As we plan and prep for miles of air travel and adventures on the ground, we continue to refine our itinerary. As of Halloween, 2012, our departure date is January 23, 2013 when we will leave Bellingham for an overnight sojourn to Quito, Ecuador. From Quito, we will head into the mountains to Otavalo and Cotopaxi. This area is particularly interesting for me because of the indigenous weaving culture that lives in the mountains there.
On January 31, we will land in Cuzco, Peru, where we will prep for several days up into the famous Machu Picchu Incan ruins. The trip will be part train ride, and part hiking. On february 6, we will fly into Santiago, Chile, spend a couple of nights, then take probably the highest bus ride in the world over the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina, where we will imbibe copious amounts of Malbec!
From Mendoza, we continue on to Cordoba, where we hopefully, can meet up with several friends we’ve made over the years from around the region. February 13, we take a flight from Buenos Aires (not spending any time there this time) to Ushuaia, Argentina. This region is know for its’ lakes and Patagonian splendor. After a few days there, we will fly, or bus it to Punta Arenas, Chile. Punta Arenas is one of Bellingham’s Sister cities, and it will be fun to visit with teachers and students who have already made the trek to Bellingham to visit us.
We are planning to arrive home on February 27, 2013. Look for pictures and stories along the way!
Teresa Van Haalen Ventures 