Just some exceptionally broad highlights for now. More to come soon.
SANTIAGO, CHILE - Parque Metropolitano - funicular, Statue of Santa Maria; Mercado Central; Plaza de Armas; La Moneda (Presidential Palace); Cerro Santa Lucia
STANLEY, EAST FALKLANDS - Attractive town with scenic views; Christ Church Cathedral
VOLUNTEER POINT, EAST FALKLANDS - King Penguin colonty, Gentoo Penguin rookery and Magellanic Penguins in burrows; Lots of penguin chicks; Meadow Larks; Beautiful beach
SEA LION ISLAND - Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins; Rockhopper and King Cormorant colonies on the cliffs; Many penguin chicks; Elephant Seals; Southern Sea Lions bulls and cows with some newborn calves; Skua; Striated Caracara; Snipe; Oystercatchers and many more bird species
CARCASS ISLAND - Hilly island with spectacular beaches and scenery; Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins on gorgeous beach, some running down sand dunes
WEST POINT ISLAND - Huge Black-Browed Albatross and Rockhopper colonies with lots of chicks on cliffs; private picnic overlooking wildlife and amazing scenery; Rockhoppers coming back from sea and jumping up on the cliffs; Sea lions and Commerson's Dolphins from the boat
DARWIN, EAST FALKLANDS - remote, peaceful, pretty
ATACAMA DESERT, NORTHERN CHILE - Cordillera de la Sal; Salar de Atacama with 2 species of flamingoes; Valle de la Luna rugged beauty; El Tatio geysers; charming town of San Pedro de Atacama; Hiking along the Rio Grande valley; Salar Manticore and Salar de Aguas Calientes in the Altiplano - fabulous picnic overlooking salar; Excellent wildlife: many bird species plus Vicuna; Llama; Vizcacha and Fox; zillions of stars; regional dance performance
SANTIAGO REDUX - Astounding collection at Pre-Colombian Art Museum; Archaeological Museum; Santiago Cathedral
COLCHAGUA VALLEY, CHILE - Wineries - Casa Lapostolle, Montes, Viu Manent
BEST LODGINGS
EXPLORA LODGE in Atacama - beautiful accommodations and astoundingly good food and wine; terrific staff, guides and expeditions
CASA LAPOSTOLLE - Luxurious casita overlooking the vineyards; handsome, modern winery; great pool; super-friendly staff; excellent meals and wine
Enjoy the photos! More trip info to follow.