Last Monday I promised you the Perito Moreno Glacier, and here it is, looking absolutely brilliant in a series of postcard images as well as photographs shot by our South American traveler back in the year 2000.

But while the glacier is stunning, this small photo album still holds a few surprises tucked in between the postcards and scenic views. Like this shot of some Argentinian gauchos herding sheep.

Or how about this rare and endangered Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world. They have been known to live for 70 years, but their numbers have been drastically reduced due to habitat loss and lead poisoning. The good news is that this national symbol of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Equador, and Peru is now getting some help to hopefully make a comeback in its native lands.

Happy travelers!

Next Monday, we’ll head north and cross the border into Chile for a visit to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.