Day 9: Geysers and more!

(this tour occurred in the San Pedro last weekend, I have just taken a while to write about it)

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After a late night at the star tour, we began the day early once again with a 5am pick up!

1. Geysers:

Upon arriving, the temperature was -7 C and we quickly realized that we were underdressed. Through a combination of calisthenics, comraderie, and the promise of another egg sandwich breakfast we were able to overcome the cold and explore the geyser park.

Although I was disappointed to learn one does not touch the geysers, nor is it recommended to even spend a long time in their steam (due to the gases present and also the condensation on clothes can make one even colder), they were still very cool.

The study and characterization of this geyser field has been difficult because it is at a significantly higher elevation compared to most other geyser fields (in fact, we were warned against our calisthenics because the guide was worried that in trying to warm ourselves we would over-exert ourselves and pass out due to the low oxygen content).

2. Hot spring pool:

We went to a hot spring where we actually were allowed to go in, unfortunately we had forgotten our swim suits in Santiago so Kate and I just waded a bit.

3. “Mud Geyser":

I’m not sure if there is a more technical term for this that was not shared with us, but our guide called it a mud geyser.

4. Andean flora and fauna observation stop:

A tranquil lake/pond where we could observe more vicuñas, flamencos, and Coot birds (Taguas in Spanish). While I was upset that mother nature was upholding such archaic gender norms - the sounds were very funny to listen to.

5. Machuca:

A very small town called Machuca. A small and beautiful church, goat cheese empanada, and some alpacas.

6. Beautiful look out points hit on the way back to San Pedro:

Much thanks is owed to our awesome guides and tour group friends who took photos of us in these amazing places!

Since I’m the last to post, I’ll do a quick reflection of the whole weekend. It was amazing, jammed packed, but every second worth it. Every scene (paisaje) we saw was so different than any landscape I have seen before. It was also very fun to get to know the other travelers we crossed paths with and hear their ‘expedition’ stories.