I've been asked by several people why I'm spending all my time in the Andes and not seeing the rest of this diverse country. In my email below I provide my answer. I warn you that it's long, so if you are too busy or not interested, please delete now! I just returned from an incredible adventure in the mountains, and I'm at a loss for words... Whenever I visit spectacular scenery I always fail to find words to express the fullness of what I … [Read more...]
La vida Argentina: Passion. Protests. Mate. Puppy Eyed Stares.
Greetings from Buenos Aires! Salutaciones de Nuestra Senora de Santa Maria del Buen Aire! Its a cold but bright sunshine filled day in Buenos Aires. Just finished sipping a cappucino at a classic cafe in La Recoleta where the elderly men still dress in suits and older women wear fur coats for their afternoon java jolt. Prior to coffee we were communing with the dead in the Recoleta cemetery. Our taxi driver had difficulty … [Read more...]
Vines of Mendoza – May 2008
Arguably the centerpiece of the Vines of Mendoza is the resort and spa, a community built around 21 villas ranging from 1,000 to 2,700 square feet. Surrounded by vineyards and situated along the shoreline of a small body of water, the views from the villas are always spectacular especially of the snow capped Andes and during sunrise and sunset. Each villa is located within a short walking distance of the lobby, restaurant and gorgeous pool (with … [Read more...]
Siam de los Andes, Huaraz Peru Thai Restaurant – March 2008
Siam de los Andes Huaraz Peru Thai Restaurant is one of the best Thai restaurants in all of South America. In fact it is one of the best Thai restaurants that we've tried outside of Thailand and that is saying a lot as we have tried many. Siam de los Andes is run by the Thai climber Naresuan and this restaurant is very popular with climbers. It is located on the corner of Gamarra & Morales at Av Agustin Gamarra N 560. Naresuan has taught the … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza has a population of about 1 million people. The city is located in a large desert valley next to the great Andes mountains, whose peaks dominate the skyline from the outside of the city. The valley here is truly desert, once you are outside of Mendoza one quickly sees the native vegetation is similar to desert scenery. However, there is plenty of water in the region as the great Andes are Mendoza's neighbor. A large drinking water … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Wineries
Bienvenidos al tierra del Malbec - or in English, Welcome to the land of Malbec! Numerous wineries within the region make this wine and it is commonly served in local restaurants. Lesser common, is Bonarda, also a red grape and Torrontés, a white grape. With that said, Mendoza is known for Malbec but the region certainly produces wines from numerous other varietals. Within an hour's drive of the city of Mendoza are several hundred wineries. … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Andes Tours
The Andes, the world's second greatest mountain range dominates the landscape outside of Mendoza. One can be within these mountains with about an hours drive from the central part of Mendoza. Numerous tourist agencies offering trekking trips ranging from 1 to 12+ days. In addition consider driving high into the Andes, which is less rigorous then trekking, but still an invigorating way to see these great mountains. We used the following two … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Hotels
Lodging in Mendoza ranges from very basic to high end hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and the Sheraton. Pricing is typically more expensive closer to the center of town and near the Plaza del Armas. Lodging is really quite spread out throughout the city and there no specific 'hotel' district. Aires de Montana is a destination spa located in the Andes about an hour from Mendoza. Lodging is also available on site - elevation is 1800 … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Transportation
Bus - The bus station is located about 15 to 20 minutes from the Plaza del Armas (the center of town). As with most bus stations, train terminals or airports be careful of your bags and belongings. These are typically high crime areas. We met a fellow traveler who was hanging around at the bus station when she was approached by a local - he pretended to ask her directions and she put her bag down to help him and when she looked back down, he and … [Read more...]
Greetings from Peru!!
Arrived in Lima and rested all day which was good. Saw the catacombs underground in the 16th century St Francis of Assisi Monastery. Many skulls staring upwards with individual bones all separated and arranged nicely in neat orderly piles. Took bus overnight to C. Huayash - the pass was about 14,000 feet which we hit at 1am. I was in bad shape by then - arrived at 6am into town and immediately found hostel and crashed. For 2 days was … [Read more...]
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