Patagonia and Chile

So fly south to Patagonia, starting on the Argentinian side and then travelling overland to Chile.

We arrived in Bariloche a big change from the bustling cities already visited but set on a lake with just stunning views.

Just to prove I didn't just send my camera!

with a glorious evening view

We arrive as Easter is approaching and the town is lively and well known for it's chocolate factories of which more later.

As ever we had a guided tour of the area, the town as such was founded in 1902 by Swiss and Germans although there were indigenous  natives in the area of course and only got a rail connection in 1930 now of course it has an airport but it is very reminiscent of alpine towns. Apart from tourism it also has an atomic research station.... not quite as well protected as one might expect!

Stopping at a small church on the way to the chairlift with some great art

and modern glass

the vistas from even relatively low down are amazing and the weather helped

Autumn is approaching and in a month or so it must be truly spectacular but some leaves were turning

The condor is the emblem of the Andes and we were lucky to see one (a long way away!!)

So a chairlift for even better views

(of me......)

and the surrounding area

In the afternoon I took myself off to the cathedral, a beautiful space

with this stunning wire artwork outside

Finally we get to the chocolate, many shops but the main street was set up so the local chocolatiers could make the longest bar of chocolate in the world, the day after we left ......

but lots of fun put on for children.

Up early for bus, boat, bus, boat, bus, boat, bus trip to Chile, last look at Bariloche

First view of high Andes

One of the lakes called emerald ......

the actual border although not the place where the passport and more importantly for Chile the customs offices are stationed

Once through customs and some of my fellow travellers lost souvenirs of natural wood and stone because nothing which could harbour bacteria and enzymes can be imported into Chile which is pretty disease free, we had our first views of two volcanoes. The witches hat (nick name)

and Mt Orsino that looks like it is on the wrong continent!

Passing waterfalls

another baby condor learning to use thermals

with the view from our hotel in Puerto Varas, spoilt or what!

Next morning our lovely weather had deserted us

Had a brief look at the town on the way to the airport, pretty quiet as sunday but some market stalls getting ready to trade

although I didn't have a window seat managed this of the mountains poking through the clouds, thanks to pleasant french girl who let me lean across her.

First glimpse of Santiago and good weather back

I think this is the tallest skyscraper in South America but there is extensive use of mirror windows on the new buildings, air pollution a problem due to the surrounding hills

but some lovely parks

and a chance for one of my arty shots......

The main square, Plaza  de Armas is however much more European in feel

with pigeons to decorate the statue outside the (closed) cathedral

the local constabulary

 and some ,more great  wall art

this is the close up and shows the picture is actually of the scene beneath it, unfortunately the statue is not so clear in my photo.

An afternoon of wine tasting in Chile what's not to like! At harvest time too so my favourite pinot noir grapes being sorted (and I got eat some, small and very sweet)

although carmeniere is their main grape with wines similar to cabernet sauvignon. Undurraga is an interesting vineyard  with a small museum of ancient artifacts

but better.... 4 wines to taste including a lovely pudding wine

arty shot to finish the day and the bag not totally full of wine!

Last full day in Chile was a trip to Valparaiso and Vina del mar via the Casablanca valley, home to many famous vineyards.

The weather again had changed and provided less than optimum conditions for photos of the sprawling city

but even in the gloom it was possible to see how vibrant some areas could be

a city walk provided the chance to see some stunning wall art so just scroll through

They also seemed fond of old adverts

plus lovely stairs

with a good sentiment on these

and the sun started coming out to show this steep colourful street at it's best

On to Vina del Mar the 'posh' resort along the coast, autumn so not crowded

but a pleasant end to the day, with the prospect of a last group dinner to round off our Chilean stay.
Peru next starting at 4.30am, not my thing at all.............