Chile - Antofagasta

Saturday, 26 October and Sunday, 27 October 2019

We had plenty of time in Antofagasta because our trip to the Cerro Paranal Observatory was canceled. On Thursday, we had time to wander around the town, and on Friday, we had guided tours.

The magnificent view from our hotel room had it all - tidal pools, the harbor, the yacht club (with swimming pool), beaches.

Pelicans spent most of their time on top of rocks that stayed out of the water (if not out of the surf) at high tide.

A Peruvian pelican silhouetted against the surf.

Sea lions had taken over a dock in the harbor. They got chased off their perch, but returned as soon as possible.

This sea lion was enjoying the sunshine on rocks that lined the harbor edge.

The cathedral in the central plaza, Plaza Colón, was visible from our hotel.

A British clocktower dominates the center of the plaza.

The cathedral.

The Post Office across from the plaza clearly shows its colonial heritage.

A building across the street from our hotel has stunning "trompe l'oeil" murals on two sides. The figures on the first floor are of significant local politicians, artists, and writers. The paintings are so realistic it can be difficult to tell from a distance that they're not real.

A mural on another wall of the same building. The stairs at left and the light pole at right are real, all else is a detailed painting.

A turkey vulture sites on a (real) balcony on the "mural building".

Night view from our hotel balcony.