Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Salt Flats In Black And White

| by Aracely on September 8th, 2010 | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

During our exploration of Northern Argentina we visited Salinas Grandes.  These are the largest Salt Flats in Argentina.  After driving out into the middle of the flats you get an amazing panoramic view of the area.  The contrast in colors between the blinding white salt and the rich blue sky is incredible and best captured in this black and white photo.

Black & White Photo of Salinas Grandes in Argentina

Photo of the Day: Religious Cross Atop Isla del Sol

| by Jason on September 7th, 2010 | 4 Comments » | Photo of the Day

Situated on the Bolivian side of the lake with regular boat links to the Bolivian town of Copacabana, Isla del Sol (“Island of the sun”) is one of the lake’s largest islands.  Geographically, the terrain is harsh; it is a rocky, hilly island.  There are no motor vehicles or paved roads on the island.  The main economic activity of the approximately 800 families on the island is farming, with fishing and tourism augmenting the subsistence economy.  There are over 180 ruins on the island. Most of these date to the Inca period circa the 15th century AD. – Wikipedia

We walked across the island in 3 hours capturing some of the most beautiful ocean island views we have ever seen.  We went off trail and climbed to the top of nearby hill to get a close up glimpse of this religious cross.

A Religious Cross Rests High on Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca

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: A Train Cemetery in Bolivia

| by Jason on August 25th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

One of the major tourist attractions of the area is an antique train cemetery. It is located 3 km outside Uyuni and is connected to it by the old train tracks. The town served in the past as a distribution hub for the trains carrying minerals on their way to the Pacific Ocean ports. The train lines were built by British engineers who arrived near the end of the 19th century and formed a sizable community in Uyuni. The engineers were invited by British-sponsored Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Companies, which is now Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia. The rail construction started in 1888 and ended in 1892. It was encouraged by the then Bolivian President Aniceto Arce, who believed Bolivia would flourish with a good transport system, but it was also constantly sabotaged by the local Aymara indigenous Indians who saw it as an intrusion into their lives. The trains were mostly used by the mining companies. In the 1940s, the mining industry collapsed, partly due to the mineral depletion. Many trains were abandoned thereby producing the train cemetery. – Wikipedia

F´d Up Economics of Tourism in Uyuni Bolivia

El Cementerio de Trenes en Bolivia

Photo of the Day: Semuc Champey

| by Aracely on August 16th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabòn River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. Although it can be difficult to get to, Semuc is becoming more and more popular with travelers. – Wikipedia

Watch our HD Travel Video of our trek to Semuc Champey.

Semuc Champey

Photo of the Day: Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia

| by Jason on August 15th, 2010 | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the south west of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. This icefield is the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. Scientist have no idea why. The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide, with an average height of 74 m (240 ft) above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino, in Argentina. It has a total ice depth of 170 metres (558 ft). – Wikipedia

Perito Moreno Glacier

Photo of the Day: Sunrise Over Salt Flats in Bolivia

| by Jason on August 13th, 2010 | 3 Comments » | Photo of the Day

During our Tupiza to Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats 4-day tour we witnessed incredible and varying scenery, such as this sunrise over the salt flats early the last morning. The white ground creates a very unique glow which is hard to experience elsewhere. If the clouds are clear enough, it may be the best sunrise you will ever experience.

Sun Rising At Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia