Oh the Places You'll Go!

As my time abroad is dwindling down, I wanted to reflect on all the places I’ve been able to travel while in Argentina and Chile. South America has so much unknown beauty to offer and I feel blessed to have been able to experience just a sliver of it.

First stop, Ushuaia, Argentina! Known as el fin del mundo, this city is the southernmost city in Argentina and the world (although there is a rival city in Chile that believes it deserves this title). Our trip consisted of penguin tours, Tierra del Fuego national park and a trip to the local prison where Buenos Aires’ most notorious criminals were sent during its operation.

Next up Iguazu Falls; these crazy waterfalls lie on the border of Argentina and Brazil. We were able to take a boat tour under the falls (not without a wild ride through the rapids, of course) and explore the national park, and witness the scavenging of the coatis that look very loveable until food comes into play!

A day trip to Colonia, Uruguay was food for the soul, as this colorful town has the ability to brighten even the darkest of days.

Our location switch from Buenos Aires took us to Peru before heading to Santiago with a few days in Lima and a trip to Machu Picchu. My previous blog post details our week in Peru for those that want a play by play!

Valparaíso lays on the coast of Chile, making it the perfect beachy get away. With a layout similar to San Francisco, it’s hard not to love its hills adorned with colorful houses.

And last but certainly not least, Rapa Nui! Commonly referred to as Easter Island, this trip had been on my bucket list for a while. You are only able to fly from Santiago, with the exception of a weekly flight to and from Tahiti. It was so amazing to learn the history behind the Rapa Nui people and the moais. We attended a traditional dance show and toured the island, visiting the quarry where the moais were produced and the volcano, Rano Kau, where we learned about the birdman competition that took place until the 1860s. When bumming along the harbor we even ran into a few sea turtles!