2geonomads

Thursday 26th February 2015

Santiago to Punta Arenas

Another sunny day but the air pollution is extreme, apparently the result of a number of bush fires in the area.

The usual fine breakfast and then it’s off to the airport in a taxi seemingly driven by a superannuated Grand Prix driver.  Finally board the Latam Airlines A 320 for the 3 hours and 20 minutes flight to Punta Arenas.

I pass the time chatting to a guy from Denver who is doing some trekking through  Patagonia with 10 other travellers as Gail has managed to get a window seat in row in front of me.

As we fly further south we fly over some truly magnificent mountain/ glacial scenery and I start to appreciate to the remoteness of this part of the world.

Glaciers NP Patagonia

We arrive about 3 pm and after a short taxi ride we duly check into the Hotel Cabo de Hornas for our two night stay. To be honest the hotel has seen better days but is perfectly adequate . Once again we have eaten very little during the day so we are both more than ready for our evening meal. Unfortunately, dinner is not server until 8 pm in the hotel so it’s off to a local fast food restaurant for a very tasty large pork toasted sandwich.

In contrast to the scenery on the way down to Punta Arenas this area is totally flat and somewhat windswept . The temperature, at least when we arrive, is not unduly cold and after the meal we head off on a short walk through the town and down to the waterfront.

Punta Arenas Chile on Magellan Straits

Straits of Magellan Statue Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Main Square

By the time we finish our stroll the wind has become stronger and the temperature has dropped markedly. One can only imagine what this place is like in the depths of winter!

We are both now feeling the effects of our travel and are happy to crawl into bed for a good night’s sleep ahead of our journey into the frozen wastes of Antarctica.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret.