Round trip in Chile - two weeks on the road with a backpack

General Information

We used the small town of La Serena as a starting point for our tour to Isla Damas. The city is quite beautiful and there is a beach. Otherwise there is not much you can do here.

Accommodation

Activities and Sights

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Beach

The way to the beach is very nice. On the beach there are some food stalls where you can, among other things, traditional churros filled with dulce de leche.

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Isla Damas, La Higuera, Chile

We went on a guided day tour that we booked directly in our hostel the day before. It included transportation, boat tour, guide, and lunch. It can get pretty wet and cold on the boat. You should take a jacket with you to be on the safe side. Penguins and seals can be seen on the cliffs around the island.

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General Information

Pisco is a small inland village, surrounded by mountains and it feels like you are in a desert - the landscape is very beautiful. The village can be explored very well on foot. There are some hiking and cycling trails and horse riding tours can be booked. The region is famous for its pisco - a grape brandy and the national drink of Chile and Peru. It is the basis for the famous Pisco Sour cocktail.

Accommodation

Hostal San Pedro, Pisco Elqui, Paiguano, Chile

Very simple and cheap hostel with a nice garden and pool. Kind owner.

Activities and Sights

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Bike tour in Pisco Elqui

You can rent good bikes very cheaply and explore the surrounding area.

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Explore Pisco on foot

We strolled through the place. There are many nice little restaurants with typical food.

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Visit to a traditional pisqueria

We visited the Pisquera "Fundo los nichos" to see how the pisco is made. We were also able to try the different types of pisco there. More information here: fundolosnichos.cl

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starry sky

In Pisco you have a view of a spectacular starry sky. In the evening we walked up a small hill to admire the sky.

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General Information

This village is very small and traditional, although there are a lot of tourists. There are many small "travel agencies" that offer day tours to the most important sights. It is best to stroll through the main street and look at the various offers.

Accommodation

We stayed at the Hostal Atacama Nord. Very nice and small hostel with its own kitchen for cooking. You can also rent bicycles there. A small supermarket is next door and the owners are very nice. The family also lives in the hostel. There are only a few rooms.

Activities and Sights

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Stroll through San Pedro de Atacama

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Bike tour

We went on a bike tour to Pukará de Quitor.

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Pukará de Quitor, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Very nice hike that is not too strenuous. There is a great view all the way up.

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Valle de la Luna, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

We took a guided tour to the Valle de la Luna - an absolute highlight of our trip! On the way there we made a stop at a cave. Then we walked through the desert and at the end we went to a lookout point to watch the sunset.

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Day tour in the mountains

We went on a day tour in the mountains and looked at different sights. It's pretty cold in the mountains and the altitude can make your ears close.

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Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, Chile

This was a stop on our day tour.

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Piedras Rojas, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

This was a stop on our day tour. The red rocks and the lagoon were really spectacular!

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Laguna Miscanti, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

This beautiful lake with the mountains in the background was also included in our tour.

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Laguna Cejar, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

The Laguna Cejar is a salt lake where you can swim surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Do not book a tour, but go on a bike tour! So you are flexible and can go to the lagoon early in the morning before all the tourist buses come. The journey takes 1-2 hours and the sun is burning (bring your hat and sunscreen!) At the lagoon you have to take a cold shower first, otherwise you are not allowed in. There are a few small huts to put your belongings in and find some shade.

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Gêiseres de Tatio, B-245, Antofagasta, Calama

We took another half day trip to the hot springs. We left very early in the morning. It's very cold in the mountains, so dress warmly! If you want, you can take a dip in the hot springs. On the way we also visited a traditional village.

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Watch the starry sky

We booked a trip to a mountain to look at the stars and the moon with a telescope. That was very impressive.

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General Information

We spent the last few days with our friend again and looked at a few more sights. We also went on a day trip to Valparaiso.

Accommodation

We stayed at our friend's again.

Activities and Sights

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Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, Pío Nono, Recoleta, Chile

You can take the funicular to the top of the San Cristobal hill. There you have a nice view over the city. You can also visit the botanical garden or the Tupahue area.

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La Chascona, Fernando Marquez de La Plata, Santiago, Providencia

La Chascona is a house in the Barrio Bellavista that belonged to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. La Chascona reflects Neruda's quirky style, especially his love of the sea.

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Day trip to Valparaiso

From Santiago it is very easy to get to Valparaiso by bus. This beautiful city is right on the harbor and is famous for its funiculars and colorful buildings. We walked around town all day exploring the colorful streets.

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