Trip to the top of the world

Had an adventurous and eventful trip with local guide Mariano and a group of Argentine tourists in a convoy of 4x4 over rocks, rivers, sand and ice up to, apparently, the highest point in the world that it's possible to drive to. Near the Chilean border, Crater Corona del Inca is 5340m - higher than Mount Blanc, so higher than any point in Europe. We started out at 6am and the sun rose as we drove. Luckily we only had headaches and a little wooziness from altitude but no sickness, although others in the group needed oxygen. Being buffeted by the wind, we saw other worldly landscapes, amazing array of colours, as well as the Laguna Brava with its flamingos and vicuñas (llama) in the distance. It was a rather crazy, haphazard day, all arranged by Lisa in Spanish - but it was a unique experience and we met lovely people in the group and laughed a lot - including Sol from San Juan who spoke English and shared her maté (local herby green tea) - much to Clare's delight!Read more