Thursday, July 14, 2005

Refugio a laguna

July 11th

We are at a rufugio at laguna blanca (4500 m). The plan is to acclimatize for an extra day. Besides us a group of four drove in from Argentina border. They have been riding for 2 days and now all have altitude sickness symptoms. Strong headache and the enough nausea to be sick.

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Laguna blanca

July 11th

The lake is pretty cool. Half frozen half crystallized salt and other minerals. You can walk on it near the shore. Up and around the lake are shades of red, green, brown stone - volcanic and minerals I’m guessing. Only bits of plant life.

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In Boliva

July 11th

I hooked up with a ride to Boliva from an organized tour operator, who handled the chilian crossing and bolivian entry. He also introduced us to the guide that will show the way to the top. Luckily there were two others from usa who wanted the same hike. Even better for me they speak spanish.

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Volcán Licancábur

July 10th

The prominent sight from town. Tommorow I`ll head into Boliva and stop at Laguna Verde, before an early rise to the top (5,916 m). It`s a prix fix tour, so I`m headed to the bar in search of others to split the cost.

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San Pedro de Atacama

July 10th

Made it to the desert town oasis. Hot and dry as advertised.

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Sunday, July 10, 2005




I flew to Antofagasta last night, then 3hr bus (2 mil pesos) to the seedy crossroads town of Calama for the night. Then to San Pedro de Atacama in the desert. Maybe higher up in elevation
to altiplano or a volcano on the Bolivia border. 4-5 days I figure before working back to Santiago via Bus.

Here are the mountains seen on one the rare sunny days from Santiago. Still smog haze blocks the view.


Statues in Santiago