Chile has a long and varied history and having a Chilean friend several years ago, it was somewhere I always fancied going.
I suspect most people visit the capital, Santiago, and then go South to the spectacular Patagonia region. However on this trip I headed North to the Atacama Desert before crossing into Bolivia.
Cadets
It was Navy Day when we visited Valparaiso. These cadets were part of the parade
Cathederal Altar
The altar and dome above it within the Santiago Cathederal
Desert Walk
The edge of the Atacama Desert is barren but beautiful. The volcano in the top right is Licancabur.
El Tatio (I)
El Tatio is a geyser field located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile at a height of 4,200m. With over 80 active geysers, El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest field in the world
El Tatio (II)
El Tatio is a geyser field located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile at a height of 4,200m. With over 80 active geysers, El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest field in the world
Face and Bars
The old part of Valparaiso in the hills is know for its complex and beautifully created graffiti.
Golden Wash
The mountains and volcanoes glow orange in the light of the setting sun
Ice & Steam
Despite the Tatio Geysers spewing out boiling water and steam then nearby pools of water freeze overnight as the temperature plumets
Main Street
The main street running through San Pedro de Atacama in the North of Chile. As you can tell its not a big town!
Moai
Easter Island is part of Chile and outside this museum stands one of the famous statues.
Official Dress
It was Navy Day when we visited Valparaiso. These officers were preparing for the big parade later in the day.
Old and New
The old church building on the left sits next to and is reflected in a modern new glass building.
Pick a Country
A road sign in the middle of nowhere as we left headed to Bolivia. Right for Chile or left for Argentina.
Pope Silhouette
A statue of the pope on San Cristobal hill is backlit by the orange sunset.
Rocks at Sunset (I)
Small cairns of rocks are silhouetted against the firey sky as the sun sets
Rocks at Sunset (II)
Small cairns of rocks are silhouetted against the firey sky as the sun sets
Salt Crystals
Crystals of gem salt created by the high pressures and lack of humidity cover parts of the rocks. At sunset you can hear them cracking as they cool down.
Santiago Cathederal
A view down the central isle of the Santiago Cathederal
Santiago Mountain Sunset
The snow capped mountains above Santiago catch the last light from the setting sun. The the bottom left construction continues on the “Gran Torre Santiago” which is (already) the tallest in Latin America.
Temple Man
The old part of Valparaiso in the hills is know for its complex and beautifully created graffiti.