Confluence of milky glacial flow and fresh Serrano River waterAmong the superlatives to mention, the Tatio geyser basin is the highest such area in the world at about 14,000.' The chance to have acclimated came in handy, although the walks at the basin were not difficult. There was a very early start for the 1 1/2 hr drive since the plan was to be there for sunrise. The dramatic effects of the steam and geysers were enhanced by the cold pre-dawn hours. The geysers here are low bubbling pools rather than high intermittent eruptions. The dawn light on the surrounding peaks also made the early start worthwhile. Not to mention the hot chocolate and coffee breakfast when we got back to the van.
There were other stops on the drive back. We could better see the mountains in the distance, including volcanoes with steam erupting from their summits. A stop at the Putana River was a chance for some wildlife photos. The viscacha looks like a rabbit with a long tail. There were many vicunas throughout the area. A small isolated village, Machuca, was notable to me because of the juxtaposition of small homes with thatched roofs but also solar panels.
This was a very full day because we still had an excursion to the spectacular Valley of the Moon in the afternoon. It was an area of slot canyons, sand, fantastic rock formations and cliffs of salt. The area is part of the Cordillera de Sal--the Salt Mountain Range. Short hikes took us through Cari's Gulch, the sand dunes of 'the Canyon', the amphitheater, the 3 Marias and the misnamed Death Valley. From our viewpoint toward Death Valley we could see sandboarders and the giant dune that they would glide down as if it were snow. The day culminated with going to a high view point to watch sunset light up the terrain while we enjoyed a nice spread of cheese and wine.
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.
Thomas Brayshaw
2 months ago
Rapid response.
kym
4 months ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.
trudy
4 months ago
Kassandra rocks! She had our trip planned and helped us arrange our air travel within the day we contacted her. She has helped us with our trips to Chile Argentina and Costa Rica, and she always finds us wonderful activities and accommodations. We’re looking forward to seeing what she’s planning for us this time when we go to Easter island
Janet
4 months ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!