Five leagues higher up stands Freyrina, a long straggling village, with decent whitewashed houses.

Again, ten leagues further up Ballenar is situated, and above this Guasco Alto, a horticultural village, famous for its dried fruit.

On a clear day the view up the valley is very fine; the straight opening terminates in the far-distant snowy Cordillera; on each side an infinity of crossing lines are blended together in a beautiful haze.

The foreground is singular from the number of parallel and step-formed terraces; and the included strip of green valley, with its willow-bushes, is contrasted on both hands with the naked hills.

That the surrounding country was most barren will be readily believed, when it is known that a shower of rain had not fallen during the last thirteen months.