The Geysers is a spectacular phenomena which you can only behold in the early morning high up in the mountains. It is an all together amazing experience, being up before sunrise, in a beautiful basin high up in the mountains, watching the geysers pour out the ground, and with a refreshing morning temperature of -9C (not kidding!) The tour is well worth the money, and we locked out with a great guide!
Our hostess had already prepared hot water with Coca-leaves for the high altitude when we awoke some minutes before 4 AM. A little drowsy still, we huddled up the best we could in the bus to enjoy the hour and a half of sleep as we climbed to an altitude of ~4500 m (San Pedro is at ~2200m). When the sun started to illuminate the basin we were finally arriving at El Tatio. We could already see the geysers in the distance, with a height up to 10 m and a temperature around 85C (just perfect for a Uruguayan "Mate", as someone pointed out!)
Pictures say more than a thousand words...
And then, the sun finally rose above the crest, and the temperature instantly started rise from negative to a comfortable positive in a few minutes. Just in time for some hot coffee and a sandwich that the tour had prepared for us. - A truly unforgettable breakfast!!
When the geysers started to diminish and we were all fed and a bit warmer, we headed over to a natural hot spring for those who wanted to take a morning swim. - Naturally, there was no doubt that this had to be done!
(Photo evidence will be uploaded asap!)
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| My beautiful companions, Carola & Luisa |
I was awestruck by the amazing flora and fauna we witnessed on the way back. Such bright and clear colors of blue and yellow. The Vicuñas roaming freely in this remote landscape high up in the mountains, a fox stopped by the side of the road, and we saw some flamingos settled in a pound beside the road. In the distance we could see the vast salt flats, and on the horizon the numerous volcanoes in the area.
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| Flamingos! |
Also, the land was navigated by the Inkas during their era. The volcanoes were visited for spiritual rituals, and road marks were left behind to find the way.
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| Although we found the Inkan way-mark, we were not in agreement about the way onward |
Still we made it back at the hostel at around noon for a well deserved siesta! Sometimes it actually pays off rising up early in the morning! ...
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