South America - landscapes
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Formerly the bottom of the prehistoric lake formed in the high plateau between the Occidental and the Royal range shared between Bolivia and Peru. This area now has an attraction very different from the numerous Inka remains. The flat clay was transformed by underground rivers and torrential rain and wind and the area now boasts strangely shaped pinnacles and deep winding canyons consisting of sedimentary clay, volcanic ashes and the occasional congregation of gravel and pebbles. Some of the towering clay pillars have been named according to their appearances but the real draw here is just walking around in this bizarre landscape, whether you think it looks like the moon or not...
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On the San Gil – Bucaramanga road, route 45A |
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Colombia's Grand Canyon. A gorgeous canyon with a river cutting through at the bottom almost 2000 meters below. The slopes are steep and covered in wonderfully shaped cactuses. It is now possible to take in the beauty by classy cable car, else the winding road that traverses the canyon will give excellent views from both the summit and bottom. The serious hairpin turns seem never-ending and are either to-die-for for motorcyclists or sickening for those stuck in a bus. It is just one of those splendid routes that Colombia has so many of.
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The largest lake in Colombia and located at semi high elevation at 3000m. It is an enchanting place, where clouds come rolling in from the surrounding hills to lie low over the cold water. Any road to here is winding and takes you through tough farmland and rough villagers (like Cuitiva, Iza and Tota). The local farmers all sport ponchos, wide brim hats and sunburned cheeks. There is even a "Playa Blanca" at the shore of the lake with sand and space for camping under the pine and eucalyptus trees.
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A beautiful drive from Riobamba |
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The volcano Chimborazo (6310m) is not only the highest mountain in Ecuador, but the summit is also the farthest point from center of Earth. It is inactive and can be scaled year round on a climbing tour. In the summer when the snow has receded and only the ice cap at the summit is left, it is possible to drive all the way up to the first refugio at 4800m. Even if you are not planning to climb Chimborazo, it is worth taking the journey out there for the surroundings are beautiful rough Andes highlands with grazing vicuñas (a kind of llama).
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Cotopaxi's prefect shaped, snow capped cone has made it the most famous volcano in Ecuador. Though the height is impressive 5897m, it is only the second highest summit in the country after volcano Chimborazo (6310m). Though Cotopaxi is still considered active (last eruption was in 1975), the summit is a very popular climbing peak that can be reached by altitude fit people in company with a mountain guide and suitable gear.
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Laguna Quilotoa is an impressive crater lake at the elevation of whooping 3800m. The diameter of the volcano crater is 3km and apparently the depth is 250m. The water is deep green which turns to psychedelic wasabi green along the shore. Just to top off the picture-perfect view, several snowcapped volcanoes are dotting the horizon. Getting here can be rough, but the trip goes through the most lovely high altitude countryside, where the mountain slopes are cultivated by tough farmers. Not just a place at altitude, but also attitude.
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A trip to here is more than just viewing the tallest waterfall in the world (979m), it is an amazing journey through one of the most spectacular landscapes on the globe. A tour will normally start with a flight into the small indigenous village of Canaima about 50km from the falls. The surprisingly nice setting will for sure impress you (think lake, waterfalls and palms in the most cliche way). From here the trip goes upstream in a canoe zigzagging through small rapids and escaping big boulders. The sheer sides of the ever present huge tepuis (tabel mountain) of "God of Evil" will be leading the way into Devil's Canyon, where Angel Falls are plunging over the edge at the very top. Even with a trek up to the base of the falls, it is hard to grasp the gigantic size. Don't consider the narrow belt of water as the highlight, but merely a grand final of a great trip.
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The highest road pass in Venezuela |
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Many don't realise that the Andes actually stretches into Venezuela, but the country is home to a pocket of high altitude peaks including Pico Bolivar (5007m), the highest point in Venezuela. There are many gorgeous treks in the area's two national parks of Sierra Nevada de Merida and Sierra La Culata, but the Venezuelans themselves seem to prefer to ascent into the heights without have to trek. They drive up to Condor Pass (4007m), the highest road in the country, to pose in front of the splendid views. Join them for a day out and see if you get tempted to do as the local macho chicos do, pose bare chested (men only though) for it is cold up here. And no, you can't see any condors here.
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On the border of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana |
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A table mountain (so-called tepuis or tepuy) and the highest in Venezuela (2810m). This flat-topped mountain with free-dropping edges is an amazing trek into another world. The top has been cut off from the rest of the world for millions of years, which means plant and animal life have developed independently. It is a strenuously multi-days trek up to a lost world of strange rock formations surrounded by clouds. A walk to the edge offers spectacular views to other table mountains like neighbouring Kukenan. A brave peek over the edges will get anyone dizzy for the drop is more than 400 meters. Some locals believe that Roraima and Kukenan have supernatural powers and that they are centres for metaphysical phenomena like crystal energy and UFO activities, which just add to the mystery of the place. This is truly an unique experience, which should not be missed.
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