Northern Chile
appointment in Unknown Earth

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Nevado Tres Cruces National Park

Still a little gem of Chile. from Copiapó is accessed by a road, finally rather a track. Over 500 kms AR 4x4 in the day with a passage 500m 4300 m altitude. The park is unknown, very few tourist as very remote. Since pictures sometimes better than a thousand words: they let you enjoy our photos below! Ptite story anyway: border crossing Paso San Francisco, between Chile and Argentina to almost 4000m, we were invited to drink coffee at the customs, that between us, seemed a bit bored in this corner of the world away. The opportunity to discuss the political, social, education in Chile but also "those Chinese who come to invest in Chilean mines, not far away."

Lauca National Park

Back down to the ocean, we go back a few days later in the Andes for the city of Arica. An incredible road 3500 m. We are now at 2500 kms due north of Santiago, a few kilometers from Bolivian and Peruvian borders. The Lauca National Park, created in 1970 was declared a UNESCO heritage in 1981 as "World Biosphere Reserve". And we quickly understand why. Any beauty of landscapes dominated by several volcanoes with snowy peaks, the Parinacota (6342 m) and his twin Pomerape (6282 m). Bolivian side, not far dominates the volcano Sajama (6542m). At their feet the Lake Chungara 4517m, one of the highest lakes in the world and dozens of pink flamingos, Andean ducks and vicunas. From it there, some geysers and hot springs. The place is just beautiful and magical! Since this region, we join Bolivia. Border post lost to 4500m in an immensity of sand. The program 3h waiting under a blazing sun and in the dirt! Bienvenidos a Bolivia! "What time passes the bus to La Paz?" Bus stop (4500m!), overlooking Lake Chungara and Parinacota volcano ... Nice, right? Well, by against the bus does not stop ... oops! So we come to a chase (at 4500m ...) to catch up! Hard breath, very hard! Hasta Pruntito!