Santiago

This would be the last leg of my travel photography adventures as I departed Casa Kreyenberg in Valparaiso for Santiago, the capital of Chile.

Booking a bus in advance wasn’t necessary since they ran every thirty minutes with 5 different companies to choose from. I only had a few days to explore the city to see attractions such as the Plaza del Armes, which wasn’t as nice as Cusco’s but which did have a striking metropolitan church right next to a modern high-rise. If you’re there on a Sunday make sure to visit the museums because they are completely free. Another thing to remember: the whole city takes a day off on Sundays, so don’t be stuck without any cash.

Some notable spots in Santiago: the Cerro San Cristóbal is a big hill in the northern part of the city. A tram can be taken to the top where you’ll find a church, a statue of the virgin Mary, and a spectacular view of the city. Just down around the corner along Pio Street, you’ll find 4 blocks of pubs and clubs (if you’re into that kind of stuff). For those of you looking to take a few minutes from your day to relax or for couples who want to passionately make-out without being bothered, Parque Forestal is a quiet urban park that’s perfect for any and all of those activities.

For the most part, I left my camera at my hostel to simply enjoy the last few days with some new acquaintances. In just a few short days, I was going to be on my way home to Vancouver—with a tan. Don’t get me wrong—I had an all-around amazing trip in South America, but when I came to thinking about what and who was waiting for me back home… I-could-not-wait.