From Santiago to Cajón del Maipo
Some journeys start with a destination, this one starts with a story.
In June 1930, French aviator Henri Guillaumet crossed the Andes against all odds after his plane crashed in the mountains. Nearly a century later, photographer and explorer Thomas Goisque retraces that legendary route, following the same terrain across Chile and Argentina.
Day 1: Arrival in Chile and First Steps into the Andes
Monday, March 16
Thomas Goisque arrives in Chile with a clear objective: not simply to document an expedition, but to experience the conditions Guillaumet faced.
Before leaving Santiago, the team passes through Colina airfield, one of the historic hubs of early Chilean aviation. This discreet yet symbolic location echoes the era of airmail pioneers, when pilots like Guillaumet flew across the Andes with limited technology and extreme risk. It marks the final link to aviation before entering the mountains on the ground.
From there, the transition is immediate.
The road leaves the city behind and enters the Cajón del Maipo, a dramatic Andean valley southeast of Santiago, known for its steep cliffs, rivers, and remote landscapes. The environment shifts quickly: quieter, more isolated, more imposing. The mountains are not yet hostile, but they already command presence. A form of silence. A form of respect.
By nightfall, the team reaches its first refuge in the Andes.
The expedition has officially begun.
Day 2: Exploring Cajón del Maipo and Understanding the Terrain
Tuesday, March 17
The second day is dedicated to exploring the Cajón del Maipo region, a key area for understanding the geography of the Andes before attempting the crossing. The team moves through several mountain villages and canyon routes. Three valleys. Multiple access roads. One goal: to read the terrain.
The roads wind between cliffs and the Maipo River, a powerful glacial river that cuts through the valley. Each turn reveals a different landscape: mineral, rugged, sometimes almost unreal.
As the day progresses, the connection to the city disappears completely. This is where the expedition begins to take shape. The landscape is no longer just observed, it is analyzed. Photos are taken. Notes are written. Landmarks are identified.
But beyond documentation, a deeper realization emerges: Henri Guillaumet did not simply cross the Andes. He survived one of the harshest environments on earth. Each kilometer brings the team closer to the reality of Guillaumet’s journey and further away from comfort. The road fades. The signal disappears. The mountains take over.
And one question begins to surface: How did he survive here alone?