Stage Five - Lima, Peru to Santiago, Chile
February 6 - 15, 1997
Date: February 6, 1997 (Lima, Peru)
I received word from Oscar Alvarado that he was unable to arrange an extension for my vehicle permit. This meant that if I crossed the border of Peru into Chile later than February 12th - I may run into problems. The last thing I needed was to have the van impounded.
I flew from Toronto to Lima on the 6th of February. Leaving at 7:50 AM I arrived at 11:30 PM. The holdover in Houston was a killer (nothing against Texans). A driver from Noranda (the company Oscar works for) picked me up to take me to the Alvarado's. Mirabel was waiting and as I arrived at their house (now 12:30 AM the next day) a party was in full progress. Within minutes a Pisco Sour (Peruvian Drink) and a cervasa (Beer) were in my hands. At 5:30 AM (yes, that's right) I called it quits. I had just spent 23 hours straight flying, waiting and partying. I knew I had some serious driving days ahead of me (alone) so I kept saying to myself - why are you doing this, Lance? I did actually think Mirabel would have been disappointed if I wasn't ready to party.
Date: February 7 - 9, 1997 (Lima - Border of Chile)
The southern part of Peru is much more scenic than the North. I had planned on driving to Nasca but drove another 160 kms into the night. The roads were good and for the most part fairly straight. I wish I could have stayed in Nasca and flown over the Nasca lines. These are huge lines in the landscape that depict symbols and animals. Best seen by flying over them, this is one of Peru's biggest tourist attractions. (The theory is alien beings helped develop or build these lines). Next time.
I camped out in Chanel by a hotel and the next morning decided to put some serious miles in. The road switched from coastal to in land - with the coastal having some spectacular scenery. Much more beautiful than any other coastal area in Peru. This turned out to be much more scenic then Northern Chile.
Arriving at Tecna, Peru around 8:00 PM - I decided to drive at night again. I realized that driving at night is not that advisable - but I knew the border crossing would not be busy at 9:30 PM. I made the right decision as I cleared the border with very few hassles or waiting time. I spent the night in Arica, Chile.
Date: February 9 - 12, 1997 (Northern Chile - Santiago)
What lied ahead of me was 2,000 kms of grueling and hot driving. I had made arrangements to meet my contact in Santiago (Susan Hardy - Noranda Office Chile) on Feb. 12th. The road ahead was through the Atacama Desert. This section of about 1250 kms/750 miles, was to be the most desolate section I had been on so far. The landscape looked baked and tortured from the heat. Inside the van it was 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). I didn't dare turn the air conditioner on for fear of taxing the engine any more than it already was. I had the windows open, vents full and drove in my swim suit. Still it was extremely hot. If the VW had a problem here, I would have had some serious issues for myself and the van. No gas stations or rest areas in this desolate part of Chile. I was relieved once I got to some sort of civilization and a gas station.
La Serena is a resort city about 450 kms. north of Santiago. I had driven extra miles the day before to allow time to enjoy this city. The Plasa de Armas (central plaza) is beautifully landscaped and the city bustling with tourists. This was their summer season and the beaches were packed. I had a chance to rejuvenate and actually enjoy a meal. I also found a Cyber Cafe and sent some email messages. this resort area was well worth the visit.
I arrived in Santiago just as rush hour was growing. Trying to navigate my way through a big city not knowing exactly where (just kind of where) my hotel was, was a difficult task. Stopping several times, to check my location and ask directions, allowed me to eventually get there. Not having a navigator along made the job much more difficult.
Susan Hardy from the Noranda Office had booked me into the Apart Hotel in the Los Cones section of Santiago. This is the area where wealthy Chileans and small businesses are located. Metro (subway) goes through this section and provides very quick access to downtown Santiago.
Date: February 12 - 15, 1997 (Santiago)
My plan was to gather information for the final leg to Ushuaia (the city at the bottom of South America) and to finalize arrangements for shipping the van back to Canada. I visited Auto Clubs, embassies, tourist offices, travel agencies to collect this information. I learned how the Metro system works first hand.
I met Pedro Chanceaulme at the Turismo Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn is at the bottom of South America) travel agency. He had traveled extensively in the Patagonia area and knew the roads and attractions that we should not miss. He was a great help to me in planning a realistic time table for the journey.
I also met with Jose Besa the customer service representative for CSVA Shipping Company. He was amazed to learn about the trip and had all the paper work done by the next morning. In South American terms that is truly amazing.
With books, magazines and shipping contract in hand I headed back to Canada to get back to work and start making final preparations for the return (with all the family) and completion of the trip.
Posts from this trip.
I want to say this is the road from hell but I know we have many more miles to go. This winding, hairpin filled road traverses the top of the Sierra de Juarez Mountain. Several times we drove in and out of the clouds. In one spot we came upon a serious truck accident that had traffic backed up. There were mangos and papayas all over the place. I'm not sure the driver made it.
