South America

Recently I returned from an amazing cruise around South America, starting in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima. Although I have travelled to South America several times in the past, I’ve always wanted to circle a continent in one trip. This was not a photographic adventure in which I sought out the best light or locations. My images do depict the diversity found within four countries with a shared early history of Spanish colonization. The below images are ordered more or less in the order photographed, to provide the progression from Argentina and Uruguay, to Chile and Peru.

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Tango, of course. The dance was developed in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Montevideo's Independence Square. We are now in Uruguay, almost directly across the water from Buenos Aires.

Ushuaia, Argentina, said to be the southern-most city in the world: Fin del Mundo, end of the world

Punta Arenas. Scenic overlook at the top of the city. A very steep climb up but with a wonderful pub right across the street. Pisco sours after a hard climb. Perfect!!!

I took a 4-wheel drive tour into the mountains beyond Ushuaia, and then went hiking

Punta Arenas. Notice the architecture. Rather unexpected at the bottom of the world. Very European.

Osorno volcano, near Puerto Montt, Chile.

Osorno volcano, near Puerto Montt, Chile. I returned to this area to specifically hike up the volcano. On a previous trip I just stopped and took a snapshot.

Petrohue falls, near Puerto Montt, Chile, at the base of the volcano.

Valparaiso, Chile, an historic port city.

Valparaiso. The building glass mimics the art.

Valparaiso. Every neighborhood has the same thing in common. Street art.

Atacama desert, Chile. The driest nonpolar desert in the world, and the second driest after dry valleys found in Antarctica.

Atacama desert. A close up view of the earth turned around on its side by the movement of tectonic plates, most active in this region.

Atacama desert salt lagoon. The people are floating atop the water.

Atacama desert guardian of the salt lagoons.

Atacama desert. A woman's work is never done.

Atacama desert. Flamingos never disappoint.

Atacama desert, The flamingos blend well with the environment.

Atacama desert ice cream store. Definitely needed in the desert.

Iquique's redeveloped historic area. Iquique's economy was initially built from mining. The six hour drive from the Atacama desert to this coastal community was through mining developments the entire route.

Iquique apartment building art depicting the wildlife of Peru. Andean condor, vicuna (official National animal) and the Andean fox (not really a fox).

Paracus National Reserve--the big surprise. Who would have expected such a desert on the coast of southern Peru!! The reserve protects an area rich in biodiversity.

Paracus. Penguins seem to be a theme all over South America. Even here in the Peruvian desert.

Paracus National Reserve, Peru. No good coastal views from up high for us. We were continually plagued by marine layers in Peru.

Paracus. A big tourist area for the reserve and for the islands off the coast, filled with wildlife such as seals and penguins.

Lima. Yes this sculpture is what you think it is. Located in one of the most popular coastal areas in Lima, the piece is entitled "Monument to Love."

Lima. A very impressive city! Unfortunately we didn't have time to explore the different neighborhoods, as we did in Buenos Aires.

Lima. An apparent homeless guy dressed nicely by U.S. standards, and using a cell phone!!

Lima. Pickleball or tennis in the middle of the city!

South America

South Africa Wildlife

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