Around The Horn

South America » Chile
March 2nd 2024

Published: March 17th 2024

Literally a holiday within a holiday. We took 20 days out of our winter stay in Mexico to take a cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile With a couple of days at each end for some additional touring. Rounding Cape Horn was a highlight for us. Also having travelled from the Arctic Circle (Iceland) almost to Antarctica within a year. A reminder that this works best if you touch /... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 35, Displayed: 21

‘The End of the World’

The southern end at least.

Beagle Passage glacier

Charles Darwin in the Beagle spent several months in 1832 cataloging species in the region. This is an alternative route to Drake’s Passage (around the Horn) and the Strait of Magellan.

Celebrity Eclipse at anchor

Off Punta Arenas, Chile. Windy & Cold!

Chile mainland

The locals claim this is the real End of the World as it is mainland & Ushuaia is on an island. Chile & Argentina almost went to war over the possession of 2 insignificant islands. Apparently a pope stepped in & ‘gave’ them one each.

The Beagle

An excellent museum in Punta Arenas had quite a display of Beagle information. Back in their heyday the Spanish set up a toll booth here on the Magellan Strait, virtually forcing non Spanish ships to take the more dangerous route. It took Magellan 38 days to make his way upwind. One day for us.

Ivan & Santa

Each night we shared a dinner table with Ivan & his mother Santa. She spoke no English & our Spanish is pathetic yet we managed to really enjoy each other’s company.

Happy cruisers

2 weeks is about right for us. We met couples who virtually live aboard taking many back to back cruises.

Valparaiso, Chile

Our disembarkation port.

Castillo Rojo

Our great 100 year old historic manor/lodgings in Santiago. Well, not perfect… 84 steps up to our suite…but a lovely area & fine staff. Excellent indoor & outdoor common spaces.

Unknown hero

I took this pic of the guy on the horse but found the building on the right more interesting. Obviously no central air conditioning, hence hundreds of window units.

Santiago fish market

Our guide Willie, yes Willie, included this in his tour.

A big, big problem

Santiago has a huge issue with refugee/illegal migrants, mostly from Haiti and Venezuela. They turn to crime to survive & apparently just keep coming. The Chilean land border is too long to monitor. Chile is attractive because it is considered to be wealthy by South American standards.

Chilean vino

A great day trip to a smaller winery for a tour, tasting & lunch.

Santiago from above

For our last day we took a funicular & cable car to the top of a peak in the city. Now filling time for flights to Mexico City then Guadalajara…delayed until 12.30 am.

17th March 2024

Ted and Moe
non-member comment

Hello World Travellers
Hi Ian and Marlene, Thanks once again for sharing your amazing trip photos. We always thoroughly enjoy them and we always learn so much. This trip looked incredible. Of course, a highlight for me was the stadium that was the home for Messi and Maradona - can’t get the sports fan out of me. Glad you two enjoyed another terrific adventure. We assume you’re back in Mexico now. Enjoy your time back there. Hopefully we can connect some time. Happy travels ! Ted and Moe

17th March 2024

Lorraine Runstedler
non-member comment

Journey
Happy Saint Paddy's Day from Kingsville - All I can say is AMAZING - absolutely beautiful - love the way you get in to the History of each picture! - And the food, If I ate like that every day, they would have to roll me off the Ship(ha) I want that lobster tail - YUM! thanks for including me on your travels - stay safe and well

18th March 2024

imras
Ian & Marlene Rasmussen

Adventures
Hi Lorraine! Great to hear from you. Amazing to think I have been retired 25 years now! Hope you are keeping well.

17th March 2024

Tim Wilson
non-member comment

Vino
Great pictures overall. Sounds like a good winery, it is mentioned in my wine guide as having a 'fab' restaurant. Hope you enjoyed the food. Love following all you adventures !

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Around The Horn

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