Day 107: Tuesday 14th October - Arriving at Estancia Huechahue too sore too ride! Arrive at Estancia Huechahue shortly before midday, after a short hop (3 hours, but that is short in Patagonia) north from Bariloche on the bus. The bus driver has no clue where Huechahue is evidently when I ask him, although I confirmed yesterday when I bought the ticket that the bus passes the Estancia (ranch). Fortunately I spot the miniscule sign to the Estancia from the road and get dropped off just 200 metres past the entrance, otherwise I would have arrived at the next town 25km away! Met by Carrie when I arrive, who although Argentinian speaks exceptional English. She helps me out by booking my 2 flights with LADE for later in Patagonia, I´m lucky as the reservations had expired. ... read more

Day 98: Sunday 5th October - Arriving in Rapa Nui and climbing up to Rano Kau I need a guy in the bunk below to wake me as I end up sleeping through two alarms. Fortunately I make my flight but I feel rough on the taxi ride to the airport and also sat about the airport.....maybe it wasn't a good idea staying up drinking to the early hours?! The flight leaves at 8am and it is five and a half hours to Easter Island, which although a Chilean territory, is almost 4000km from the coast of South America. Easter Island happens to be the most isolated place on earth, being almost 2000km to the nearest inhabited island. The airline which is the Chilean national airline, LAN, is very good. One of the best airlines I've ... read more

Day 94: Wednesday 1st October - Arty Valparaiso Have a frustratingly long walk to my hostel after getting off the bus. Its in Cerro Conception, one of the hillsides that are the trademark of Valparaiso. First its a deceptively long walk along the main avenue in Valparaiso before I miss the entrance to the lift up the hillside and have to trudge up the next road leading up their on foot. Once in Cerro Conception I can't find the hostel, and walk up and down the street for a good 10 minutes, passing the entrance to the lane where the hostel is on a few times! After viewing an alternative choice I end up going with my original which is up a colourful lane and is a large turn of the century house, part of which ... read more

Day 88: Thursday 25th September - Getting to Uyuni Feel much better after a good night's sleep....though struggle to get out of bed today. I think its because I've got a 6 hour bus journey to look forward to and then a tour to book...which is never the most fun. My lower back's also sore after a day's horse riding....and I know it'll be worse tomorrow before it improves. Have breakfast with some English & Irish girls and boys in the hostel before leaving Tupiza at 10am. The bus journey passes through some spectacular scenery on the way to Uyuni (pronounced Uni), and also meets a few obstacles in the road in the shape of roads being constructed or blocked due to roadworks!! When we reach Atocha at 2.30pm (which on the map is half way ... read more

Day 85 - Monday 22 September: Getting lost in Potosi Arrive at Potosi at 4pm, which at 4060m is the highest city in the world. Doesn't look far from the bus station to the hostel I want to stay at so start to walk. Bad decision. Walking steeply uphill at 4km above sea level and getting lost severtal times on the way isn't good for the mood after a 3 hour bus journey. Can't be bothered to explore the city today, and again the hostel is quiet so its dinner out alone. Bump into the GAP tour group again in the restaurant, where I decide to go local cuisine, having a fillet steak in a spicy stew...its good. Book my tour to the silver mine for tomorrow morning, which was the main reason in coming to ... read more