From the desert to the countryside.

Hey RoadStars, this episode is especially diverse. We cross the northernmost border pass between Chile and Argentina – at over 4,800 metres. To sleep, we prefer to drive a little lower down the valley, because we are not used to the thin air. On the way there, we pass the white salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Despite the fantastic view, navigating the winding, narrow roads is strenuous. Which is why we’re happy to finally park up for the night just before sunset. 

In the valley, we explore villages, shop at colourful markets and enjoy the rich green surroundings. After several months in the rugged desert, the lush greenery is a delight. As we travel further south, from Jujuy province to Salta, the climate changes again: it’s getting humid and the abundant vegetation is overwhelming. The narrow roads demand full concentration, as Mike is constantly on the look out for overhanging branches. 

We stayed at a reservoir for a few days and enjoyed the idyllic landscape, including horses grazing right outside our “front door”. At a street stand, we buy 4 kilos of strawberries, which we need to use up quickly: as cakes, in the freezer or fresh on our muesli. The landscape in the Salta province is incredibly varied and changes almost daily. A few days later, we find ourselves in an impressive canyon. In the morning, the canyon was still under thick cloud cover, but by the afternoon the view had opened up to the valley. 

The RP68 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads we’ve ever driven. It follows the river through a spectacular landscape. As we round each bend, our amazement grows, and all the drone batteries are used up to capture our journey. 

Where would you have made the longest stop? Let us know in the comments! 

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on the road in their Expedition Axor since June 2020. From the northernmost point of Norway to the Canary Islands, the Swiss couple has visited large parts of Europe and even made a detour to Tunisia. Distance covered on the road: 83,000 kilometres!

Especially due to pandemic-related restrictions, further destinations were unreachable — until now: From now on, Andrea and Mike will be discovering South America. Stay tuned to see what happens next! The current tour is the second one that the Swiss couple has embarked on in their Axor. In 2018 and 2019, they travelled to more than 20 countries and covered a good 47,000 kilometres.