Before sunset we entered one of the wide valleys, or rather bays, which open on the plain: this soon narrowed into a ravine, where a little higher up the house of Villa Vicencio is situated.

As we had ridden all day without a drop of water, both our mules and selves were very thirsty, and we looked out anxiously for the stream which flows down this valley.

It was curious to observe how gradually the water made its appearance: on the plain the course was quite dry; by degrees it became a little damper; then puddles of water appeared; these soon became connected; and at Villa Vicencio there was a nice little rivulet.
MARCH 30, 1835.
The solitary hovel which bears the imposing name of Villa Vicencio has been mentioned by every traveller who has crossed the Andes.

I stayed here and at some neighbouring mines during the two succeeding days.

The geology of the surrounding country is very curious.