Words cannot describe the power and beauty of Iguazu. Sprawling waterfalls line the cliffs of Iguazu National Park. I visited the Argentinian side of the falls where you are able to walk so close to the falls that its hard not to feel insignificant. I lived close to Niagara Falls on the border of Canada for the past two years and I am sorry to say that Niagara is nothing compared to the immenseness of Iguazu. To feel the falls true power we took a boat ride under the falls and it defenitely was an experience in itself. The stregnth of [View Full Entry]

---

---

I arrived in Tafi del Valle with Chris from France and Tobias from Denmark. The three of us had heard that Tafi would be a relaxing place in the hills. Tafi is said to be a gaucho town, the cowboy area of Argentina. It was a nice place, but the weather was not in our favor. We set out in the morning on a hike as the weather looked somewhat clear. About an hour and a half into our walk the sky darkened and poured on us. Unlucky for us we were out in the open with no trees to take [View Full Entry]

---

---

From Valparaiso I headed back into Argentina to the city of Mendoza. I left on an early morning bus to cross The Andes. I was told by some friends that the bus ride would be unforgettable. They were right. Outside of Santiago, the road leading to the Andes crossing is lined by trees and rivers. The Andes are gorgeous. Following the road twisting and turning we climbed high into the mountains to a tunnel that would lead us to the Argentinian side. We passed mountains covered with snowcaps. The immense features of The Andes are breathtaking. The phrase "The grass is [View Full Entry]

---

---

If you love the arts, Valparaiso is the city for you. About two hours north west of Santiago, Valparaiso sits on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Filled with cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways painted with beautiful artwork it is a city like no other in Chile. Walking around here is like walking through an art gallery. No matter which direction you choose to go, you are bound to find original pieces at every corner. The city here is not what I would have pictured to be a South American or let alone a Chilean city. It reminds me more of [View Full Entry]

---

---

It may have been a death wish, but either way it was an experience! After some convincing by a group of Brazilians the night before, the five of us decided to get tickets for the Colo Colo vs. Sport football match. Colo Colo is one of Santiagos local teams and Sport is a team from the north of Brazil. We decided to sit with our Brazilian friends in the their section. We figured there would be more energy from the visiting team as they were not favored to win but came so far to see the match. Colo Colo stadium is [View Full Entry]

---

---

When I look back to my time in Pichilemu I will remember it for two reasons. Not only was it here where I surfed for the first time, but it was also my first time in the Pacific Ocean. Pichilemu is a beach town about three hours south of Santiago. The town here is packed with surfers as well as vacationers looking to get away from the city. An eight minute drive takes you to Punta de Lobos, an internationally known surfing beach famous for its giant waves. In the winter here, waves can reach between 8 to 10 meters high. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Following the trek up the Villarrica Volcano I decided to stay a bit longer in Pucon. I really did like this town. Some people I had met had suggested that I skip it because of its pricey shops and touristy feel, but I myself really enjoyed my time in Pucon. I met Mickey and Moshiko in my hostel. Both were traveling together and had just really begun. We walked around the town, talked about our lives, and enjoyed the markets. We decided to go horseback riding the next day. The three of us met Dana and Noa during our horseback riding [View Full Entry]

---

---

After two days of hanging around in Pucon under grey skys and rain, the horizon finally cleared to the site of the Villarrica Volcano. The Villarrica Volcano is an active Volcano situated outside of the town Pucon where I have come to stay for a week or so. Myself and my four friends woke early to setoff on the trek up Villarrica. To climb the Volcano you must be with a guide and have the proper equipment as the conditions in the high altitude can turn for the worse very quickly. We got our gear together and headed to the base [View Full Entry]

---

---

We arrived in Puerto Natales with the intention of getting out bags in order and heading out the following morning to begin the 8 day circuit around the Torres del Paine. In getting my stuff in order I realized how much I underestimated this hike. I did not have the propper cold weather gear. Coming from Chalten and Calafate I also wanted to take a day to relax. I left my four Israeli friends the next day and walked around town looking to meet some people. I met four locals who I ended up going out with for the next two [View Full Entry]

---

---

The ride down from El Chalten to El Calafate was quicker than I had thought it would be. I traveled down to Calafate with a group of four Israelis who I have become good friends with. We decided when we arrived to rent a car and head to the Perito Moreno Glacier for sunset. In fact, we decided to rent the car with five other people who would take the car from us and go for the sunrise. This really minimized the cost and allowed us to get into the park without paying the entrace fee. It really is the best [View Full Entry]

---

---