We had an early start flying to Calama which is 900 miles north of Santiago. There were spectacular views of the snow covered Andes all the way. There was absolutely no people or animals all the way and almost no plants. We were met at the airport and driven a 100 kilometres north to San Pedro de Atacama. This area is mining and there were signs of mines visible from the road. The road climbed steadily without many twists and bends to over 3000 metres before desc...

After a long but uneventful flight we have arrived in Santiago. After flying for 12 hours it is strange to arrive before you left! Santiago is only 3 hours behind UK time in the summer here and five hours in the winter. The guide who met us at the airport told us it has not rained for 3 months and is not expected to rain until April. Less than 30 minutes later as I write this it is poring and thunder is echoing!