Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: A Good Luck Sunset

| by Jason on August 28th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

San Pedro de Atacama is a Chilean town and commune in El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region. It is located east of Antofagasta, some 106 km (60 mi) southeast of Calama and the Chuquicamata copper mine, overlooking the Licancabur volcano. There are various activities for tourist and adventurers in the San Pedro de Atacama area: trekking, climbing, archaeological sightings, exploration tours in natural landscapes and even sand boarding in the desert. Because of its altitude, a brief period of acclimatization may be required.

Valle de la Luna (“Valley of the Moon”), a moon-like landscape with ruins of old Chilean salt mines, and worker huts. Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley): a valley where gigantic dunes and rocks abound. – Wikipedia

Discover San Pedro de Atacama

Stack of Rocks Symbolizing Good Luck in San Pedro de Atacama Desert

Photo of the Day: Nature in Torres del Paine Patagonia

| by Aracely on August 26th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Torres del Paine National Park (Parque Nacional Torres del Paine) is a national park encompassing a mountains, glacier, lake, and river-rich areas in southern Chilean Patagonia.   The national park (598.593,02 acres) is a popular hiking destination in Chile.  There are clearly marked paths and many refugios which provide shelter and basic services.  Views are breathtaking. Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular “W” route in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8–9 days.  It is a national park and thus hikers are not allowed to stray from the paths.  Camping is only allowed at specified campsites and wood fires are prohibited throughout the park. – Wikipedia

Torres Del Paine, Chile Circuit Trek

Photo of the Day: Putre Chile Mountains

| by Aracely on August 22nd, 2010 | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Putre is a Chilean town and commune, capital of the Parinacota Province in the Arica-Parinacota Region. It is located 130 km (78 miles) east of Arica, at an altitude of 3500 metres (11,400 feet). The town is backdropped by Taapaca volcanic complex.
Putre is on the edge of the Lauca National Park, and is popular with visitors to the National Park wishing to acclimatise to the altitude. – Wikipedia

Drive From Arica to Putre, Chile

Photo of the Day: Valle de la Muerte in the Atacama Desert

| by Jason on July 29th, 2010 | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Valle de la Muerte, also known as Death Valley, is easily accessed from the desert of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The large sand dunes are ideal for sand boarding, hiking and experiencing sand blasts in the strong desert winds. Be sure to protect your cameras, or you will end up with sand in your lenses like we did.

Discover San Pedro de Atacama

Landscape at Valle de la Muerte Near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Photo of the Day: Valle de Frances Patagonia

| by Jason on July 28th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

During our Full Circuit Trek at Torres del Paine Patagonia we hiked to the top of Valle de Frances. Valle de Frances is the middle leg of what forms the “W.” If you can endure it, there is a hidden trail that continues to lead up the mountain past the spot where most hikers have lunch. The hike is a bit dangerous especially when the surface of the rocks freezes but the views are just stunning.

Jason Having Lunch At Valle de Frances Patagonia

Photo of the Day: Llamas & Alpacas In Northern Chile

| by Aracely on July 22nd, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Llamas, alpacas and vicunas roam Northern Chile’s Altiplano.  Most of them are domesticated, except vicunas, which remain wild and often a protected species.  These animals produce incredible wool fabrics, especially the vicuna.  While traveling in South America, you might also want to taste llama or alpaca steak.

Llamas & Alpacas Crossing The Road in Chile

Photo of the Day: Foxglove Flower In Chile

| by Aracely on July 11th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

We know we have given you this photo on our Travel Photo of the Day series before, but it is my personal favorite flower picture and I just had to included it in our flower and plant week.

Foxgloves are also called Witches’ Gloves, Dead Men’s Bells, Fairy’s Glove, Gloves of Our Lady, Bloody Fingers, Virgin’s Glove, Fairy Caps, Folk’s Glove, and Fairy Thimbles.  These are biennial plants and are tall, slender perennials at 2-5′ in height and just 1-2′ wide.  It is a very statuesque plant.  It has numerous tubular flowers blooming on a spike, ranging in color from purple to white.  Foxglove flowers appear in the summer months.  The flowers are bell-shaped and tubular, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long, flattened above, inflated beneath, crimson outside above and paler beneath, the lower lip furnished with long hairs inside and marked with numerous dark crimson spots, each surrounded with a white border.  ~ Iflorist.co.uk

Foxglove Flower in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia Chile