This travel journal chronicles the exploits of three adventurous retirees as they explore northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, the high altiplano of southwest Bolivia, and Easter Island. These Tres Jubilados—a geologist, an archeologist, and a mathematician—make a month-long circuit through the Andean region focusing on local cultures and scenic highlights; climbing high volcanoes; seeking out prehistoric rock art and desert geoglyphs; studying ancient ruins and 7,000-year-old mummies; soaking in hot springs; and admiring geysers, wildly colored volcanic lakes and exotic wildlife.



This wry travelogue portrays the highs and lows of winging it through South America’s two national extremes. Moving between the prosperous and advanced society of Chile and the poor, backward country of Bolivia is likened to time travel, and depicted through a collection of remarkable images and amusing anecdotes.



Richly illustrated with more than 150 stunning photographs, this book is a feast for the eyes as it documents authentic experiences in the Atacama—driest desert in the world; the awesome scenery and colorful native cultures of the 15,000-foot-high altiplano region, including Bolivia’s highest mountain—Nevada Sajama at 21,457 feet; and the enigmatic archeological marvels of tropical Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is hard to conceive of cramming more scenic and cultural diversity into a single odyssey. There is something here for everyone, experienced world travelers as well as the armchair variety.