04 Jan -
At leisure in Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a beauty spot on the
shores of Lake
Llanquihue.
In the 19th century it was the southern shipping port on the
lake. There is a strong German influence, dating back to settlers from the early
20th century.
See our photos of Puerto
Varas
05 Jan – Fly to
Punta Arenas
Punta
Arenas
lies on the eastern shore of the Brunswick
Peninsula
facing the Straits of Magellan and is the hub of the province
of Magallanes.
This province stretches along the windswept tip of Chile
and exists quite apart from the rest of the country. The Magallanes are “a harsh, inhospitable territory of bleak plains, fierce winds and
wilderness areas of extra ordinary beauty crowned by the rocky peaks of Torres
del Paine.” It is a center for the surrounding sheep farming and fishing industries,
and exports wool, skins and frozen meat. It’s
also the first port of call for most travelers to Magallanes as well as the
jumping off point for trips to the Antarctic. In
the summer months its streets swell with all sorts of travelers, and its
internet cafes are packed with backpackers!
See
photo of Punta Arenas taken from our hotel window
Click
to continue to Torres del Paine
