A Road Trip Through Chile

“One of the first things I noticed after arriving at Santiago airport was a photographic display panel accompanied by a sentence stating ‘Chile is a country of contrasts’. Immediately, I thought of the colors I could shoot, but what I did not realize is that those words could also be a warning, like ‘enjoy in moderation’.

José de Maipo was about two hours by car. After that point, I did not pay attention to the time anymore – after all, we were on a dirt road heading towards the Cajon de Maipo, full of magnificent landscapes that surprised us at every turn. The temperature dropped sharply and icy wind that raised dust bordered on unbearable as we walked. The humidity was low and as we climbed, the typical symptoms of altitude arose. Headaches, shortness of breath, dry eyes, nose and mouth, among other strange sensations. Nevertheless, I did not want to miss any details. I wanted to photograph.

Gradually, I emptied my pack: coat, scarf, cameras, water, food. The landscapes were indescribably magnificent, revealing a surprising diversity. Valleys, streams, springs gushing water, makeshift bridges with wooden slats, snow (unusual for that time of year), ruins and cliffs, among many other things that made the photographic experience painful but unforgettable.

In short, pain, crazy symptoms and lush landcapes. That’s how I discovered that Chile is truly a country of contrasts. And that’s precisely why I want to return, and also why I needed to visit Santiago hospital the next day.”