Finding Marcelino, San Pedro de Atacama (Altitude 2,436 m)

In Salta we gather up a lovely bunch of people, and decided to travel in convoy to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. 

'Dust Devil' seen from the bus

We take a small risk not booking accommodation before our arrival, especially since our original group of five, has somehow multiplied to eleven! Luckily Marcelino "finds us" at the customs check on the border and offers us a room at his hostel, Latska. We manage to fill all his rooms, and he is so thrilled that he offers to make a BBQ for us. Before growing a beer-belly, Marcelino was employed as a bodyguard for the rich and famous in Chile. He is now delighted to show us his moves, demonstrating his skills with a nunchuck! We take turns on the punchbag.  It is very funny to watch Marcelino and Adam compare moves and have intensive chats about martial arts despite the language barrier!

Marcelino, our bodyguard

Adam pleased with the latest new move

After the exercise we are ready to have a bite to eat! I am so excited, this is my first proper meal in over a week!

Cooked to perfection - no vegetables of course!

Our multi-national group get acquainted with the game '13'

From L-R: Adam, Helena, Marie, Florian, Daniel

Next morning we take a stroll around town, browsing the shops, drinking fruit smoothies and speaking to various companies about the types of trips on offer. We want to travel from here to Bolivia through the desert and salt-flats by 4x4 vehicle. After some research we chose a company called Cordillera, who seem to have good vehicles and decent food (there are huge variations between companies in terms of quality provided). I absolutely love this town - laid-back, friendly & excellent quality food.

Main street, San Pedro de Atacama

Volcano backdrop

In the evening we make a trip to the Valle de la Luna ("Valley of the Moon"),  a nature reserve 13km outside of town with a moon-like landscape and ruins of old Chilean salt mines. This interesting landscape has been caused by erosion of the salt mountains, and best viewed at sunset when the skies are clear. 

Walking through sand mountains

Playing golf (L-R: Adam, Marie, Helena)

Daniel and I crawl through spooky tunnels 

Las Tres Marias

Colosseum

Trying to look natural

Wind-swept

The Dancing Queens!

Daniel falls into a desert hole, but keeps smiling!

The desert equivalent of the 'Wall of China'

The ladies enjoy the sunset

Purple hills

After the sunset we head back into town and have a wonderful meal at La Estaka - honestly it is one the best meals of the trip so far! The service, food, wine service and company are outstanding! ;-) We all jump at the opportunity to have spicy food - first time since leaving home! 

La Estaka, the best restaurant in town

Spicy food!!

Last day in San Pedro, we all take advantage of the decent Internet connection and catch up with some admin. We eat so well in this town - breakfast, lunch, dinner - every place we try is scrumptious!

A lovely warm glow over San Pedro

At 10pm, Marcelino squeezes us into is pick-up truck and we hit the bumpy road to a 'secret' thermal bath that he knows about! It all sounds a bit dodgy, but also fun! It is quite a long drive, and then a fair walk (especially at 4,000 metres above sea level) to get to the lagoon. We arrive and slide down the natural slide into the warm volcanic water! Hmmmm, feels nice. Marcelino shows us where to get fist-fulls of sulphuric mud (smells like rotten eggs and well you can imagine what else!)...but apparently it keeps one youthful looking. 

The secret thermal bath - in the middle of nowhere!

L-R: Daniel, Marcelino, Adam, moi, Marie

Massage!

The world's worst-smelling face-masks! Pooooh!

Marcelino puts some exfoliator on my back, despite the protests!

Happy are we until we realise how bloomin' cold it is outside of the water!

Back at the hostel, we pack our bags and get ready for our next adventure....