Taking on a challenge with an adventurous spirit, three Puneites are about set to undertake a humungous journey covering parts of South America by road, on a Kia Sorento.
This 44-day journey will start on October 7 and is most likely to finish by November 20, covering 14,600 kilometres.
The three Puneites include Anil Damle,64, Arvind Mehendale, 52, Anant Kakatkar, 56, and Cristain Vengent, an Argentinian who will join them.
“The culture of the countries in South America is very different. There are so many things to see, like the natural and historical wonders. We are starting the journey from Cape Horn, the Southern-most tip of the continent which is also known as the end of the world. We will also pass through Iguazu Falls which are the biggest waterfalls in the world. We’ll also be driving 14,000 feet high to the Atacama Desert along the Andes Mountains,” explains Damle, who is a travel enthusiast and amateur photographer.
All the members on this trip have funded themselves, he says.
We will be covering countries like Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador.
Once the journey starts from Cape Horn, it will continue onto the Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site of one of the world’s biggest glaciers that only seems to be growing. In Chile, they will drive up to and visit Torres del Paine National Park which is famous for its tall mountains and icy blue glaciers that shelter rare wildlife. They will also visit Machu Picchu, the Incan settlement. The trip will end with them driving towards Punta Gallinas, the northern tip of South America in Colombia.
Speaking about their challenges and safety measures, Damle adds that they have taken all the necessary precautions for the trip. “We have installed a GPS in the car as well as a satellite phone. We’ve informed the Indian embassies in the various countries we’re visiting. They have responded well to us. I am also a Rotary International member so I’ve informed the rotary clubs in South America too. We would love to interact with people there. We’ll make it a point to buy a local sim card in different countries. All of us have acquired visas where necessary.
Indian nationals get a visa on arrival in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.
We have also completed all the formalities of taking one car throughout the continent.”
Last year, Damle along with a few others had driven from Cape Town to Cairo. “If we can successfully complete this then it will be a big achievement for us. The Indian government is very interested in South America and this trip will help in building the bond.”
- #OddlyEnough18: Guard Reunites Baby Elephant With Mother And More! - January 1, 2018
- Safety Remains Biggest Concern For Women Say Pune’s Authors - December 29, 2017
- Commemorating 200 Years Of The Epic Battle Of Bhima-Koregaon - December 28, 2017
