In 2018, we traveled to Chile and Argentina. We started in northern Chile in the Atacama Desert, then traveled by air (and a 6 hour drive) to Torres del Paine National Park. Our next stops were Buenos Aires where we experienced Argentinian culture, and Mendoza where we toured some terrific wineries.
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth. The scenery is breathtaking.
This is Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), so named because it is what early settlers thought the moon must look like.
Our lodge, Awasi Atacama. This is the meeting area and dining room.
Another picture of Laguna Tebinquiche, prior to sunset. As the sun goes down, the colors of the lake and mountains behind it change.
The sun is getting lower, turning the mountains a pinkish color.
The colors at Laguna Tebinquiche during sunset are stunning.
Relaxing back at the lodge.
Up for breakfast and ready to begin another day exploring the desert.
Heading out to traverse the desert and visit the salt lakes.
An extinct volcano looms over the desert.
Laguna Miniques
Our guide, Barbara, set up a wonderful lunch with a terrific view!
A salt flat, where the water has all but dried up.
The marker where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses through South America. It's also on a reconstructed part of the Inca trail.
The lagoons are home to thousands of flamingos.
The Tatio Geysers. The geysers are heated by volcanic activity deep in the earth.
Tatio Geysers
A veiw of the geyser field.
A beautiful view on our way to the Tatio Geysers. (Yes, that's the sunrise -- early start today!)
A small river where we stopped to have a picnic breakfast.
Barbara and Joe looking at the geysers.
Joe watching some of the smaller geysers feeding the river.
