Diane Mullahy

Chile another amazing destination.....The Atacama Desert in the north to the fjords in Patagonia.  I spent several days in each and then a few days in Santiago.  The Atacama Desert was an experience ..... It is a plateau in South America west of the Andes mountains. Whether you are into sightseeing or hiking, adventure activities or wildlife, you will never be short of places to visit.  A few things to see, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), Stargazing in the Atacama, Float in Laguna Baltinache (salt plains).   Patagonia is an area encompassing the vast southern most tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile, with the Andes Mountains as the dividing line. The Chilean side has the glacial fjords and the temperate rainforest. A few things to see, Torres del Paine National Park...this has the most scenic hiking venues on the planet.  Punta Arenas, skirting the Strait of Magellan, this bustling city serves as the central base for exploring Southern Chilean Patagonia.  Puerto Natales is a coastal town which serves as the base for exploring Torres del Paines National Park.  I stayed at the Singular Patagonia Hotel, this is a luxury hotel set against the impressive backdrop of the Patagonian fjords of Last Hope sound and the Andes mountain range, it is a experience and a place to put on your list!