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As a destination for travel to Argentina, the northwestern region is frequently outshined by the elegance and sophistication of Buenos Aires or the glacial beauty seen on a Patagonia vacation. However, when it comes to gorgeous geological features, northwest Argentina defends itself well, and the region also boasts a deep and fascinating cultural history – the product of mixing between Spanish, Argentine, and indigenous or Andean influences.
Indeed, anyone who travels through the northwest of Argentina, as well as northeast Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador will note unifying elements in regards to people, culture, artifacts, and architecture. An Argentina trip that starts in Mendoza and continues north to Salta and Jujuy provides insight into this captivating regional history, set amid a visual feast of incredible landscapes.
Mendoza
Readily accessible by air from Buenos Aires, Lima, or Santiago de Chile, Mendoza is the perfect starting point for a northern Argentina tour. The city feels like a laidback version of the Argentine capital and it’s easy to forget that it is smack in the middle of a desert. Mendoza offers an easy transition to the more rugged landscape that lies beyond its well-irrigated, tree-lined downtown area.
Within Mendoza, the cultural offerings include wine tourism and excellent dining options. For wine enthusiasts, the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival) occurs annually during the first weekend in March. During the rest of the year, there are several hundred bodegas (wineries) that offer world-class wine tasting and culinary options.
Mendoza is the place to sample Argentina’s increasingly famous wines.
For the adventure traveler, the nearby Andes Mountain range will beckon, and there are abundant opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and other activities, all within driving distance. From the nearby foothill community of Blanca Encalada, you can enjoy a 2-hour hike to Cerro Negro, a 6,800 foot (2,072 meter) mountain. Climbers can also try to tackle Cerro Aconcagua, 70 miles (112 km) from Mendoza, which, at 22,841 feet (6,962 meters), is the highest peak in the Americas. In the winter months, the nearby Las Leñas ski resort features excellent skiing options.
Salta
On the way to Salta, stop in La Rioja, a province host to Talampaya National Park, where you can find ancient petroglyphs dating from 10,000 BC, as well as stunning geological formations along the dry bed of what was once the Talampaya River.
Stunning geological formations are a highlight of a tour through northwestern Argentina.
Also within the park are the Cañon Arco Iris (Rainbow Canyon) and the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). The amazing water- and wind-formed landscape can be appreciated on foot, horse, or bike.
The Dali-esque, Cañon Arco Iris, or Rainbow Canyon, named after the dazzling multicolored hues of its rock formations.
Further north is Salta, the 8th largest city in Argentina and host to architectural treasures that bestow the city with an air of colonial charm. Around the city’s main square, travelers can find the Cathedral, the Cabildo (or city hall), and the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña, which houses the impressively preserved remains of 3 Inca children thought to have been human sacrifices in ancient indigenous rituals. A city tour of Salta includes visits to churches, convents, and other colonial monuments in the surrounding plazas and pedestrian streets. For panoramic views of Salta, a cable car takes passengers to the top of Cerro San Bernardo, which rises 1,400 feet (430 meters) above the city.
Salta, Argentina’s 8th largest city, bears a strong Spanish colonial influence most evident in its architecture.
Salta also provides a jumping off point for more outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a popular 217km (135 mi) rail route that can also be traversed by car. Sights and stops along the way include Campo Quijano, Quebrada del Toro, the pre-Inca city of Santa Rosa de Tastil.
Jujuy
In juxtaposition to the heavy Spanish influence visible in Salta, Jujuy’s culture and population are more heavily Andean. Quechua and Aymara groups have a profound and visible presence and travelers that arrive during a carnival can appreciate this community’s rich and living cultural traditions. The nearby sites of Tilcara, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Paseo de los Colorados, and the Salinas Grandes (salt lakes) boast must-see landscapes as well as pre-Inca ruins dating back several thousand years.
Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes provide a surreal setting of vast flat spaces bordered by foothills and interrupted by active salt mines.
From Jujuy, travelers can launch into further exploration of the region by venturing into Chile, Bolivia, or Peru. The region’s deep history and the remarkable vistas that it offers make it a worthy addition to any Argentina or South American travel package.
Category: Argentina, Destination Highlight
Uncornered Market is one of the Internet’s most popular travel blogs. Ambitious world travelers Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott have been on the road for the last 4 years, going through more than 65 countries, including some truly off the beaten path destinations such as Iran. Most recently in 2011, the pair traveled through much of Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, indulging in the color and spirit the world has to offer while sharing their most fabulous stories and photos with their online audience.
Despite all the things they have seen and done, Audrey tells us that their time spent in South America remains some of the most treasured memories. Here she shares some of her nostalgia and tips for traveling on the continent, hoping to inspire everyone to go see it for themselves.
The fragrant smells, colorful displays, and mingling local population found in South American food markets often make for eye-opening travel experiences.
1. What aspect of travel in South America has continued to be most memorable to you? The landscapes? The people? Aspects of the culture? The architecture? etc.
Most memorable has to be the people, of course. We have wonderful memories of getting lost in lively local markets learning about local foods and dishes from vendors. Landscape comes in as a close second. Some of our favorite landscapes include the salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) in Bolivia, Patagonian mountains and glaciers in Chile (Torres del Paine) and Argentina (El Chalten), mountains throughout Peru and Ecuador.
2. Have you had a chance to visit the 2 South American destinations that have recently been honored as part of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world: the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls? In what ways did they strike you?
We were at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest while in Bolivia and Peru but didn’t actually go into the Amazon. It’s still on our wishlist!
As for Iguazu Falls, we were blown away. We’re usually jaded when it comes to waterfalls, but Iguazu is like no other waterfall we’ve seen – it’s awesome to feel the mist from the falls on you and really feel the power of the water.
"Iguazu Falls is like no other waterfall we've seen."
3. If you had the chance to return to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, or Chile tomorrow, which would you choose and why?
Oooh, tough question! If I could only choose one, it would have to be Peru because we missed visiting Arequipa and trekking in Huayhuash during our last visit.
4. Which South American destination would you suggest to the nature lover? The urban city explorer?
For the nature lover, I’d suggest the Patagonian area of Chile, especially the northern areas near the Carretera Austral. We had the chance to travel quickly through there and not only was the landscape stunning, but there was no one around. It would be the perfect escape for a nature lover.
The 4-day journey from Tupiza to Uyuni going through the salt flats was also incredible; the colors were just surreal at times.
As for the urban city explorer, I’d suggest Buenos Aires for cosmopolitan, La Paz for funky, Quito for colonial beauty, Lima for food, and Santiago for markets and laid back feel.
Peru is known throughout South America and the world for its exceptionally developed and varied gastronomy. You can’t miss out on a fresh plate of ceviche or hearty meat sandwich during your Peru vacation!
5. Peru, and particularly Lima, has been earning spots on countless 2012 Gastronomy Capital honors in recent months. Where did you best enjoy food in South America?
Definitely Lima. We spent over three weeks there and could have stayed longer just to eat more Peruvian food. Loved the fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and tiradito, but also enjoyed causa, rocoto relleno, and so much more. Also, the fresh juices in Peru were addictive (and very cheap)!
Category: Amazon, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Interview, Peru
The Paracas National Reserve aims to protect and preserve a portion of the delicate biodiversity of Peru's coastal desert.
As nice as it is to have every convenience at your fingertips when you live in the center of the country’s capital, sometimes you just need to get out. If you’re in Lima, one of the best and subsequently most popular getaways is Paracas, an area teeming with natural and wildlife resources just 3 hours south of the metropolis. My friends and I only spent 1 day in Paracas as part of a greater weekend in the region as part of our overall Peru vacation, but it was definitely one to remember.
One of the main attractions that draws visitors to the quaint shoreside village is the Islas Ballestas that lie off its coast. This cluster of smaller islands is known to be one of the most dynamic and diverse homes for wildlife in the world, rivaling places such as the infamous Galapagos. Like many others, our plan was to take one of the dozens of morning boating excursions to get up close and personal with the Ballestas. However, our expectations fell apart because as it turned out, the sea had been uncharacteristically violent in recent days and it was not safe to venture out of the port for our Ballestas Islands tour. Instead, we took advantage of our time to visit another nearby attraction: the Paracas National Reserve.
The park was founded in 1975 and is the only protected marine area of Peru, home to colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingos, and many more species.
The national reserve could not have been more different from the oceanic Peru tour we had expected to embark on when we first arrived in Paracas. Rather, this protected park dives deep into Peru’s dry and sparse pampas desert and offers brilliantly soft golden, rocky expanses that particularly radiate in beauty when contrasted with the Pacific’s deep blue below its cliffs. This parched landscape was once the ocean floor, we were taught, and many prehistoric fossils have been unearthed in modern-day excavations. Our guide also carefully explained the names and significance of various species of exotic birds that flew around us throughout the day, and took us to see sights such as Playa Rojo (Red Beach) liked for its maroon-colored sands and the highlight of La Catedral, a large arched rock formation off the coast but now unfortunately stands destroyed by the deadly earthquake that shook Paracas in 2007. And of course, we visited the reserve’s stunning vista point where we saw dozens upon dozens of sea lions and penguins mingling amongst each other. Yes, this not-so-southern region of Peru is home to large colonies of Humboldt Penguins!
Overall, the Paracas National Reserve and its fascinating views of land, sea, and wildlife was an absolutely delightful break from the sounds and crowds of Lima, and well worth at least a day of your time on your Peru travel packages whether you want to relax or explore.
Category: Peru, Travel Tales
On January 6, officials from Peru’s national park and tourism agencies met with tour operators to discuss ways to develop Manu National Park as a top ecotourism destination in 2012. With financial backing from SERNANP, Peru’s national park service, the focus will be on maintaining and improving the infrastructure for hosting researchers and travelers, particularly in lodging, and also opening up new areas in the Amazon River Basin near Manu in order to better showcase the park’s exceptional biological diversity. These efforts are certain to motivate nature lovers to add a Manu or Amazon tour to any Peru vacation package.
In 2012, Peruvian park agencies will focus on developing Manu National Park as a destination for ecotourism.
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that places emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel to natural areas. Among its key objectives, the ecotourism ethos seeks to minimize human impact, maximize conservation, and when applicable to increase the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits to the human populations that inhabit the affected environments. This philosophy is particularly important in Manu National Park, especially as it continues to grow and develop as a tourist destination.
Manu National Park
Located where the Andes and the Amazon River meet in southwestern Peru, Manu National Park comprises 1.5 million hectares and is the country’s largest protected area. In 1977, Manu was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and in 1987, a World Heritage Site. One unique trait of Manu is the range of elevations or altitudes within the reserve. From the river lowlands located at 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, the mountainous rainforest areas and puna (grasslands) rise up to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) in some places. This characteristic creates distinct ecological zones and microclimates, resulting in the astounding natural bounty of flora and fauna in Manu.
This tiny critter is one of 140 species of amphibians that populate Manu National Reserve.
Efforts to catalogue Manu’s diversity of species have turned up mind-blowing numbers: over 15,000 species of plants have been identified, including 250 varieties of trees. The number of bird species is around 1,000, more than the total number in the U.S. and Canada combined. Among the 200 species of mammals are 14 types of monkeys and rare species like the giant otter and the giant armadillo. Manu is thus the perfect location from which to appreciate Peru’s animal diversity.
Crikey, a caiman! With so many species of plant and animal life in Manu, you never know what you’re likely to see if you keep your eyes open.
These exceptional attributes have made Manu an alluring site for researchers and nature travelers alike. As international attention continues to increase in the coming years, organized efforts to protect and responsibly develop Manu are of obvious importance, and the recent meeting of officials and tour operators was an important first step.
Currently, primary access to Manu is through Cusco, whether by air or ground, making it a fantastically exotic destination to add to your Machu Picchu travel packages. Tours of Manu feature a visit to the famous Cloud Forest, and can be customized to include trips to the clay lick where parrots and macaws congregate as well as jungle hikes. See our Amazon tour page, read our blog on Amazon destinations, or speak with one of our expert travel advisors for more details.
Category: Amazon, Peru, Travel News
What kinds of animals would you like to see during your Pantanal trip in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul?
Are you looking to visit a new South American destination unlike any you’ve already experienced? The state of Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil will hit your travel lusting spot. This region’s beauty is absolutely unmatched, with sunken water-filled caves, the most incredible wetlands on earth, and modestly-sized cities that showcase the best of Brazilian culture. Better yet for the traveler, Mato Grosso do Sul is just a short internal flight from the legendary Iguazu Falls that linger with the border of Argentina. Thanks to the tropical and subtropical climates, there is never a bad time to visit. January is the warmest month with the most rain, and July is the coolest.
What are you waiting for? Be sure to speak with your travel advisor to ensure these gorgeous locations in Mato Grosso do Sul are not left off your Brazil travel plans!
Go diving in Bonito’s underwater caverns to see magnificent wildlife hidden from landlubbers.
Bonito
The name says it all—“pretty” in Portuguese—and the town does not disappoint. Or rather, it is the municipality’s natural treasures that travelers go seeking for. This eco-tourism capital is just a short 180 miles (300 kilometers) from Mato Grosso do Sul’s capital, Campo Grande, and about 16 hours by bus from Iguazu Falls with a transfer in the middle. The Pantanal wetlands are also not too far away up in the northwest. A small airport makes travel easy for those with little time. A number of adventure tours can be booked on-site, but organizing something as part of a Brazil vacation package beforehand is generally less of a hassle.
Cavern diving is the most popular recreational activity to try in Bonito, especially in Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave) where the azure hues at more than 325 feet (100 meters) deep remain as clear as if they were at the surface, giving way to spectacular underwater fish performances. Snorkeling in the Rio da Prata (Silver River) is also an unforgettable experience putting you within arm’s reach of exotic wildlife.
Don’t miss out on a walk along Bonito’s forest trails and listen to the bird symphonies scattered throughout the dense foliage. The best time to visit Bonito is between December and March during the rainy season when everything is green and the rivers are swollen with possibilities.
Sunsets seen in the Pantanal wetlands are some of the most staggering in Brazil.
The Pantanal
The Pantantal wetland is so large that it actually spreads over both Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states. In fact, it dominates the international stage as the largest of its kind on earth and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. Perhaps the most visually appealing aspect of the expansive, 88,800 square mile (230,000 square kilometers) lowlands is the fact that it curves up on all sides, leading to various mountain ranges seen in the distance.
Seen from the air, the sapphire rivers that cut through the Pantanal contrasted with the rich greens of the flora is a spectacular sight indeed. Back down on earth, a slow cruise to observe the incredibly diverse ecosystem up close is a must-do experience during any Brazil holiday. Make your Pantanal tour reservation in nearby Campo Grande, or in the gateway town of Corumbá. See if you can spot some of the wetland’s endangered species during your trip, or go fishing between March and October!
Set in the middle of cattle country, the city of Campo Grande is a grand mixture of the traditional with the contemporary.
Campo Grande
As the largest and capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul with a metro area population of just about 1 million, Campo Grande is perhaps the most accessible destination in the state. The Campo Grande International Airport mainly caters to domestic flights, although a few fly to neighboring countries.
Located in the middle of the state, the city also well serves other favorite places such as Bonito and the Pantanal; Rio de Janeiro is just a 20-hour bus ride away if you have the time to traverse Brazil’s immense properties. Spend some time learning about the regional traditional lifestyles at the insightful Memorial da Cultura Indigena (Indigenous Culture) museum, as well as the Parish of San Francisco de Assis which stands as a respected icon in the old city.
Parque Ecológico do Sóter (Sóter Ecological Park) is a great place to spend an afternoon no matter what your age, skating along the walkways or maybe just lying in the soft grass. Finally, don’t forget to do your souvenir shopping at the House of the Craftsman or Barroarte Fair which have great varieties of delicately made artisan goods to choose from.
Category: Brazil, Destination Highlight
It was in 1978 that one of the most dangerous human challenges was made into an annual affair: The Dakar Rally. This year, for the fourth year in a row, Dakar has taken over South America and will pass through some of your favorite Argentina, Chile, and Peru travel destinations.
The idea for the event came about after French racer Thierry Sabine got lost in the Libyan desert of North Africa during an unrelated competition. During this time, he saw the potential that Europe and Africa’s dramatic geographies have for hosting an international rally race. However, political situations have made the intercontinental event too dangerous in some locations, so since 2009, Dakar has been moved to South America indefinitely.
The 14-day Dakar Rally brings together the top motorsports racers in the world to see who can race through the South American continent the fastest.
While many of us were still recovering from the previous night’s festivities on January 1, 2012, the top racers around the world were just getting ready to embark on a 14-day journey through the most desolate and extreme environments on the continent. In the last 3 years, Dakar had always been a roundtrip path between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chile. This year, the rally started in Mar del Plata, Argentina and will continue upwards before ending in Lima, Peru.
Try to catch a glimpse of the racers as they blast through Argentina, Chile, and Peru’s top destinations, but be careful to stay off the road!
The motorsports event is regarded as a true rally where authentic off-road vehicles, as opposed to modified commercial automobiles, roar through the countryside conquering severe terrain. Dakar 2012 racers—who compete in 4 classes namely car, truck, motorcycle, and quads—will cover up to a staggering 500-560 miles (800-900 kilometers) per day for a total of 5,281 miles (8,500 kilometers). Because of the countless tests of nature that the vehicles endure, many of the motor industry’s top brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagon, Hummer, Honda, and Yamaha like to sponsor and showcase that their products are as well-built and dependable as advertisements claim.
The harsh desert along Peru’s Pacific coastline is forecasted to be one of the biggest challenges in the second week of the race.
If you have free time on your Peru holidays, following Dakar through its first time in the country will surely add some unique thrills to your vacation memories. The group of 465 vehicles will arrive in the capital city of Lima on January 15, 2012 after passing through popular destinations to the south such as Arequipa, Nazca, and Pisco. In fact, is it speculated that two of the most difficult sections will be the 152 miles (246 kilometers) between Arequipa and Nazca, and the 171 miles (276 kilometers) between Nazca and Pisco (famous for being the birthplace of Peru’s iconic grape brandy) due to the rough conditions and intense dune sizes of the coastal Peruvian desert.
Also, if you hurry, you can even catch the Dakar 2012 competitors as part of your Chile vacation. From January 7 to 9, the rally will pass through beautiful sections of northern Chile such as Antofagasta, Iquique, Copiapó, and Arica.
Category: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Travel News
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the subject of many an article. As such, it can be difficult to find new things to say about this incredible destination. However, despite anything you can read or any pictures you can see about this magical site, nothing rivals an actual visit. So we’d like to share some travel tips and show you how easy it can be to visit.
Day 1: Arrive to Peru & Fly to Cusco
Machu Picchu may seem like a far away, unreachable destination, but on the contrary, it’s very accessible. Even if you don’t have much time, you can easily organize your trip and check it off your travel list for 2012 in just a weekend! International flights arrive in the airport in Lima, the hectic and vibrant capital of Peru. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Cusco. The flight is only a little over 1 hour to reach the magnificent former capital of the Inca Empire where you can spend the night and relax.
Day 2: Visit Cusco
In Cusco, you’ll revel in the myriad luxury hotels, delicious restaurants, and most of all, the impressive architecture. From the grandiose Cathedral and tall, resplendent church of La Compania de Jesus on the main square, to the marvelous Inca stonework of the Korikancha temple and 12 Stone Wall, Cusco is one of the highlights of any Peru vacation. It is best to spend at least one day in Cusco to get acclimatized to the altitude and visit its many wonders before you start on your Machu Picchu travel adventure.
Day 3: Machu Picchu & Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Rise early and catch the train to Machu Picchu for one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life! You can take the train around 5 a.m. in Cusco and reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, in about 4.5 hours. From here, Machu Picchu is only a quick 20-minute bus ride away. The train and bus ride themselves make for an incredible journey through the beautiful highlands of Peru.
You’ll arrive in the morning at the ruins and have the entire day to explore the site. If you wish to learn more about the history of this majestic fortress and its former inhabitants, it’s best to hire a guide who will provide you with all details and insights you can ask for because there are no informational signs on display among the ruins. Tours generally last around 2 hours, leaving you time afterwards to explore the ruins on your own. Don’t forget to hike up to the Sun Gate, the highest point of the archeological site, for the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean range.
Once you’ve had your fill of the ruins, just hop on a bus down to Aguas Calientes and catch a train back. For a full Machu Picchu holiday experience, stop in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, once the mighty empire’s agricultural breadbasket. You can also visit the impressive Inca fortress that still sits in this small village and relax in the beautiful Andean countryside before returning to Cusco.
Day 4: Return to Cusco & Fly to Lima
In the morning, you can take the train to Cusco and fly back to Lima to catch you flight back home. If you have some time to spare, make sure to hop into town and take a look at Lima’s modern Miraflores district for some shopping, or the historic district to admire the colonial architecture. International flights often depart at night so you may even have time to try some of the delicious restaurants in town. We recommend Astrid y Gaston for a full Peruvian gastronomic experience, or the restaurant at the Huaca Pucllana ruins.
Read more about how to get to Machu Picchu or contact one of our travel advisors to start planning your trip today!
Category: Destination Highlight, Peru
In April 2011, I had the opportunity to combine two of my passions: travel and trail running. San Martín de Los Andes, a small mountain town (population 24,000) in Argentine Patagonia, played host to the annual Patagonia Run, with options to run 10K, 21K, 42K (marathon), or a monster 84K. Me: I’m no wimp and I’m not scared of mountains. My last race prior to this one was a 50K in Yosemite. But in the months leading up to the race, I was living and training in Buenos Aires, a city with a conspicuous lack of mountains, so I played conservatively and chose to tackle the 21K.
It’s a 2 hour flight to get from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, a small city at the foot of the Andes which has the region’s largest and most accessible airport. From Bariloche, we rented a car to drive to San Martín de los Andes, 190 kilometers distant. For travel in Argentina between these 2 places, I recommend taking this road trip simply for the opportunity to see the dazzling Patagonian landscape along the way.
Argentina's well-maintained and extensive road system makes it easy to enjoy a roadtrip on a Patagonia vacation. Enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes on the road!
The Setting
Picturesque is an understatement; Patagonia is more like breathtakingly beautiful. A blanket of forest covers the mountains and snow may be found year-round atop the highest peaks. The dark blue color of the lake water hints at its icy cold temperature, which even in hottest summer months peaks at 14°C (57°F). This April, the Patagonian fall was in full force, beginning to dovetail toward winter, and cold winds, harsh but invigorating, whipped through the trees and coaxed the lake waters into gentle waves. Taken as a whole, the glacier-carved landscape is exquisite.
Heading north on the well-paved Route 231, the enormous Nahuel Huapi Lake served as our continuous boundary to the east. We stopped for lunch in the quaint town of Villa La Angostura (population 11,000), which boasts excellent local craft brews and deer stew. From there, we continued along Route 234, also known as “La ruta de los siete lagos” (or 7 Lakes Road), named after the 7 lakes that you pass along the way. There was one length of road which was under repair at the time, and we tossed and tumbled over pebbled, rain-soaked roads for about an hour, but this was the only rough spot before the final smooth entry into San Martín de los Andes. In total, we traversed 190 kilometers (118 miles) in about 4 hours, including the stop for lunch, as well as the washing machine simulacrum on Route 234. (On the way back we took the less lovely, but better maintained, Route 40 back to Bariloche and made the 260 kilometer-trip, or 160 miles, in about 3 hours.)
With this sublime landscape before you, it's easy to forget you have 10 miles to go.
The Race
San Martín de los Andes presented its best face on race day: scattered cirrus clouds, temperatures in the single Celsius digits (low 40s Fahrenheit) early in the morning, warming up to ‘teens (low 60s Fahrenheit) later in the day. My Argentine co-competitors in the 21K were absolutely friendly, there were aid stations every 6 kilometers for refueling and hydration, the race course was sufficiently beautiful to distract one from its challenging bits, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
A unique crossing of the finish line. I wonder what the guy behind me was thinking.
The Finish
In the past, I’ve found that plotting a creative finish is an energizing distraction from the doubts and recriminations (such as: why did I do this to myself, can’t I just walk this part, this kind of hurts, I should’ve trained better, etc.) that creep into my brain in those agonizing moments of a race before the end is in sight. Anticipation thus replaces self-reproach.
Final kilometer: I pass a distressed multitude of variously limping, walking, suffering Argentines, while the cheers of spectators at the finish grow audibly.
50 meters: I dig deep (suppressing as best as possible my limp, desire to walk, and suffering). Quick check behind me to make sure I’m clear.
Mere centimeters: Full stop. Hands on the ground, balance weight on knees, head to the ground, engage core strength (thank you, yoga), extend legs into a full headstand, and lacking further strength, falling/rolling onto my back, landing on my buttocks. My race photographer snapped the prep and the landing, but unfortunately did not catch the actual headstand!
Nonetheless, it was pretty awesome. The ideal race conditions, the beautiful Patagonian setting, and my respectable ranking (30th in my group) combined to make this Argentina vacation an experience I’ll never forget. Throughout, I was reminded of why I love to run on mountains and why I love to travel.
Category: Argentina, Travel Tales
