Exclusive resort, pretty standard camping

Trip Start Dec 05, 2010
1
19
30
Trip End Ongoing


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Flag of Chile  , Valparaíso,
Sunday, January 9, 2011

Adios Mendoza. Though leaving the city before 7am on the 8th, it was a somewhat sleepy departing as we headed Westwards, ip into the Andes, and on towards the Argentinian / Chilie border. As we climbed higher, the Aconcagua snow-topped peak was visible in the far background. At 6960 metres above sea level, it rose above everything else as testament to its title of not only South America´s but also the Western Hempisphere´s highest mountain. Before the border, the last stop in Argentina was at the Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge). This natural stone bridge spanning the Rio Mendoza is stained yellow by sulpher from the springs located bext to the old spa beneath the bridge. This would be our final contact with South America´s Inca Past.

The border crossing into Chilie is the most rigerous crossing so far, with all bags out of the truck and electronically scanend, while fruit, vegetables, buts, and any other natural products (including our supply of firewood) had to be thrown away
Early morning
Early morning
.

Descending from the Andes, we headed for a campsite near the exclusive resort of Zapallar, renowned for its plethora of multi-millionaire houses - some with their own helipads - used as weekend retreats by Santiago´s upper class. Camping there two nights, the second full day proved to be grey, cloudy, and too cold to dip into the Pacific. But relaxing by the pool as it got warmer and sunnier in the late afternoon, reading, and enjoying wine that I had imported from Cadayette in Argentina, and a great BBQ, the day proved both relaxing and revitalising. Only one night left before on to Santiago!
Zapallar hotels Slideshow

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