San Pedro and Santiago

San Pedro

We had a lazy morning in San Pedro de Atacama. It's a decent town very much a tourist stop off for the desert activities and seemed the majority were backpackers. All low buildings and narrow streets but we felt it was lacking in much local stuff or culture but still very quaint and interesting to look round the shops.

Food is priced okay not as cheap as Boliva though. One meal we both liked was a Pil Pil. It's a traditional Chilean meal and basically between a curry and a thick soup with a bit of heat. The first night we both had the mushroom version and the next night I had it with big lumps of steak. Amongst many things that I've liked in Central and South America is how pleased people are when you order a local meal. I love getting "good choice'.

Bus to the Desert

In the afternoon we had a trip out into the desert, we were picked up by a bus which was between mini bus and coach size. We thought okay we will be parking up and walking from car parks but no the bus driver was happy to drive into the desert despite crazily bumpy and hilly routes. It was an interesting trip.

We saw the remains of the party bus out in the desert this was when no parties or loud music were allowed in the town so someone set up the bus as a bar and sound system and then got people out here for parties.

Our guide had brought had pisco sours and a few fresh Chilean snacks for us which we had in the desert before heading off for a viewpoint for the sunset.

No Rest

The next day we were on the move again catching a plane to Santiago. We had the afternoon to walk around and saw a small part of the city. Definitely could spend longer as looks a fascinating place.

In the evening we had our last meal as a group, this was super nice and quite sad to say goodbye to new friends.

Our taxi was due at 4am in the morning for our flight to Easter Island so it was soft drinks only for us and an early night.

We have really enjoyed seeing these 3 Southern American countries, although as it has been non-stop we're looking forward to having a chance to relax for a while.