7 Nov 2009 - Week 14 - Across the Andes

After enjoying a little bit of Wales in Gaiman and Trelew I took a bus across to the foot of the Andes, to a town called Bariloche. 

I came hear to enjoy the wilderness of Patagonia and do some trekking.  However when packing for my trip I didn't take into account how cold it would be this far south.  It is late spring in the southern hemisphere, but that didn't stop the ice cold weather. 

The scenery however was spectacular.  I took many walks around the area, they have fantastic views over lakes and mountains.  One particular viewpoint I trekked to has been rated as one of the top 10 views in the world by National Geographic magazine. 

After a great but very cold four days in Bariloche it was time to get moving again.  My flight to New Zealand left from Santiago in Chile.

So I had to take a seven hour bus trip across to the Andes to a small town called Osorna.  Then it was another 12 hour overnight bus to Santiago.  Long journey but the bus was amazing.  It had fully reclining seats, so I slept peacefully all night and woke up in Santiago. 

Only had one day in Santiago before my flight to New Zealand.  Spent my short time in Santiago strolling around the city.  It was nice to back in a warm climate again.  Then it was time to head to the airport for my flight.  My time in South America was up. 

I've had a great three and half months here and seen some unbelievable things!   My favourite country was Colombia and my  favourite place was Macchu Pichu.  The most memorable part of the trip so far is the boat trip from Panama to Colombia!  If you have any questions about my trip write to me on the email I have posted on the website.