Visiting the Chilean Andes Mountains for the First Time
This summer I had the chance to visit and write about the Andes Mountains for Santiago Tourist, an independent guide to Santiago. The awesome part about it was that it was my first time experiencing the Andes up close.
From Santiago and most places in Chile, you can always see the Andes Mountain Range from afar, and during the winter they’re even more spectacular with their snow-capped peaks. On a clear day in the summer from Santiago, look just as breathtaking but barren and naked.
El Plomo in the distance, the mountain of eternal snow sitting at 5,434 m. (17,783 ft) which once formed the Inca Trail.
I thought it would be sort of boring to see them in the summer, in comparison with visiting them in the winter for skiing, but I was wrong! There’s a lot to do – hiking, rafting, camping, horseback riding, and all sorts of other summer activities.
Another tourist overlooking the valley below…epic.
On this particular trip, I went with Turistik and took their Andes Panoramic Tour. We took a scenic 1.5 hour ride from Santiago to Valle Nevado and the ride there was definitely part of the experience as we saw the gradual change from lush valley to dry mountains dotted with streams and wild flora and fauna.
My favorite part was getting to see the details that you can’t see from the valley, like the condors soaring overhead, streams, horses and cows roaming the mountain sides, flowering cacti, wild flowers, and the different colors of the mountains ranging from browns to reds and greens.
There are over 500 species of flora in the Andes Mountains, one-third of which are endemic.
Horses grazing
Read the post about Visiting the Andes on Santiago Tourist here.
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Absolutely beautiful. I would have opted summer over winter, the rest of my family not so much.
Rhonda Albom recently posted…Volvo Ocean Race Around the World – New Zealand Stopover
I still have yet to learn how to ski, so I also prefer the summer activities too!
Crystal recently posted…Panoramas en ValparaÃso: Este Finde (13-15 Mar)
Absolutely beautiful. I could do both seasons with a little tendency towards winter
Paula McInerney recently posted…Don’t be afraid to ask a question? #wkendtravelinspiration
I love summer, but only if it’s not too hot. So, but winter is all snow and boy do I love flowers. Your red ones are pretty cool looking. Do you know the name of them?
Corinne recently posted…Cherry Blossom Time in Japan
What amazing scenery! Love the photos too, they make the place really come alive.
Rachel@safari254 recently posted…The Sands at Chale Island Resort
We have visited Chile a number of times and never tire of the beautiful scenery.
Lyn@thetravellinglindfields recently posted…How to wreck a bike! (part 2).
Amazing. I love all mountains, but the Andes are special. Thanks!
Margherita Ragg recently posted…Two Seasons in Suomenlinna