The riding from Salta to Jujuy was amazing but unfortunately cloudy. Jujuy is not the nicest city, but at least the poor weather reminded us of home.
Jujuy to Pumamacra was surprisingly tough until we realised we´d climbed 1200m (the Andes are big!). John had even taken to map reading as an excuse to rest.
This was the big one! 1800m of ascent in 37km. 34km and over 4000m high, Will was feeling it!
Back down to 3600m and our first salt flat. Pretty impressive!
Halfway and guess what. Yes. This should not be Berry and Bradwell cycling around South America, but Berry and Bradwell sh*tting around South America.
A couple of days later and 4000m passes are lunch breaks.
The riding was not that inspiring so John found some ass to chat up. He was doing well until he took his hat off.
Goodbye Argentina. Hello Chile. The scenary can be unbelieveable. One minute barren mountains, next vivid salt lagoons.
We are now camping at over 4500m and nights are cold (-15C).
This was it. Over 550km cycling, five 4000m passes (two at over 4800), salt flats, sickness, freezing nights, finally we are here. 35km and 2200m below: San Pedro de Atacama.Half an hour later we are there. Yes over 70kmh for half an hour! Strangely there are no photos. Was it worth it? Of course! We are going back up it in a couple of days.
Paso de Jama. Done.
