The bus
This is the bus from Santiago to MEndoza, Argentina. We are at the border crossing. Everyone has to deboard the bus, wait ina line, get your passport stamped andt hen get back on the bus. That process usually takes 1-2 hrs. Good thing it is summer because if was winter, you would freeze your butt off. The trip takes about 6-7 hrs and the route winds through the Andeas mountains. It is an incredible view, lots of switchbacks with big buses and semi-trucks. A bit nerve wracking but we made it.
Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while Araucanian Indians inhabited central and southern Chile; the latter were not completely subjugated until the early 1880s. Although Chile declared its ind... ... read more 
