Valparaíso

Set into the hills and looking out across the pacific, Valparaíso was our last stop in Chile. Arriving from Santiago we first headed to neighbouring Viña del Mar and the smaller town of Reñaca, where we dipped our toes into the ocean and tried the local Empanadas. After heading back into Valparaíso we explored Pablo Neruda’s quirky house and took our first ride on a funicular. Scattered throughout the city, each of the century old funiculars shudders and shakes its way up the hill helping to avoid the countless steps involved in navigating through the labyrinth of Valparaíso's narrow walkways.

Staying at a 19th century sprawling English house perched high up on the hillside we were treated to spectacular views out across the ocean and many of the city's hills. This seemed to compensate for the steep climb up the hill and the ten flights of stairs to reach our room. The following day we spent exploring the city, trying to capture some of its brightly coloured houses soak up its vibrant atmosphere whilst taking some time out to sample more of the city's Empanadas and local wine. Tomorrow we start our Antarctic adventure, as we head via Punta Arenas to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.