The long and winding road

San Pedro de Atacama held a few surprises for me. It had been described to me as a backpackers haven.

In truth it was a village with loads of overpriced food and local tours.

But it didn't stop me from using it as a place to recover from Bolivia, get some warmth back into me, and relax for a few days before taking the long bus south - to Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is very near to Santiago, about 1.5 hours away. But it is on the coast and this is a landmark for me as it shows I have completely crossed the South American Continent from East to West coast.
I dipped my feet in the sea to celebrate. But the water is far too cold to swim in.

Valparaiso is a city built on hills. And the best way to get up and down those hills is to take the 100 year old 'Assenco' trains. They are ridiculously steep trains but are a good way to see the city. And the treat at the top is always a small community of buildings in a very traditional Chilean style.

I have been here for a couple of days already, and am planning to move onto Santiago tomorrow afternoon. For capital city fun. One of the guys I met in Rio de Janeiro currently lives in Santiago, so I have a friend there to show me around and celebrate the end of my holiday with.