"CHILE, THE LONG AND NARROW" Chile Travelogue by the_dutchman

It was a long ride by bus from Arica in Northern Chile to Santiago, a total of 2091 Km. the distance wasn't half as bad as the time it took. After many hold-ups, police checks and breakdowns we finally arrived thirty-six hours later. The one nice thing is that meals were provided on the bus.
So let's get started at the border.

These are the Chilean colours.

There is always a line-up of buses at the border.

Everyone has to show their passport to the border patrol.

When I saw this sign, I almost turned back to Peru.

This sign "THE CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING" made me happy that I carried on.

The small boat harbour at Arica.

Astroll in one of the parks.

The Chilean colours on top of the hill.

This was to show that I was really there.

Arica is rather large and at one time belonged to Peru.

This is part of the city of eternal spring.

The beaches are well attended.

Then finally the coastline turns to a dark gravel all the way to Valparaiso.

This poor truck took a wrong turn.

One of the many monuments along the way

An early morning arrival in Santiago.

The PALACIO de LA MONEDA is the Presidential Palace in Santiago.

An overview of Santiago from "Cerro San Cristobal".

The "Bishop of Santiago" is immortalised in the "Parque Metropolitano"

The pioneers are not forgotten.

From the parque Metropolotano to the top of Cerro San Cristobal is done by fernicular railway.

The huge fountain (alas no water) in the metropolitan park.

At the top of Cerro San Cristobal is the statue of THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. It is large enough to have a chapel in it's base.

Downtown Santiago is very heavy with traffic.

Buses seems to be the main method of transpotation.

This is the market at the international bus station.

The Pass over the Andes mountain range From Chile to Argentina is a world wonder. It is straight up with a total of 27 switchbacks.

The best view is gotten from switchback #17.

The route through the valleys is breathtaking.

The natural beauty of Chile is never ending.

Finally I arrive at the Argentinian border.

My first look at the first city in Argentina, Mendoza.