Arica, Chile
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The last stop in Chile was only 25km from the Peruvian border. Arica is a cute little beach town surrounded by sand dunes and provided us lots of sun and relaxation – quite the treat from a couple travelers leaving the Patagonian cold and headed for the altitudes of Peru. We stayed in a quaint, comfortable hostel owned by a Kiwi and his Colombian wife. They really outdid themselves with their hospitality and amazing all-you-can-eat breakfasts. We met some other travelers and received some good advice about traveling in Peru and Ecuador. Since we did not eat nearly enough seafood, for which Chile is famous, we hit up the local fishmarket on the wharf (somewhat afterhours) and snagged ourselves some delicious albacore steaks. We also spotted some hungry sea lions off the docks and some of the most gigantic pelicans ever.
We had some lofty goals of trekking through Lauca and Las Vicunas National Parks, but realized that we cannot do everything and headed straight to Peru.
Comments
Didn't know you were going to Arica!! I stayed there for a few weeks in college, and also in a village outside of Arica on a farm where I was chased by a mad cow. Ah memories. Now you have been to either tip of Chile! (how is it that you have done all this Chile traveling without me. it doesn't seem right. mostly i'm jealous)
Those folks from the antipodes are everywhere!
Antipodes? You confused us. Care to elaborate?