Максим Левошин

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Category: Chile

  • Los Caracoles: Epic Andean Pass Between Chile and Argentina

    Los Caracoles - The Most Scenic Mountain Switchback in South America

    There’s nothing I love more on a trip than a truly beautiful road. And the most epic one I’ve driven? Los Caracoles - a dramatic Andean switchback connecting Chile and Argentina.

    The Longest Border and the Strictest Checkpoint in LATAM

    This stretch also hosts the longest border in Latin America. Crossing it? A whole production. Border agents unload everything from your car, search with dogs, and hunt for anything forbidden. One massive shepherd sniffed my car and suddenly started barking like it found a bomb. Want to know what got confiscated? A massive crime, truly unforgivable: two apples and a handful of raisins.

    Why Chile Bans Foreign Fruit (Yes, Really)

    They explained it like this: Chile is naturally sealed off from the rest of Latin America by the Andes. So sealed, in fact, that “not even a fly gets through.” They’re proud of their pest-free ecosystem - and want to keep it that way. No Argentine fruit allowed - it might carry insects or rot.

    Three Hours at the Border Were Worth Every Minute!

  • Atacama Desert by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide

    Atacama Desert by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide

    Welcome to Atacama — The Driest Place on Earth and a Road Trip Dream

    Chile’s Atacama Desert is the driest place on the planet - a surreal land of extremes, cosmic mountain views, and raw beauty. Here’s your essential guide to the best spots. Bring your 4x4 and hit the road!

    Hand of the Desert — A Lonely Sculpture in the Middle of Nowhere

    👋 Hand of the Desert: 8/10. A giant hand sculpture rising out of the sand - a ghostly echo of Burning Man. It’s cool if you’re already driving up from Santiago, but not worth a detour on its own.

    San Pedro de Atacama — Your Base for Exploration

    The rest of the journey revolves around San Pedro de Atacama - a charming little oasis town with great hotels and easy access to key sites.

    Laguna Cejar — Tourist Magnet with Salty Water

    🧂 Laguna Cejar: 3/10. Salt lakes popular with tourists for floating. If you’ve done the Dead Sea, this won’t impress. Show up at 9 AM for solitude.

    Valley of the Moon - Sunset Hike and Drone Heaven

    🌖 Valley of the Moon: 7/10. A classic sunset spot close to town if you don’t want to drive far. Nice 3-hour hiking trail - drone-tested and approved 😎

    Valle del Arcoiris - Rainbow Mountains from Your Car Window

    🌈 Valle del Arcoiris: 9/10. If you're into scenic mountain drives, this one’s a gem - colorful peaks you can admire straight from your car.

    Laguna Chaxa - Sunset, Flamingos, Silence

    🦩 Laguna Chaxa: 10/10. Vast salt flats, flocks of flamingos, and jaw-dropping sunsets. Come in the evening for golden light and total silence.

    High Altitude Ahead - Take It Easy

    The next spots are above 4,000 meters. Respect your limits and go slow.

    El Tatio Geysers - Overrated, Overcrowded, and Freezing

    💦 El Tatio Geysers: 1/10. The most hyped spot in Atacama, but a letdown. The geysers only really “perform” at sunrise. You’ll need to drive pre-dawn in the dark with zero nearby lodging. You’ll arrive with a crowd - and a headache from the altitude.

    Monjes de La Pacana - Dali-Style Desert Surrealism

    🗿 Monjes de La Pacana: 10/10. Like a Salvador Dalí animation come to life. The cartoon is called Destino.Massive vertical rocks in the middle of nowhere. Best picnic spot in the world for pondering life with just you, the desert, and a looming boulder.