning scenery. Its stunning views are fascinating, impressive, and memorable because they are truly unique. Despite its remoteness and relative inaccessibility, it is one of the most famous national parks in Latin America and the most popular park in Chile.

    In 1978, Torres del Paine was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

    The area of the park is 2,422 hectares. This is a separate formation, with its own characteristics and nature. Almost all the landscapes of Patagonia are represented here – Magellanic subpolar forests, Patagonian steppe, Andean desert. This is quite a harsh land – hurricane winds often run rampant here (especially in spring and summer), and the weather is unpredictable and capricious. Mountain beauties in bad weather are covered by dense clouds.

    The best period to visit the park is from December to the end of February (summer in the Southern Hemisphere). During this time, there is usually good weather, long and bright days, and good visibility. The temperature in the park in summer (ours in winter) is up to +15C, in winter it does not drop below zero (about +1C).

    The park was discovered by the Scottish writer Lady Florence Dixie, who traveled through Patagonia with her husband and brothers and then described the spectacular nature and local customs in her book Across Patagonia (1880). Lady Dixie’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and many famous travelers have visited here: the polar explorer Swede Nils Otto Gustav Norskiöld, the Swedish botanist and Antarctic explorer Carl Scottsberg, the missionary, mountain climber, geographer and ethnographer Italian Alberto-Maria de Agostini and others.

    The name Torres del Paine means Blue Towers, and paine means blue in the language of the local Teuhelche Indians. Not surprisingly, different shades of blue and blue dominate the color palette of the stunning landscapes. Beautiful lakes and lagoons – such as Pehoe and Nordenskiöld. Lago Grey, Lago del Torro and many others sparkle with blue against the background of the surrounding mountains and pristine nature.

    The three needle-shaped rocks (Las Torres – the towers) and the peaks of Los Cuernos (the Horns) are considered the symbols of the park and the most photographed landmarks of Latin America.

    There are five glaciers in the park, the most famous and spectacular of which is Glaciar Grey. The area of the glacier is 270 square kilometers. The park organizes walks on the glacier, visits to the ice caves, as well as trips to the glacier by boat and canoe trips.

    Hunting has been banned in Torres del Paine for more than 50 years, and wild animals here have little fear of humans. The real wealth of the park is a variety of birds and animals, there are 118 species of birds (15 species of birds of prey), including ostrich nandu, 26 mammals (including guanaco, puma, Andean deer, South American fox). The park is also home to the pygmy Chilean pudu deer, which is in danger of being completely exterminated. This little fellow (comparable in size to a hare) is particularly beloved by the Chileans and is depicted on the country’s coat of arms and protected by the state.

    The park is on the border with Argentina, 140 km from Puerto Natales (Chile). In order to visit it, you can live in the city, or you can order accommodation in the park (during the season you can order at least 2-3 nights). When you live directly in the park, you can arrange cougar watching and different types of trekking. There is a catamaran excursion on Lake Gray to the glacier. Horseback riding trails are offered. Fishing is allowed in the Rio Serrano area.

    The least successful option to visit the park seems to us to be day trips from the Argentine city of Calafate (5 hour drive one way).

    There is also the option of leaving Calafate, Argentina, visiting the park along the way and ending the tour in Puerto Natales, Chile. This option would be better, but the stay in the park would still be a blur.

    Another argument in favor of an excursion from Puerto Natales: on the way to the park, at the very beginning of the tour, tourists are sure to visit Milodon Cave, where in 1895 German adventurer Hermann Eberhard found the remains of a prehistoric giant animal and later found the camps of primitive people.

  • Galapagos Islands

    Galapagos Islands

    Galapagos Islands

    In dry scientific terms, the Galapagos are 13 volcanic islands, which appeared as a result of almost incessant volcanic eruptions at the bottom of the sea. In addition, the archipelago includes 6 islands of non-volcanic origin and 107 rocks and small islets of land that were washed away by the waves of the ocean.

    According to scientists, which can not be considered a reliable data, the first island of the world-famous Galapagos, appeared about “only” 7 million years ago. This suggests that the Galapagos Archipelago, by certain standards, can be called relatively young. By the way, the two islands, which have beautiful feminine names Fernandina and Isabela, are still in the formation stage, and what they will be in a few hundred years, it is difficult to predict. The fact is that volcanoes are constantly erupting at depth beneath them, which means that these islands are constantly growing.

    The total area of the Galapagos today is almost 8,000 square kilometers, they are considered an integral part of the state of Ecuador. The islands are home to about 30,000 indigenous people, although it is difficult to calculate the exact number of Galapagos inhabitants: most of them are almost constantly at sea or lead a hermit’s life on one of the rocky islands. It is impossible not to mention that the Galapagos Islands got their name in honor of … the water turtle, or rather, the water turtles: galápagos – Spanish word in plural, literally translated into Russian as water turtles. This is practically the end of the data, which will interest scientists, geologists, historians and volcanologists.

    Further Galapagos cannot be described using only scientific terms and data, which, by and large, will be of little interest to a simple layman or a tourist, who decided to go to one of the most amazing places on our planet. To the place where the well known scientist Darwin “discovered God”.

    More precisely, it was in the Galapagos Islands where Darwin “discovered” evolution on our planet. I would like to point out right away that only ardent admirers of Charles Darwin’s teachings adhere to such a point of view. Virtually all historians agree that the famous theory of evolution was formed much later. And Mr. Darwin only used the knowledge gained in the Galapagos in his work.

    “It’s all very easy for me to explain now! What I saw in the Galapagos Islands, namely animals and plants, are not found anywhere else on the planet. However, many species bear some resemblance to those found elsewhere in the world. This means that evolution does occur everywhere, almost in an orderly and identical fashion,” or so Charles Darwin wrote in his notes. Quite a strange theory, isn’t it? Yes, yes, these are the kinds of inferences that make up most of the theory of evolution, to which an overwhelming number of scientists are now already skeptical.

    History of the Galapagos Islands
    To say that the history of the Galapagos Islands is anything remarkable, naturally, except for its origin, would be too presumptuous. Galapagos was discovered by a Spanish priest, in the spring of 1535. This is not surprising, at a time when Spain was in its heyday, the state often equipped various research expeditions led by ministers of the church, because they were supposed to bring the word of God to unenlightened people.

    The unique islands belonged to Spain until 1832, when they were annexed to Ecuador. Until 1936 the islands, which were far from the mainland, served as a place where convicts served their sentences, most of them dying of various diseases or simply becoming savages. In 1936, the Ecuadorian authorities, realizing the wealth that lay very close to them, declared Galapagos a National Park, where the rich flora and fauna were under vigilant protection. In 1978, the Galapagos Islands became a landmark year, they came to the attention of UNESCO, recognizing them as a world heritage site. This is the short and mostly unremarkable story the guides tell numerous tourists.

    The Flora and Fauna of the Galapagos Islands
    Alas, it is almost impossible to describe in one article the richness of flora and fauna that can be found in the Galapagos. It is only worth mentioning that the vast majority of the animals and plants that can be found on the volcanic islands, in the coastal zone and on the cliffs are endemic. This says only one thing, they are not found anywhere else on our planet. Naturally, the symbol of the Galapagos Islands is the marine iguana, which is shown in almost all TV programs devoted to this unique archipelago. It is the only iguana that spends most of its time in the depths of the sea. At the same time, being cold-blooded, she is forced to bask in the sun. She does it with the greatest pleasure on the coastal rocks: she is not afraid of any waves, because the tenacious claws help her to hold on and take a sunbath even on very slippery rocks.

    When describing the endemics of the island we should not forget about the Galapagos cormorants, buzzards, holothurians and sea lions: all these animals, as well as many others, live only on the Galapagos. Numerous attempts by scientists to spread them to other isolated islands, where conditions were almost identical, ended in failure.

  • Marble Caves in Chile

    Marble Caves in Chile

    Marble Caves in Chile

    One of the most beautiful places on our immense planet is located on the border of Chile and Argentina in the Patagonian Andes. The fabulous creation that nature herself created is located in South America in one of the deepest lakes in the world, Buenos Aires.

    Locals call it majestically Marble Cathedral, but many tourist brochures refer to it as Las Cavernas de Marmol or the Marble Caves of Chile. It is Patagonia’s most striking and memorable attraction, visited by tens of thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe each year.

    The pristine beauty of the blue-blue rocks, shimmering in the crystal clear waters of the lake, according to most travelers who have seen this miracle of nature, makes you believe that paradise on earth does exist. We would like to note that in some sources you can find information that Las Cavernas de Marmol is located in the waters of Lake General Carrera. This is not a mistake or a typo, it is all about the territorial location of the marble caves: General Carrera is the Chilean name, Buenos Aires, as it is easy to guess, the Argentine one.

    The Marble Caves of Chile: a beauty created by nature itself
    The intricate labyrinths of the Marble Caves will not leave any traveler indifferent. The majesty and unearthly beauty of the carved marble vaults, which on a sunny day are emphasized by bright rays of sunlight peeking through here and there, is a truly unforgettable spectacle. The reflections of light in the emerald-blue water, as if playing in the lake, create amazing optical illusions every second. That is why the Marble Caves look different both on a bright sunny day and in the cloudy weather.

    The variability of the water level, which is due to the seasonal melting of glaciers, also contributes to the “reincarnation” of the fantastic tunnels of the caves.

    Travelers who have already been to this amazing place advise all those who just decide to go to the marble caves in Chile to make their excursion even before the beginning of spring.

    During this period of time, the low water level in the caves allows curious tourists to take advantage of the pleasure boats provided by local guides and enjoy the splendor of nature inside the caves. A stroll under the vaults of the Marble Cathedral, which is not made by hand, allows you to see this natural wonder up close and peek through the so-called “dark windows” of the caves, which look more like an endless tunnel. However, who lives there, remains a mystery for tourists, because no boat can get deep into the caves…

    As mentioned above, the colors of the caves change depending on the season and the day, but also the various admixtures of minerals in the walls give Las Cavernas de Marmol an unearthly splendor. As glaciers melt, the lake water becomes cloudy and so the rocks and caves are “colored” in muted tones. Some travelers on cloudy days see the Marble Cathedral as similar to a dark and mysterious ghost. All shades of blue adorn the caves of Chile in the summer, when the mountain lake glistens in the bright sunlight.

    Tourists from all over the world are attracted not only by the opportunity to enjoy and touch the splendor of the picturesque caves created by nature itself, but also by the opportunity to spend their free time doing their favorite activity: fishing. Lake Lago Buenos Aires is world famous for its variety of fish, including salmon and trout, which can live only in the purest water.

    Travelers will need patience and time to get to this amazing place, as the Marble Caves are a considerable distance from the Chilean capital Santiago. Those who decide to visit Las Cavernas de Marmol must first travel the 1,300 kilometers from Santiago to Coillac, and then another 300 kilometers (!) to the Marble Caves. However, all the difficulties associated with the flight and travel and the accumulated fatigue are instantly forgotten and disappear as soon as the traveler is in the immediate vicinity of the majestic and magnificent Marble Caves, created by the invisible “breath” of nature.

  • Amazon River

    Amazon River

    Amazon River

    Conquistador Francisco de Orellana discovered the Amazon as early as the 16th century, but the debate about the length of the river continues even today. The most widely accepted theory is that the origins of the Amazon begin in the high Andean mountains of Peru, namely the three rivers Mantaro, Apurimac and Maranone. That is, we can say that the length of the Amazon ranges from 6,400 to 7,100 km.

    By the way, the Amazon also owes its name to Francisco de Orellana. First, he called the river his own last name, but then was attacked by beautiful Aboriginal women, was very impressed by the belligerent Amazons and renamed the river Amazon. However, scholars are more inclined to think that the role of the “beautiful Amazons” was played by men with long hair.

    Travels on the Amazon
    The Amazon River basin is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. In almost any of these countries you can begin your journey along the river.

    Almost the entire territory of the Amazon is impenetrable jungle, so river travel is not only fun – it is the best way to get from point A to point B.

    River cruises with pre-designed itineraries and excursions are quite popular among tourists, but you can also rent a boat yourself.

    Ships are conditionally divided into “fast” and “slow”. “Fast” carry only passengers, they are more expensive and more comfortable. “Slow” boats consist of several decks: the lower ones carry cargo, the upper ones carry passengers. But you have to be prepared to ride in a hammock!

    What to do in the Amazon?
    A trip to the Amazon is perfect for those who want to gain a unique experience and are not afraid to explore. Here’s a short list of things to try in the Amazon:

    Wildlife Watching. On an Amazon River cruise, it’s best to go with a naturalist guide who will help you get to know the wildlife and its inhabitants. For example, you can meet pink river dolphin or capuchin monkeys here. Don’t forget to bring binoculars!

    Kayaking in the lakes and tributaries of the Amazon. Here you can see three-toed sloths and birds that are found only in the Amazon rainforest.
    Piranha Fishing. Seeing a piranha snap its jaws on the end of your fishing line is something that can only be experienced in the Amazon jungle.
    Regional Cuisine. The countries of the Amazon are called the best culinary destinations in the world, and each has its own gastronomic characteristics. There are fish, meat, and vegetable dishes, as well as local cocktails made from exotic tropical fruits. Feeling adventurous? Try a worm or piranha!

    Animals of the Amazon.
    The fauna of the Amazon rainforest is worth talking about separately. The Amazon River itself and all its countless tributaries form its own ecosystem, which is home to over 2,000 species of fish and over 400 amphibians. It is believed that more than half of the species inhabiting this region are still unknown to science.

  • Rainbow Mountains in Peru

    Rainbow Mountains in Peru

    Rainbow Mountains in Peru

    The most famous Rainbow Mountains are in China. But not many people know that Peru also has such mountains. Vinicunca, as they are called in the Quechua language, literally means “rainbow-colored mountains. The beauty of the Rainbow Mountains beckons travelers from all over the world, and tourists include an excursion to Vinicunca as part of their tour of Peru.

    Many photos and videos of the colored mountains in Peru can be found online. Photographers tend to use photoshop, trying to enhance the colors. But these colorful mountains surrounded by glaciers are beautiful without any Photoshop! There’s a reason National Geographic included the Rainbow Mountains on their list of “100 Places to Visit in a Lifetime.”

    Rainbow Mountains in Peru – How and Why the Mountains Became Colored
    Why did the mountains become colored?

    The colored layers of these mountains were formed millions of years ago from red sandstone, which was influenced by climatic conditions, groundwater, and mineral admixtures to turn yellow, green, white, and other colors.

    The Rainbow Mountains are located 100 kilometers from Cusco in the province of Quispicanchis, 5,200 meters above sea level among snow-capped peaks and turquoise lagoons. It offers a magnificent view of the Ausangate Glacier, a sacred Inca mountain where pilgrims gather every year to celebrate Qoyllur Rit’i Day.

    Getting to this place on your own is quite difficult, as there are no direct buses from Cusco. You can take a cab (it’s a three-hour trip from Cusco), or find a shuttle bus that goes to Puno. Take a bus to the village of Pitumarca, then from Pitumarca go to the village of Ocefina (Chillca) and from there start hiking to the Rainbow Mountains.

  • The Atacama is the driest desert in the world

    The Atacama is the driest desert in the world

    The Atacama is the driest desert in the world

    Scientists discovered the oldest human mummies in the Atacama Desert: they are four millennia older than their Egyptian counterparts. The extreme drought and lack of bacteria contributed to the excellent preservation of these specimens. In terms of numbers, the oldest mummy in Egypt dates back to 3,000 B.C., while the Atacama mummy is more than 9,000 years old.

    According to NASA research, the Atacama, located in Chile, is the driest and coldest desert in the world. Some climate stations in this region have never recorded the appearance of rain. In the central sector of the desert, periods without rain are often up to four years. There was no heavy rainfall in the Atacama from 1570 to 1971.

    Instead of soil, the Atacama is a dried and heat-cracked crust that is a dead zone for any vegetation. It is completely devoid of moisture and nutrients. Soil samples in the desert are very similar to soil samples taken from the surface of Mars. Therefore, it is often here to test space equipment sent to the red planet.

    The driest part of the Atacama is Lunar Valley, so named because of the topography, which resembles images taken on the surface of the moon. Mars rovers were tested here and an episode of Star Wars was filmed.

    In Atacama there are also picturesque regions. This area is closer to the Alps, the Antiplano Highlands. It rains often in January and February, so quite a few plants and animals grow here. There is also a geyser field El Tatio, the third largest in the world.

    The Atacama is about 1,000 km long, but the borders of the desert are not clearly delineated. The main part of the desert is located between the southern bend of the Loa River and the mountains separating the Salado and Copiapo river basins. To the north, the desert rests on the Peruvian border.

    If you look at the map, the desert is between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes of South America. It consists mainly of dried-up salt basins that are located at the foot of the coastal mountains in the west and bedrock deposits at the base of the Andes in the east. In places the bedrock is covered with sand dunes, but much more often with pebbles and gravel.

    The height of the coastal mountain chain in some places reaches 1.5 km, some peaks – 2 km. The mountains end abruptly near the sea with coastal cliffs and boulders. The height of some of them is 0,5 km. Thus, these coastal mountains make it very difficult to connect the ports between the outside and the inside of the country.

    The main part of the desert is the Tamarugal plain, located at an altitude of 900 m above sea level. Farther east, near the western edges of the Andes, are many volcanic hills, sometimes as high as 5,000 m. Along the northeastern border of Chile with Argentina and Bolivia stretches the Atacama Plateau, which reaches a height of four kilometers.

  • Iguazu Falls and Patagonia

    Iguazu Falls and Patagonia

    Iguazu Falls and Patagonia

    This tour introduces you to Argentina’s natural diversity and splendor: the glaciers and lakes of rugged Patagonia, the unbridled green of the rain forest near the Iguazu Falls, the penguins at the edge of the world, and the colorful tropical birds of Iguazu. In addition, you’ll experience the vibrant life of Buenos Aires and even visit neighboring Uruguay on a short excursion.

    You will leave the city of Ushuaia in the direction of Rancho Harberton. The route will take you along the coast of the big island of Tierra del Fuego, allowing you to enjoy the striking nature of South America’s southernmost territories.

    Magellanic penguins gather here in late September to breed. In addition to them, there are Papua penguins with red beaks and even a few pairs of king penguins. You can walk with them, they are not at all afraid of people, and you will see a variety of birds such as albatrosses, cormorants, petrels, vultures, and South American terns.

    Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
    The national park occupies about 63 thousand hectares, dominated by mountainous terrain with beautiful nature. Unique sub-Antarctic forests, special species of trees, deep valleys, rivers, lakes, and a variety of vegetation are concentrated here. During the tour you will enjoy the magnificent scenery that surrounds Ensenada and Lapatatatia Bays and walk along the shores of Lake Roca.

    After navigating, the catamaran Safari Nautico will dock on the south side of the glacier, where you will disembark. After a short briefing, during which you will be given special shoe attachments with spikes, and after twenty minutes of walking, you will begin the slow and cautious ascent of the glacier.

    The journey on the ice takes almost two hours. The goal of the journey is to storm the white dune one by one until you reach the blue lake.

    Perito Moreno is only part of the ice plateau, the third largest freshwater reservoir in the world. The glacier is in constant motion, causing large chunks of ice to break away from it with a rumbling, explosion-like sound.

    At the very last leg of the journey, you’ll be treated to a nice glass of 5-year-old whiskey with 300 years of ice!

    Then you’ll dive back into the ship and ride it along the southern wall of the glacier, then climb the specially paved wooden decks, from where you’ll still enjoy a panoramic view of this Patagonia wonder.

    The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park. This glacier is 50 m high and 4 km long. It practically crosses the entire lake. Its age is estimated at about 30,000 years. Under the weight of the snow there is no air left in the ice grains, so the glacier becomes transparent blue in color.

    This natural wonder has been declared by UNESCO the world heritage of mankind.

    Giant Iguazu Waterfall is known all over the world. The 4 km wide Iguazu River falls from two 72 m high basalt steps. Every minute more than 700 tons of water falls. The earth slightly hums and trembles with the rumble of falling water. From several kilometers away, you can see a mist of spray, which is pierced by dozens of rainbows.

    Iguazu National Park covers an area of 170,000 hectares and is located 28 km from the city. Here you will see thousands of tropical butterflies, colorful parrots, hummingbirds, tree ferns, bamboo and flowering vines.

    From the center of the National Park, minibuses will take you on trails (about 1 km) deep into the park with several stops at lookout points where you can admire the falling water and the surrounding nature. This takes you to Devil’s Throat, where the waterfalls reach their maximum height.

  • The Road of Death in Bolivia

    The Road of Death in Bolivia

    The Road of Death in Bolivia

    The Road of Death, the road from La Paz to Coroico (Yungas), was officially recognized as “The World’s Most Dangerous Road,” with an average of 26 buses and cars falling into the abyss each year, killing dozens of people.

    In 1983, the worst incident happened. Residents of La Paz were rushing home after a long holiday weekend in warm Coroico. There were so many people who needed to get to La Paz that the driver boarded twice as many passengers as the bus could hold. On a narrow curve, the bus tilted and went off a cliff. More than 100 people died that time on the Road of Death.

    At each turn of the road there are crosses to commemorate the dead. The Bolivians jokingly call these crosses “signs that warn of danger.”

    In 2007, a modern, safe highway, an alternative route from La Paz to Coroico, was opened. Since then, cars hardly ever use the old road, and it has become a tourist attraction. Dozens of tourists get their adrenaline flowing every day by biking down Death Road.

    The bike tours begin in the mountains at La Cumbre, 4,700 meters above sea level. Minibuses with tourists and equipment for the descent reach here from La Paz in about an hour. Tourists don protective suits and helmets, get their bikes and begin the frantic descent down the mountain. The road goes downhill the whole time: from 4,700 meters at the start point to 1,200 meters at the end of the trail.

    The landscape and climate change dramatically during the descent: in the beginning it is the tops of the glaciers and scarce mountain vegetation, cold and dry. And after a few hours tourists find themselves in a warm, humid jungle, among tropical flowers and pools with thermal water.

    The whole way is 64 kilometers, of which 9 km tourists travel by minibus. The first part of the descent is 20 kilometers of paved highway with quite active traffic. The second part is a 35 km section of the Road of Death.

    Death Road is narrow and rocky. Its width averages 3.2 meters. On one side is a rock and on the other side is an abyss. The road is dangerous not only for cars, but also for overly careless cyclists. You can not be distracted for a second, all attention should be focused on the road. Over the years of tours have killed 15 tourists – the Road of Death does not like daredevils.

    Cycling down the Road of Death with a well-trained, reliable guide will be an unforgettable experience!

    Depending on the size of the group, there will always be two or more guides accompanying the group. One guide always closes the traffic and controls the situation. No matter how slowly you descend, no one will get lost or lag behind.