On the far side of the Andes in Santiago and Valparaiso

After a couple of hot  days exploring Santiago and Valparaiso here we are on Easter Island.

Pelicans and sealions in the harbour at Valparaiso and quirky rickety funiculars that creaked their way to stunning viewpoints were highlights of our trip to Chile´s main port.

We enjoyed friendly Santiago with great views of the city and the Andes  from a scary cable car ride and plenty of ridiculously cheap-but good red vino!

Now we are 2000 miles from anywhere on fabulous Rapa Nui. The huge moai, volcanic craters and lush tropical vegetation is breathtaking. Perhaps the best part is being able to walk anywhere and have these unique sites to ourselves.

Weather has been fab but today we are sitting out a tropical downpour with rivers  running down the main street of the Island´s only settlement-Hanga Roa.

Adios!