The Llama Awards

I couldn't finish this blog without a proper conclusion on the Llama awards.  Just as the Oscars has it controversies, so too did the Llamas.  However, after some in-depth discussions, a certain degree of harmony between the judges was restored, and more importantly, agreement reached on the awards themselves.

You may remember one of the earliest recipients of an award was an outdoor cafe in Sucre, which received a provisional silver.  Well, said cafe has now been stripped of the award completely, and instead receives a "special mention".  (I'm trying not to be bitter about this, as it really was a favourite place of mine).






We found it particularly difficult comparing a whole town or city with a natural attraction such as a glacier (and even more so with an indidivual cafe or restaurant!).  There was some talk of introducing categories, but I thought it important to keep it simple, and whilst our final decsion-making might not stand-up to very close scrutiny, this list does reflect our favourite places from the trip.  I'm only putting a select few photos here, including places that didn't feature photographically on the original post due to lack of ability to upload at the time.

Bronze

• The Estancia near Salta - for the amazing food, free flowing-drink, lovely accommodation and setting.
• Maipu, near Mendoza, for its gourmet delights and endless wine-tasting opportunities.
• Mena Clavero for the fanstic array of swimming holes and overall lovely scenery along the river.
• The Andean crossing, for the delightful method of transport and huge variety of fantstic scenery
• Ushuaia - for its uniqueness, wildlife watching opportunities and setting.

Silver



Samaipata, Bolivia, which had to be downgraded from Gold, after we concluded we had got carried away at the outset, but still deserved silver status due to its fantastic guest house and huge variety of day trips out with amazing scenery.

Tilcara, for the amazing hostel, the scenery, walking opportunities and restaurants.

• Salar de Uyuni tour - for one amazing volcano-lake scene after another
• Puerto Madryn - for the fantastic array of wildlife-viewing opportunities in proximity
• Bariloche, for it's amazing lake setting, and especially the day trips we had to Refugio Frey and the bike ride
• Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, for its charming colonial old town, cool bars and cafes, and the beach.

Gold

Iguacu waterfalls, both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.

Torres del Paine National Park, for the amazing aray of hiking opportunities.

Perito Mereno Glacier, for being one of the most amazing natural attractions I've ever seen.

And last, but certainly not least, the special category of Golden Flamingo award goes to the flamingo lake in Bolivia.