Altoplano


	Heading north from Santiago the dry landscape soon gives way to the impressive Atacama desert, one of the driest places on earth and a source of economic importance to Chile in terms of minerals. It is possible to break up this journey with a visit to the pisco distilleries of the Elqui valley. San Pedro de Atacama in the Chilean desert is one of the most stunningly located villages in South America if not the world. The village consists of adobe buildings with many tourist facilities and trendy bars, frequented by the local hippy crowd that sell their artisan gifts. Located on a desert plain it gives way to stunning views of the ice-capped altoplano to the east which is lit up in spectacular sunsets. There are many excursions from San Pedro such as a trip to the neighbouring salt lake, Salar de Atacama, the third largest in the world. Also there is the El Tatio geyser field at 4600m altitude visited at dawn for a freezing and steamy display. The bizarre Moon Valley is another excursion. From San Pedro it is straightforward to get to the famous Salar de Uyuni in Boliviar, instead however I headed north via the massive copper mine at Chuquicamata to PN Lauca, Chile and the edge of the 4000m altoplano. Here lamas graze the stunted landscape dotted with volcanoes. Crossing the border into PN Sajama, Bolivia and suddenly everything changes. Indigenous people everywhere living in simple villages and tending to their lamas in the remarkable landscape. The low vegetation line gives way to good panoramas with the highest peak in Bolivia, Volcan Sajama 6530m. Continuing along the Altoplano, I soon reached the capital La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. Arriving here by plane takes some adjusting to the altitude. La Paz is full of life, the interesting women of La Paz line every street selling everything from potatoes to walkmans and narrow markets seem to go on forever, watch out for pick pockets. Walking around La Paz however, is exhausting, built into a steep valley from every street there are incredible views of the city. A short distance from La Paz is the enormous Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the crossing point into Peru. The drive around the banks of the lake provide images of colourful Peruvian farmers tending to their small terraced fields with the peaceful blue expanse of Titicaca disappearing into the hazy horizon. Puno is a busy town at the Peruvian end of Titicaca with an attractive colonial centre (don't go walking alone out of town at any time). From here I took a boat trip to Isla Amantani stopping at the famous floating reed islands which were almost buckling under the weight of tourists! Amantani island on the contrary is an unspoilt tiny island three hours into the lake. Here local families allow visitors to stay on their farms and a guide provides walks and talks on life here and the Inca legend of the island. Well worth the trip.


	Vineyards, Valle Elqui, Chile From La Serena, the seemingly fertile Elqui valley heads east into bone dry mountains. Here vineyards produce the local drink of Pisco. Nets are erected in the plantation to trap the moisture in the morning air blowing in from the pacific. In the town of Pisco it is possible to visit a distillery and here about the many UFO sightings here.


	Atacama Desert, Chile Northern Chile is dominated by this desert.


	Atacama Desert, Chile Camping is worthwhile although maybe difficult to arrange. The sight of the full moon rising out of the dunes is fantastic.


	San Pedro de Atacama, Chile This very trendy adobe village is a must. Local hippies hang out in the artisan bars and there are many gifts to buy in the artisan market. An easy place to relax and arrange many different excursions, including trips to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.


	Museo Arqueológico, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile Very interesting museum tracing pre-colombian society. The dry conditions here have left many mummies in good condition with skin and hair in tact. This woman was buried in the sitting position, clothed and possessions ready for entry into the next life.


	Salar de Atacama, Chile Only two hours from San Pedro, this magnificent salt lake is a major highlight. The third largest salt lake in the world, its flat expanse affords an excellent panorama of the altoplano in the west. Flamingos flying overhead add to the drama. A must see at sunset.


	Salar de Atacama, Chile Photographic opportunities are endless! The dry climate makes visibility excellent.


	Valle de la Luna, Chile An hour from San Pedro is Moon Valley with its strange rock formations. Although popular with tourists it is easy to get away from people. Another place for a sunset or even overnight camp.


	El Tatio, Chile A 94km ride to the 4600m geyser field of El Tatio is another popular excursion and tours aim to arrive at dawn as the freezing cold produces great clouds of steam from the 50 or so geysers. Wildlife includes vicuñas, vichachas and foxes.


	Copper Mine, Chuquicamata, Chile Now the second largest open cast copper mine in the world, this represents a major export for Chile. The plant processes 600,000 tonnes of ore per day containing about 1% copper.


	PN Sajama, Bolivia From Chile, the road rises to the 4200m altoplano where altitude sickness is a problem. This park is dotted with small adobe farms and filled with grazing lama. Bolivians seem very shy and will usually refuse to have their photo taken. This park contains the 6530m Sajama peak, the highest in Bolivia.


	Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia The largest Salt Lake in the world, 10,000 square kilometres and 3700m above sea level. A place that can't be missed. For more pictures by Julie, click here.


	La Paz, Bolivia At 3640m, this is the highest city in the world. Built along a canyon, views are outstanding. In no other country will you see so many people selling on the streets and markets wind through the busy streets for miles.


	La Paz, Bolivia Streets are full of character and people selling what they can.


	Lama Featous, La Paz, Bolivia Sold on the streets, the featous of lama when buried under a new home brings luck.


	Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca, Peru This peaceful island offers farmhouse accommodation and remains unspoilt from the modern world. Maize and potato are the main crops. Visits are arranged from Puno.


	Reed Island, Lake Titicaca, Peru Not far from La Paz is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Driving around its shores, time stands still as locals tend to their modest farms, basking under to cool sun. From Puno, trips to the floating reed islands can be made, however be prepared to join the countless tourists crowding onto these small structures.