South America Journal

Patagonia XI: Up the Guanaco

2006-02-28T15:40:00.003-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: JANUARYAlone, I went to climb the modest, but yet decent, Cerro Guanaco, some 900 meters above sea level. Interestingly, coming down from the mountain, I had different plans than those when I first started the climb. Stay tuned!Solo again.The morning of the 11th brought with it a challenge, a fulfillment to be completed – climbing the notorious Guanaco, the mountain that

Patagonia X: Chronicles from the tip of South America

2006-02-21T13:44:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: JANUARYMy time in Ushuaia was a time of exhilarating decisions, experiences and vistas: from the easy-going trail along Ensenada bay, through the golden sunrise over Ushuaia bay to the windswept peak of Cerro Guanaco that overlooks the Beagle Channel. Or, as one local restaurant promoted on a napkin: “Enjoy yourself, it’s the end of the world.”Ok, I am here but how the

Patagonia IX: Going to the edge - Ushuaia

2006-02-19T13:38:00.000-04:00

On the ferry crossing Magellan's strait (our bus is the yellow roofed one) LOCATION: CHILE/ARGENTINAMONTH: JANUARY 2006With time on our hand, I, Maya and Barak left Puerto Natales toward the edge of the continent, to Ushuaia.Puento Arenas chapters – One hunt, One weird cemetery and One thing that went wrong…The following morning of our return from the Torres del Paine trek, we already boarded the

Patagonia VIII: New Year on the "W"

2006-02-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

The Torres and us (Maya, Barak and me)LOCATION: CHILEMONTH: DECEMBER/JANUARYRegarded as one of the most beautiful treks in South America, Maya, Barak and me backpacked the famous "W" circuit in the Torres del Paine National Park, hauling ass under changing weather conditions and up and down the winding paths to see the famous Torres

Patagonia VII: On Route 40 all the way to the Chilean far south

2006-02-10T16:43:00.000-04:00

The "W circuit" (adapted from www.turistel.cl)LOCATION: ARGENTINA/CHILEMONTH: DECEMBERGoing back to El Calafate, we moved to Puerto Natales through the Patagonian ranges and prepared for the most famous and notorious of Patagonia’s treks, the Torres del Paine trek.Going back to El CalafateMorning. We got up early, the streets of El Chalten dark and spotted with the Tungsten warm lighting, the

Patagonia VI: Hanuka & Christmas with Fitzroy

2006-01-31T16:09:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: DECEMBERFinally, after almost 9 months of traveling, I finally came to one of the two most famous and popular treks of Patagonia: The Fitzroy trek. Together with Maya and Barak we embarked on a 3-day easy going (most of the time) trek near the monstrous giant granite rock with superb weather and clarity all along...Criss-crossing El ChaltenThe light came early, a typical

Patagonia V: When the great white one creeps and thunders…

2006-01-21T12:39:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: DECEMBERVisiting the great one, the grand Perito Francisco Moreno glacier was one of the highlights of my trip, when the three of us witnessed crashes and falls of huge ice chunks into the tranquil waters while the thunders still echoed in the whole park long time after…Starting left, but fast going to the right…We woke up early, around 8:30, and after doing check-out

Patagonia IV: The El Bolson-Comodoro Rivadavia-El Calafate “circuit”

2006-01-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

Probably the most ugliest Cathedral in the world (Comodoro Rivadavia) - Taken by Maya GurLOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: DECEMBERGetting back to Bariloche, Me and Lee finally shipped her Muchila back to Israel and after a nice day we parted, again, for the third time...Getting back to El Bolson and re-meeting with Maya and Barak we embarked on successive lengthy bus rides only to reach El Calafate,

Patagonia III: Wood and Mountains of El Bolson

2006-01-10T22:10:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMONTH: DECEMBERAfter recovering from the last experience, the four of us took the bus to little El Bolson, a town situated in a prosperous valley between mountain ranges, lakes and forest ranges. Wood statues, mountains vistas and Jauja’s Ice cream were part of this area menu…Shipping (Again…) and one hot debateThe following morning, Saturday the 17th, me and Lee woke up with

Patagonia II: Eight lakes, One day and what a terrifying experience at the end!

2005-12-26T17:31:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINATaking a private car to see the fabulous 7 lakes around Bariloche was one experience I would never forget: Great blue lakes, forests and rivers and also one ALMOST deadly curve…Lakes, Forests and one waterfallFriday morning me and Lee were already in the rent car agency, only five minutes after the agency unlock their doors. The skies looked great and I was looking forward to

Patagonia I: When San Martin (de Los Andes) and (San Carlos de) Bariloche meet!

2005-12-24T16:49:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILE/ARGENTINAFollowing Maya and Barak, me and Lee went on the bus to San Martin, a little and charming town sitting on Lago Lacar between mountain ranges and forests. The sweet little town left us with a taste for more when the next day we took the 11 am bus to Bariloche, the peak of Patagonia as the commercial statesA costly “loo”Waking up early the next day, I went quickly to find a

Going up the volcano

2005-12-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILEHitting Pucon after 11 hours of uncomfortable ride, we went starving to savore ourselves with delicious pizza and a good night sleep at The Monkey Puzzle. In the following days we met with Maya and Barak, good friends of mine from Israel, and approached the active cone shaped Villarica volcano, the local most famous attraction. It was bloody wet...One monkey, One Pizza and One

Valparaiso revisited

2005-12-12T13:43:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILE After one hour of ride, we came to lovely and sunny Valparaiso, sitting on the shores of the blue pacific. We tasted the down-town mentality and wandered among the colorful houses and alleys of the hills Valparaiso Valparaiso – Nicer than ever remembered!Monday morning, I woke up early so I could update the blog and find a place in Valparaiso we could sleep in. I looked

Santiago revisited – Meetings under Andean supervision

2005-12-05T07:18:00.000-04:00

Chris and me, at La Casa Roja at the same day Chris landed in SantiagoLOCATION: CHILEWhile continuing having fun with the loco trio, thoughts and plans were already flowing ahead and Santiago de Chile was the next mark on my tour map. After 8 months of traveling, Santiago found me again more prepared, more confident and the more experienced, and those were the

The way to the base of the roof: When Ice, Mud and Wind come together!

2005-11-24T17:13:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINACerro Aconcagua (6962 meters) (Taken by Efrat V.)Starting from Puente del Inca, the legendary and mystical bridge, we did our way to Horcones base, continue on to Confluencia where we passed one night in the Rio Horcones valley before attempting an approach to Plaza Francia, at 4200 meters, which ended in a wind shelter hideout and a glorious view over the roof of the

Mendoza days: lots of fun and crazy company!

2005-11-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAMe, Ravid, Sivan & Efrat in the back of the pickup truck heading back for MendozaShort time after parting from Jimmy, I have joined three funny and totally crazy Israeli girls for some great times in Mendoza and the surrounding while preparing for the Aconcagua base camp approach (Plaza Francia)Meet the loco-trio: Efrat, Ravid and SivanA day after I said goodbye to Jimmy, I was

Going west to Shady Mendoza

2005-11-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAAfter getting crazy of doing nothing in Cordoba, I managed to pick up my package and to catch the night bus to Mendoza. Shady Mendoza kept me busy for some time while I was looking for trekking partners to the Aconcagua National Park.About Argentinean bureaucracySo, after waiting so much time, Monday bloody Monday has arrived (on the U2 theme, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” song) and I

Northern Argentina VI: All about passing the time

2005-11-06T10:04:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAAfter doing the jump, I found myself waiting for Monday so I could receive my package sent for me from Israel. Aside from living in the Internet point, I also went to have some fun at night in clubs and saw the magnificent and out of this world show of the famous De La Guarda. It was wet and crazy!!What do you mean no packages today? Or tomorrow??Somehow I thought I am a person

Northern Argentina V: When a man falls (and for a good reason)

2005-11-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

Half a second after leaving the plane...no need for more commentary hereLOCATION: ARGENTINAEven before I knew what my travel destination was, I knew I am going to Skydive where ever it will be. About 4 hours ago I have done so, and in this entry you will get my way of experiencing such a unique experience. Pour yourself a drink, sit down comfortably and start reading...Around a year and a bit ago

Northern Argentina IV: Cordoba, City of young

2005-10-31T18:46:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAArriving at Cordoba afternoon, I was greeted by light rain and grey clouds hanging heavily over this modern high-rising built city. As the weather didn't improve too much in the passing days here, I have done little excursions outside of town, and most of the time spent in the Internet point, waiting for the upcoming experience of my life...Grey clouds hanging overThe ride to

Northern Argentina III: The valleys of red and green

2005-10-27T21:17:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINASolo I boarded the bus to Cafayate, a little town south of Salta, which is known for its vineyards and also for the amazing country side. After a scenic ride through the famous Quebrada de Cafayate (Valley of Cafayate) I went with a tour to a couple vineyards for explanation on wine production and tasting. The next day I was already on my way to Tucuman, the capital of it`s

Northern Argentina II: About colors and partings...

2005-10-22T14:34:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: ARGENTINAAfter returning from the ranch, we left the next day to Quebrada de Humahuaca and to the little village of Purmamarca, where the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores is situated. After passing noon time in the village, we were offered a ride to nearby town of Tilcara with spectacular and colorful view of the Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain range and a visit to a hilltop ruins of

Northern Argentina: European atmosphere in Gaucho-land

2005-10-18T17:49:00.000-04:00

Lee and Me stopping for pictures while touring the Sayta ranch areaLOCATION: ARGENTINAAfter a lengthy bus ride to the northern city of Salta Lee and me found ourselves wandering around in the streets of Salta, feeling in Europe but with price tags similar to those of Peru. Having difficulties finding partners for a trip in the nearby area, we decided to hopped to Sayta farm where we received such

San pedro days: Searching, Relaxing, and Running

2005-10-14T23:37:00.000-04:00

Lee and Me wishing a good New (Hebrew) Year - in the background is Volcano LicancaburLOCATION: CHILEArriving at San Pedro after sundown, I looked for Lee, and after some looking and poking I found her at her friend`s hostel. After bridging the gap of our different experiences, we past some tranquil days in little and dusty San pedro, celebrating the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashana. After almost 10

Same Northern Chile, different man

2005-09-30T23:37:00.000-04:00

The factory of Humberstone, a ghost town not far from IquiqueLOCATION: CHILECrossing the border into , I found myself looking at a similar scenery and people, but with changed eyes and perspective. Arica was a short stop on the way to lovely Iquique, where I spent two nights and re-visited Humberstone crumbling houses. Later, taking a bus to Calama I found myself hitting the sleepy town of San

Arequipa revisited: Touring Colca canyon

2005-09-25T20:55:00.000-04:00

The Andean Condor as seen from Cruce del CondorLOCATION: PERUArriving to Arequipa early in the morning, I missed Valy by several hours after he departed for the Colca Canyon trek. Nonetheless, I moved to plan B, and booked myself a tour with one of the numerous agencies in Arequipa. After two days in the city, I boarded the public bus to Cobanaconda with Miranda and Ross, the Australian couple,

Northern history & culture: Trujillo and Cajamarca

2005-09-24T20:51:00.000-04:00

A sign on a restuarant`s front door in Huanchaco...no need to say moreLOCATION: PERUA day after departing from Valy at the bus station in Huaraz, I was already on my way up north on a night bus to Trujillo . I decided to rest in the nearby beach village of Huanchaco , where the tranquility of the pacific hits the beach like the 3 meter high waves. Visiting the nearby ruins of Chan-Chan and

In memory of Levi Guttman

2005-09-19T18:28:00.000-04:00

Passing away at the age of 65, two year ago, I want to avert from the usual fun and maybe superficial experiences to a more serious and philosophical tone.The book "The Schopenhauer Cure" deals with death and with the ways to deal with it´s everlasting shadow casting over our lives. In this book, a physiologist realizes that he has a lethal Melanoma (skin cancer) and the doctor gives him one more

Hard & High: Six days trekking in the Cordillera Blanca

2005-09-11T19:02:00.000-04:00

Me sitting on the shores of Jancaruish lagoon, near the base of the Alpamayo ridgeLOCATION: PERUWhile the cloud of parting was hanging in the air, Valy and me already made the preparations for a trek in the mountains around Huaraz. The short Alpamayo trek was chosen for it`s beauty and time line in addition to the fact that it was less visited in comparison to other treks in the vicinity.

The grey and the white: Lima and Huaraz

2005-09-02T21:28:00.000-04:00

Valy stands on the shore of Lagoon 69LOCATION: PERUEntering Lima around noon of Saturday, a grayish climate greeted us and continued to accompany us all our stay in Lima , a total of 3 nights. Staying in Miraflores, the prestige neighborhood in this 8 million capital, we tasted some western junk food (Pizza hut, Burger King), been to a fancy night club and also bowelled a bit. I had some

Huacachina & Pisco: Sandboarding and animal excursion in the south coast of Peru

2005-08-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

A buggy and sandboards in Huacashina`s dune fieldLOCATION: PERUCrossing the Andes on a 15 hour bus ride through the black night, we came to grey Hucachina, a tranquil Peruvian oasis setteled among huge sand dunes, which boats the best Sandboarding attraction in all . Planning to stay only one night, we found ourselves at the end so layed back by the warm sun and the surfing that we left only

Rotting in Cusco

2005-08-13T12:09:00.000-04:00

Adi, me and Lee on the steps of the fountain in Plaza de Aramas, Cusco (Taken by Arik)LOCATION: PERUTrying to recover from the long walk to Aguas Calientes, I discover what pain in the knee is for a traveler like me. While I was trying to "fix" this problem, I and Lee were rottening little by little, getting sick and basicly getting out of our minds in touristy Cusco. Lucky for us, we had Shay

The “Railway-Inca Trail” Trek and the grand Machu Picchu

2005-07-26T17:21:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: PERUSpontaneously deciding to abandon the Salkantay trek to Aquas Calientes, Me and Lee joined Chris to a "walk" along the railway that leads to the little and quiet town of aquas calientes, which is also called Machu Picchu Pueblo. On the way we past Inca ruins, bulls, and little by little penetrated more and more into the tropics till we reached Aquas Calientes after an exhaustive 9

Going back to the historic Peru: Inca Pisac & Ollantaytambo

2005-07-23T17:48:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: PERUCuzco, laid in the middle of the Sacred Valley, was very attractive looking for all of us at first glance. But, after a week in this heavily tourist laden city, we longed to see some locals that are not dressed similarly to the Incas, only a mere of 500 years ago. We took a deep breath, and set off to Pisac, an hour bus ride north of Cuzco where we saw the famous Sunday market and

Arequipa: A colonial architecture queen surrounded by pawns

2005-07-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: PERUMy first steps in Arequipa were not as smooth as I would want them to be, and I didn't even know where I am getting my self into. Colonial architecture is almost everywhere, Arequipa is also jewelled with a colorfull monestary and faboulos plaza, overlooked by three volcanos. In the background, blockades and midnight effort to go on a bus to the famous Colca canyon ended in

Final partings, a foolish adventure and finally, Peru!

2005-07-01T20:21:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIA/PERUAfter me and Itai finished our different arrangements and partings from Hanna and Gigi, we climbed on the bus to Copacabana Thursday morning. We both didn't expect the following developments and less than 24 hours later, I am in Puno, Peru, traveling solo.Last arrangements, insights and parting from Hanna and GeraldDays past fast when you enjoy yourself. Itai was suppose to

The journey back to La paz: tropical sceneries, monkeys, good meals and friends in La paz

2005-06-27T20:05:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIABack in Santa Cruz, me and Tim met with old friends and traveled to Villa Tunari, a tropical heaven set 160 km east of Cochabamba. After spending a couple days there and in the neighboring park, we moved on to the city Cochabamba, where we feast our self with good food and some shopping. Two days more, and we were back again in La paz, meeting old friends and participating in yet

Noel-Kempff Mercado National Park (NKMNP)

2005-06-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIAFar away from the politically and physically blockaded La paz, the NKMNP was a good choice to escape the almost upcoming Bolivian civil war. There our party found out that at the end of the day we were only humans, a mere flesh and blood to suck and bite on. While trying to evade numerous biting insects of any kind possible to imagine, we explored the wild and virgin jungles on

The Banana family and the Volcanes Lagoon

2005-06-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIAHaving to spend a weekend till we can move into the jungles, me and Tim joined Roi and Noa to visit the Banana family, an Israeli couple living in the wilderness with their 2 year old son, named Nem. After spending two days in the farm and touring the lovely Volcane lagoon, me and Tim returned to Santa Cruz and leaving today to San Ignacio, a little town up north on our way into

Bolivia, an adventure full of surprises: the flight from Cuzco and Santa Cruz

2005-06-02T19:51:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: PERU/BOLIVIATime was running out of my hands, and combined with Bolivian social fight and inefficiency I could see how I miss Tim in our quest to explore the fabulous Noel-Kempff Mercado national park (NKMP for short, see also http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=967).Not taking any chances, I have bought a flight to Santa Cruz (where Tim awaited for me) and on the way landed in

Puno, Cuzco and the time chase

2005-05-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: PERUCrossing into Peru involved a 10 hour drive to Cuzco, while stopping over night in Puno, and meeting an old friend, Chen, in Cuzco. While sight seeing the city, I have made a reservation for a flight to La paz, hoping I could mete Tim in Santa Cruz before the 3rd of June. Apparently, my time is even shorter, and the chase to get as quickly as possible to Santa Cruz has started…The

Grand poder, Copacabana and the spontaneous border crossing

2005-05-29T17:36:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIASaturday was big day at La paz, for the Grand Poder was held all day and filled my day with color and songs. However, the upcoming storming blockades and demonstrations combined with my agitating need for some new sights and adventure, lead to my spontaneous venturing west to the border with Peru, to a little tranquil town named Copacabana, sitting on the shore of beautiful lake

Rough trekking around Arkiata lagoon

2005-05-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIAArmed with a photocopy map, a trek story and high spirit, we (Barak, Chen and me) went on a 3 day trek to the Arkiata lagoon, some 70 km up north-east of La paz. The trek started at the wrong point and the day after was ended abruptly due to an accident while going up a steep slope. Going back was not easy also, and eventually Im again in La paz for quite some time…Monday morning

Palca valley hike, plans and good old friends...

2005-05-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

The great pillar in the middle of Palca ValleyLOCATION: BOLIVIAAfter returning from Sorata with Christine and Stephanie, I have hiked with Uri to Palca valley and later planned to go with Christine and Stephanie to Coroico and afterwards, to Rurrenabque. Plans, however, changed repidly and a day before going up to a trail up up in the mountains sorrounding the Illimani from north I have indulged

Sorata, a hidden beauty

2005-05-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

A lama on the way to Chilata lagoonLOCATION: BOLIVIA When I was looking for a good place to chill-out, Sorata was a natural choice, with the mighty-snowy Illampu mountain, 6368 m, at the back and the opening valley at front. Chilling out was not the only thing on the agenda, and following a day hike to the long San pedro cave, I have joined a group of backpackers and together we trekked the

Huayna Potosi o no Huayna Potosi??

2005-05-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, thats me up there, trying to catch my breat at 4900 meters...LOCATION: BOLIVIAAs part of this trip aims is to challenge my self, conquering a mountain is an obvious attraction on the "to-do" list. The 6,088 m high Huayna Potosi mountain is indeed a formidable photogenic peak located only 24 km north of La paz. Taking a 3-day tour with a tour agency, I have tried to reach the

Pesah, Spanish and plans ahead

2005-04-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

Lel Haseder at the El Lobo Hostel...LOCATION: BOLIVIAPeash in La paz was a unique experience for me, when over 150 Israelis did the Seder and some of them read aloud the Hagada in the "El Lobo" Israeli restaurant. Yesterday was my last Spanish lesson for a while and Ill try to converse with the locals from now on.Saturday night was the big night! Yep, my first Seder abroad promised a very unique

Partying, partying, partying

2005-04-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIATrying to recover from two parties last night, Im preparing my self to the upcoming SEDER feast at the El lobo resturantHa, what can I say...Last night was an amazing time and a very memorable for sure..Before we went to the party, me, Sam, Holy and Marcelo went to meet with Anjel, a veteran mountain bike guide, at a local high key bar not far from our hostel...Anjel was in good

Ruta de la muerte (The Death Road)

2005-04-21T21:30:00.000-04:00

Five minutes after I flew from the bikes, the bike mechanical man came to aid, with not too much success, I must add...Asaf Chen is on the left, checking his bike just in case...LOCATION: BOLIVIANotorious for it´s death toll, the Death road is one of the most common attraction in La paz, and even though I tried as I could to deny my involvment in such a crazy ride, a nice couple managed to

Too less sleep, too much alcohol...

2005-04-17T02:30:00.000-04:00

Puerta de la Luna, taken at the Tiwanaku excavation site, near La PazLOCATION: BOLIVIAPartying with the Brit gang was a life time experience. Tiwanaku Inca site was nice, not more than that and Stefan ended his tour in South america at a rave party in Valley de la luna.So, it's 1:30 am and I'm talking with my wonderful and lovely familyover the messenger...I'm a lucky man to have such a family!!

Night life experience, La paz

2005-04-15T19:30:00.000-04:00

Some drinking before going out: Second from right is Hanna, Sam is fourth from left near the two Death Road mountain bike guides (with the caps)LOCATION: BOLIVIAOK, so this is another yet issue I have not dwelt into...As I told before, Sam and Holi have done the mountain bike gig several days ago, and Sam, which is an excellent friends maker, have fixed a night outside with two Mountain bike

La paz II

2005-04-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

Traffic in Avenida Santa Cruz - count how much taxis and combis??LOCATION: BOLIVIAWell im back on the comp here at La paz...One thing I haven´t commented yet in regard to La paz and it is the traffic..one word can described this issue: HORRIBLE!three factors leads me to this word: first of all, the road´s condition really sucks, with holes and twisted sidewalks, then there is the fact that

La paz

2005-04-14T09:17:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIAIm only 3 weeks into this tour, and it feels like 3 years have past...unbeilieveable..meeting all the ppl from Chile is so good and brings lots of spirits into my soul. three days ago, Ive met Shani and Oded on there way to their hostel. They have just returned from a tour into the pampas, north to La paz, and were full of recommendations. Holi and Sam returned two days ago from

La paz...what a CITY!

2005-04-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

The main street, Avenida Santa Cruz, with the San Fransisco church in the backgroundLOCATION: BOLIVIALa paz...it´s really hard to find the exact words to describe this unique megacapital...Topographically, it´s center is located at the bottom of a reddish mass of houses that cling on the edges of the hills surrounding this city. At night, looking up through the smoke of the vehicle´s black exist

Lauca National Park II and crossing back to Bolivia

2005-04-10T21:27:00.000-04:00

Parinacota peak reflects on lago Chungara in Lauca parkLOCATION: CHILE/BOLIVIALauca national park is a dream park for those who seek to watch wildlife from a meter away (and i shit you not..i took a shot ofstefan standing only one meter from a cute rabbit (which i can´t remember it´s name now, but no matter..).In any case, in the national park is situated one of the highest Lakes in the world,

Arica, Putre and Lauca national park I

2005-04-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

Juan Marcos and IsabellaLOCATION: CHILE Hello amigos!Im currently in Putre, a small vilage 150 km east of Arica, located at the eastern border of Lauca national park, north of Chile (20 km east of the border with Bolivia).My last day in Arica was quite nice and it turned out that another day at this beach resort town was quite positive (and u´´ll soon understand why).Early in the morning (7 am)

Iquique

2005-04-04T23:32:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILEYeah, instead of going to La paz and then to Arica, we decided it´ll be shorter and much nicer to visit Iqueque and Arica beach towns in northern Chile, and then go back to Bolivia while visiting the Lauca national park. SO, we have arrived at Iqueque last night at 21:30...half an hour and we found a nice hostel near the center..the following morning was nice and clear skies

Uyuni

2005-04-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: BOLIVIASo, im in Uyuni Bolivia after 3 days 4WD tour in the bolivian Salar. First of all, i wish i could show you my pictures and share with u all the unbelieveable experience i´ve been through in the past 3 days. We had a great tour, with a very nice driver (which is highly important as he is the guide/shef/driver/middle man in this tour (a key factor in the tours sucess..).The Salar

Short 3 day plan

2005-03-29T16:12:00.000-04:00

Map of the Salar de Uyuni, adapted from the World Wide Web (http://www.travelperubolivia.com/)LOCATION: CHILEActually, its a short plan - Tour the salar de Uyuni (bolivia). after finishing with this tour, i´ll head to La paz. from La paz we plan on crossing back to chile at Arica, and doing a tour at a near nacional park. So, I wont be near any internet point for the next 3 days so finally you

San Pedro de Atacama

2005-03-27T20:27:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILEyes fellas, i arrivede at this tranquil little town (mexican stylebuild) at 16:00...found a nice hospedjal, bought some groceries, got cleaned up (24 hr drive non stop) and headed to the town streets...the sceneary on the way was awesome and hearing leonard cohen and REM in the background gave the real atmosphere to the Andes on the one hand and the sea shore on the other...the bus

Plans ahead...

2005-03-26T13:36:00.000-04:00

Me and Valparaiso (Taken by Oded)LOCATION: CHILESo, in short, im going up north and not to Argentina...i will be traveling with a nice israeli couple i met yesterday on my way to Valparaiso (and againon several instances in different places in Santiago...). It is SOdifferent when you travel with company, esp. good company as these pplare.So, 2mmorow in the afternoon im on a bus to san pedro de

Santiago de Chile

2005-03-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

LOCATION: CHILEEmail edition as copied from my email prior publication in a blogSO, after over 20 hours of net airborne (5 hr TLV-frankfurt, 12 hr frankfurt-sao paolo and 3 hr sao paolo-santiago) i finally landed in this city...first impression from the climate - very similar to Israel (28c over here...hot!). Even though i didn't met a single one israeli on either flights (so much for the "no