We had a lovely tour on February 26 visiting the Petrohue Falls, Puerto Varas & getting spectacular views of the Osomo Volcano. This area, just north of Puerto Montt is called the Lake District. There is a strong German influence in this area, so while visiting Puerto Varas, we were compelled to have a coffee and German pastry. The day we visited was beautiful - sunny and warm. Our tour guide told us we were very lucky since this area experiences around 252 days of rain per year. I have a million pictures of the volcano, but will not post them all!!
Petrohue Falls (North of Puerto Montt)
Osomo Volcano
Petrohue Falls
On February 28 we visited Valparaiso. This was once a very busy port and has a strong European influence. Valparaiso was a trading base in the Southern Pacific for the U.S and Europe, an international banking center as well as a key port for US shipping between the East Coast and California and European ships that rounded Cape Horn. It’s decline was the result of the development of steam ships which stopped at the coal mines around Concepcion instead, the opening of the trans-continental railway in the US, and then the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. It declined further due to the development of a container port in San Antonio, the shift of banking to Santiago and the move of the middle class to nearby Vina del Mar, but Valparaiso is now reviving. Some of the beautiful buildings have been taken over by the Navy and the University. You will see a picture below of a beautiful home which is being renovated and will become an art museum. Of the 30 funiculars, 16 are still operational and we had an opportunity to ride on one. As you can see, Valparaiso is built on a hill.
Valparaiso
Awesome Pipe Organ in Anglican Church
Popular Boutique Hotel in Renovated District
Memorial to Chilean Heroes
Funicular
Once a home, soon to be an art museum.
Next post Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island......
I thought Valparaiso was in Indiana!! Who knew?!?! xoxox Steve
ReplyDeleteThis sure is a juicy trip! Is there any place that you have visited that you would say, "oh yeah, I could move here." ?
ReplyDeleteNot yet, but our next stop is Papeete, Tahiti! My guess is that will happen when I get to Sydney.
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