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August 19th https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297401-d1551995-Reviews-Ilaia_Hotel Punta_Arenas_Magallanes_Region.html We’re doing a walking tour while our luggage is being taken to the hotel. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g297401-d11469815-Punta_Aren... Discover the charm of this far city founded on the coast of the Strait of Magellan by pioneers who left a valuable and cultural heritage with traditions that still remain these days. Most of its descendants came from Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany, England and Chiloé Island (Chile). Nowadays, Punta Arenas has a population of 125,000 inhabitants approximately. Our tour will begin at Mirador hill which is a place where we can get a panoramic view of Punta Arenas and the Strait of Magellan. From the top of it, we can also look around different architectural styles that surround the city. Then, we will have the chance to visit the Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello which is a place with a great cultural heritage. This museum displays a varied collection of flora and fauna which can be found in Magallanes region as well as craft-works that belonged to Yaganes, Onas, and Alacalufes. Later on, we will visit the historical city center including monuments such as Muñoz Gamero main square. History : Chile was originally under the control of the Incas in the north and the nomadic Araucanos in the south. In 1541, a Spaniard, Pedro de Valdivia, founded Santiago. Chile won its independence from Spain in 1818 under Bernardo O'Higgins and an Argentinian, José de San Martin. O'Higgins, dictator until 1823, laid the foundations of the modern state with a two-party system and a centralized government. The dictator from 1830 to 1837, Diego Portales, fought a war with Peru from 1836—1839 that expanded Chilean territory. Chile fought the War of the Pacific with Peru and Bolivia from 1879 to 1883, winning Antofagasta, Bolivia's only outlet to the sea, and extensive areas from Peru. Pedro Montt led a revolt that overthrew José Balmaceda in 1891 and established a parliamentary dictatorship lasting until a new constitution was adopted in 1925. Industrialization began before World War I and led to the formation of Marxist groups. Juan Antonio Ríos, president during World War II, was originally pro-Nazi but in 1944 led his country into the war on the side of the Allies. In 1970, Salvador Allende became the first president in a non-Communist country freely elected on a Marxist program. Allende quickly established relations with Cuba and the People's Republic of China, introduced Marxist economic and social reforms, and nationalized many private companies, including U.S.-owned ones. In Sept. 1973, Allende was overthrown and killed in a military coup covertly sponsored by the CIA, ending a 46-year era of constitutional government in Chile. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297401-d3855623-Reviews-La_Cuisin... French, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner and then finally we’ll check into our hotel. Sleep well because we’re off early in the morning for Puerto Natales. And glaciers Wow, day 19 in South America....Hola Chile! Now, we have spectacular sea views of the Pacific Ocean. My feet and I hit the streets of Chile's capital city, Punta Arenas running. Who am I kidding? I did not move quickly. My motion was more of an unhurried amble. Our Guide did not rush us. We had plenty of time to ooh and aah. It felt refreshing to be somewhere less humid, but, boy is it windy here. I am so glad I was not brandishing an umbrella. I didn't relish a flying tour a la Mary Poppins. Huh, this vibrant city actually means Sandy Point in English. Now, I can see places I read about in history class. There really is a Strait of Magellan. According to our pleasant Guide, Punta Arenas was once known as "the city of red roofs." It was the only paint colour available for the metal roofs. It felt wonderful to stretch my legs, but supper was a delight. We dined at a French bistro, la Cuisine. My taste buds were in heaven. After this gourmet meal, several of us retired to our hotel's rooftop lounge. Ilaia Hotel is a beautiful boutique spot. We bundled up in sweaters to view a spectacular seaside sunset. It was mesmerizing. |
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