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Considering Che Guevara’s aversion to capitalism, it is always ironic seeing his image emblazoned and sold in the form of t-shirts, buttons and bags. Many are also unaware that the man so closely associated with the Cuban revolution was born, raised and educated in Argentina.

For those wishing to learn more about this intriguing historical figure, or seeking inspiration for a journey to South America, the road trip Guevara undertook with his friend Alberto Granada (chronicled in Guevara’s The Motorcycle Diaries and Granado’s Travelling with Che Guevara) is an excellent starting point, with their reminiscences serving as travelogues, as well as astute observations of the people, the politics and the making of a revolutionary.

 

Argentina

Guevara and Granado’s journey started in Buenos Aires. Already familiar with the capital, the pair moved on swiftly in their eagerness to start the journey. They visited several cites, towns and villages in Argentina –including Córdoba and Rosario. Today you cannot miss the tango performed in the streets of Buenos Aires, bustling corridors of life sandwiched between towering skyscrapers, before enjoying a delicious steak with chimichurri. Córdoba offers adventure-lovers plenty to do, including mountain biking, parasailing and horseback riding; while visiting Rosario is the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the building on Entre Ríos 480, which was Guevara’s first home.

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Chile

The sparks of Che’s revolutionary mind were ignited when he entered Chile and toured the mines in Chuquicamata. After Guevara and Granado’s time at the mines, an indelible experience that opened their eyes to the plight of the workers, they were swept up by nature’s grandeur, marvelling at Osorno Volcano in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, rising above the lakes of Todos Los Santos and Llanquihué; as well as San Pedro Volcano in Calama. Both volcanoes are still active and hot spots for mountaineers.

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Peru

Che was the common nickname that Guevara (having been born Ernesto) acquired in Juliaca, Peru. This country was a pivotal point in their journey, as Guevara, a medical student, and Granado, a biochemist, arrived in Huancarama to volunteer at the Huambo leprosarium. It was a moment which greatly affected them both, not only in terms of medical experience, but in their encounter with the prominent Dr. Hugo Pesce. Their experience of the country continued with the exploration of Peru’s past in Machu Picchu; visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History (Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú) in Lima; swimming with dolphins in the Ucayali River and drinking plenty of pisco before entering the Amazon at Iquitos.

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Colombia

Time in Colombia included the country’s capital, Bogotá, in addition to San Cristóbal, Pamplona and Cúcuta – reading poetry, sipping brandy out of coconuts and listening to folk music. Today Bogotá offers travellers the chance to cycle along the world’s largest bicycling network, dubbed the Ciclovía, which spans almost 300km. Rich in culture, the city plays host to a multitude of museums and art galleries, as well as various festivals, including the rock music festival Rock al Parque.

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Venezuela

In Caracas the friends completed their road trip and said goodbye for the time being. Visiting Venezuela today, the magnificent Angel Falls are often highlighted as a must-do. As the tallest waterfall in the world, it’s certainly an awe-inspiring sight. Caution must be exercised in Caracas, because it does have a reputation as a crime hot spot, but the burgeoning capital has plenty to offer and the day-time is ideal for visits to its numerous parks, cafés and museums.

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Guevara and Granado’s road trip lasted nine months and took them through remote and renowned corners of South America gaining insight into the lives of the people, while being constantly astounded by the clamour and colour of nature. Throughout their lives both would continue travelling throughout South America, as they continually strove to connect with the incredible continent they called home.

Featured image by ideasGraves

About the author

Claudia HauterLover of literature. Fundi of film. Mad about music. Proudly Mzansi. You can also find her blogging at Dinner and a Movie.

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