The 'Mendoza Run' Border Closed

The pass known as Paso Internacional Los Libertadores in the Andes Mountains that connects Chile (Santiago) with Argentina (Mendoza) was closed today (22 July) from 3pm due to intense snow conditions.

Another cold front will hit the central area of Chile tomorrow bringing further rain and cold conditions making it uncertain as to when it will reopen.

This route between Santiago and Mendoza is frequently used to transport freight between the two countries but is also well know by foreigners who don't have the appropriate visa to stay in Chile for long periods since they often have to make this trek across the mountains every 90 days. Unfortunately many do the 'Mendoza Run' on the weekend so hopefully not too many got trapped over the other side as a result of today's weather conditions.

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Bogotá

One place that I visited last year and highty recommend is the undeground Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira in Colombia. This Cathedral with its many chambers hidden deep underground is entirely made out of salt. The subdued lighting gives the entire place an interesting eerie feeling.

There is even a replica of Michaelangelo's Creation of Man (you know, the one with God and Man's fingers about to touch) sculptured out of the Salt rock.

More information here: Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá in Colombia


We have also added a page about the Bogotá, the Capital of Colombia:

Bogota - Colombia

Hope you enjoy them!!!

Montevideo Uruguay

Another page is now ready for everyone about Montevideo, the Capital of Uruguay.
You will find lots of things to see and do and where to eat and sleep while there.

Also the odd curiosity like:
Montevideo has South America's first monument on the subject of promoting sexual diversity.

If you want to check it out you will find it here: Montevideo - Uruguay

Have a great day!

Bariloche Argentina

We finally have a new page about Bariloche in Southern Argentina.

This city feels like you have suddenly been transported to somewhere in the middle of the Swiss Alps (including the amazing chocolate they have). It's a great place to go skiing and it is also the base camp to start exploring Patagonia.

Argentina - San Carlos de Bariloche

Hope you find it useful.

Saludos.

Galapagos Islands - Ecuador

We have a new page about the fascinating Galapagos Islands that are 965km off the coast of Ecuador. These islands are teeming with species that won't be found in any other part of the world. In fact, these islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory about Evolution in 1835.

You can find more information and traveler's tips about the islands here:

Galapagos Islands

Have a great day!

Snow in Buenos Aires Argentina

For the first time since 1918 it snowed in Buenos Aires, Argentina just after midday yesterday.
In fact the weather guys had an idea that it might snow but of course didn't mention it for fear of ridicule.

How did it come about? Well a polar front blowing up from antartica hit a low front coming down from the Andes and thus snowflakes started falling. Strangely, the temperature was above zero though it didn't stop the capital city from being lightly blanketed in white.

Here's a video of it for those that are interested:
Video - Snowing in Buenos Aires

Saludos

Machu Picchu Ruins in Peru

We finally have a new page about the famous ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu in Peru.

We have information about admission to the Incan ruins, a description of the different buildings and temples and also some interesting hikes to other ruins near the main site. Take note of the times to avoid visiting due to the tourist hoards coming off their tour buses.

Machu Picchu Ruins in Peru

I hope you find it useful.

Typical Peruvian Food

Are you not sure about what something is on a menu in Peru?
Would like to know whether that tasty dish was roasted guinea pig or not?

Well the latest page we have created will answers these for you.

We have added a new page to our South America website that contains lot of information about Typical Peruvian Food including their traditional meals and desserts.

You will find it here: Typical Peruvian Food

Make sure you're not hungry when you look at it!!!


Saludos!