El Sur

The past few weeks have been spent relaxing and eating with family at the beach, the farm or in the mountains. Always thinking ahead, I swung by Chile´s version of Canadian Tire to pick up an $18 tent before heading up into the Cordillera to spend New Years with the family in Valle Rio Puelo.

Cancura, Grandmother´s farm.

El Salto, Llanada Grande, Valle Puelo

When the whole family left, I hired a guide, Juan ´Mentira´ Martinez for a cabalgata (horse trek) through some beautiful mountain valleys. What I didn´t expect was such a cultural experience. Juan used to live in this valley so every farm we passed (about 2 per day) we would stop in for a couple rounds of mate amargo. At one friend´s house we were given a sack with a dead goat inside. Menu for the next 4 days: Asado al palo de chivo con pan.

Lago Vidal Gormaz

Juan left me in the magnificent Junta del Rio Cochamo (one of South America´s up and coming rock climbing spots) where I camped out with some chilean backpackers for 5 days.

Cerro Arcoiris with Martin. Yes I´m wearing 2 pairs of glasses.