PARINACOTA, CHILE

Elevation 14,400 population 29. I was on my way to Lauca National Park in northern Chile when I stopped by this little village. I saw only one person selling weavings in a small courtyard. All the buildings had been freshly whitewashed. The streets were immaculately kept. It really didn't look real. I assumed that the entire village was out working nearby in the fields and herding animals. I was experiencing altitude sickness because I had driven up from sea level that day. By the time I reached Volcan Parinacota I was really feeling the effects. It was truly a magical experience.