Visited La Serena, a coastal town whose main attractions are the beaches (weather didn't cooperate), observatory (Chile is reportedly the astronomy capital of the world), and a day boat trip to Isla Damas, where they have an assortment of exotic animals including penguins, birds, dolphins although we were not lucky enough to spot the whales.
Another bus ride down to Valparaiso, which is an architectural bizarro world. Think San Francisco meets a colonial city in Europe - everything built up on hills, with elevated cable cabs taking you between levels. Our few days consisted of a walking tour and more informal touring - couldn't get enough of it.
Down to Santiago on another long bus ride - big city, very cosmopolitan, tough to take in within a few days, but took a nice walking tour and even managed to squeeze in some golf! Also stayed at our first real hotel (the W), which was a great change of pace and feel "normal" for a long weekend.
Down further to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas on an overnight bus, rented a car and cruised the lakes and surrounding areas. Spectacular views near a volcano.
Last stop now in Pucón - adventure capital of Chile. Visiting some hot springs, looking into some other activities. Little bit of travel fatigue settling in - unpack, pack, unpack, pack, bus rides, planning travel, dealing in different currency and cost of living, eating out every day, etc. Including overnight buses, last night was the 39th bed we've slept in. Bit of a grind but we're still kicking.
Last Chilean hurrah is tomorrow morning....when we climb Volcan Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. I thought we said we'd never do this again....
SS: Chile on a whirlwind. After being in Peru and Bolivia for a month, it was refreshing to get back to some sort of civilization that included regular supply of toilet paper, hot water and paved roads.
La Serena was a quaint town with a highlight of taking a boat ride through the Pacific waves and trying to hug a penguin - awe, no success at hugging but lots of pictures. The tour of the sky was so amazing. A near perfect picture of planets and stars through a telescope, apparently the ozone is the thinnest here so best sky visuals, and a few hours of learning astronomy from the experts.
Santiago was not too much more than plush bathrobes and The W Bed experience. It was like a weekend away from traveling. Hot rainfall showers with all North American amenities including daily room service!! The walking tour was awesome and informative of the history of all of Chile.
Valparaiso - my first impression is that it was the most 'messed' up city I have ever seen - literally. The streets have no specific direction or orientation, basically like a giant maze that includes outdoor elevators and thousands of winding staircases. The entertainment is just walking around this city for days; everywhere you go has an amazing views since it was built along 40+ small mountains hovering along the coast line and the graffiti has drenched every wall in reach.Taking into account that they are prone to multiple earthquakes a year it is hard to believe how any building seems to exist.
Pucón - back to the adventures!! Nestled deep into The Lake and Volcano District and on the edge of Patagonia, we are embarking on adventures that we swore we would never do again. Although this time it is climbing one the 5 most active volcanos with the intent of reaching the top, looking through the sulphur steam at the molten lava that bubbles within.
No comments:
Post a Comment