Tomko2Travel

Andes Mountains & Cajon del Maipo January 23, 2020 Rio Maipo Up early for our first full day of exploration.  We had a private tour booked with ILoveChile Tours - www.ilovechiletours.com - called Andes Panoramic Route, duration 10 hours.  CasaSur agreed to serve our breakfast a bit earlier then they normally do which was very accommodating.  We woke to temperatures in the upper 50's with a high of upper 80's predicted even in the mountains.  Our guide and one of the owners, Francisca Soto, was right on time with her driver Gonzolo.  She had a roomy mini bus for traveling comfort.  The plan was to drive SE out of the city through Cajon del Maipo (Maipo Canyon) to the high Andes Mountains where we would have scenic stops, a bit of walking, a wine tasting picnic and a local Chilean lunch. During our hour and a half drive to the Canyon, Fran talked about the social/political situation in Chile and, as we approached the countryside, abou...

SANTIAGO, CHILE January 21, 2020 The long anticipated South America & Chilean Fjord cruise on the Viking Jupiter finally began.  We departed on January 21, 2020 with plans to stay in the Santiago, Chile area a couple of days to explore before boarding our ship.  In Miami, we connected with our fellow traveling friends, Bill & Sandi.  All our flights were on time and smooth.  The dreaded 8+ hour overnight flight was not so bad when traveling in American's Premium Economy with extra leg room, more seat recline and a foot rest to boot.  Eat a meal, have a glass of wine, watch a movie, sleep and you are there.  Voila! Our first sighting of the Andes Mountains occurred on the airplane's approach to Santiago as we flew South in the valley between the coastal mountain range and the Andes to the East.  Are those really mountain peaks above the clouds?  Holy moly. Andes Mountains but not from airplane We had very clear written i...