Punta Arenas was the southernmost city I reached during my travels. While walking around, I occasionally saw signs that indicated we were in the "Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena." OK, so I was in Magallanes and not Antarctica (no way was I gonna swing that on a backpacker budget), but it was still … Continue reading Punta Arenas
south america
Puerto Varas
The center of Puerto Varas, in Chile's Lake District, offers beautiful views of Lago Llanquihue and Volcán Osorno. Travelers choose it as a more charming alternative to Puerto Montt, a larger city nearby that serves as a cruise port. While in Puerto Varas, I was most excited to visit Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales, about … Continue reading Puerto Varas
Pucón
Pucón is a cute, touristy town nestled between lakes and volcanos. It's a popular spot for vacationing Chileans, and its center happens to contain a grocery store called Eltit (cue 11-year-old giggling). I didn't know how many activities Pucón offered until I arrived at my hostel Chili Kiwi. I met a guest who had stayed in … Continue reading Pucón
Santiago and Valparaiso
When travelers say a location is "just like any other big city," chances are good that I'll end up liking it. Maybe I like to be contrarian. Maybe I arrive in the city with low expectations. Whatever the reason, it's just how things have worked. I'd met a few locals and travelers who said Santiago … Continue reading Santiago and Valparaiso
The Atacama Desert
When I was in the Atacama Desert, "wow" was my word of the day...every day. The scenery was unreal. And the stars at night? Unbelievable. It was such a contrast from NYC, where I never even bothered to look at the night sky because I wouldn't have been able to see a single star anyway. … Continue reading The Atacama Desert
A. CHOO'S TRAVELS 