Teskes Gone South: Chile - Adventures AROUND Valparaiso

By Dana

When we weren't enjoying the sights in Valparaiso, we were outside the city exploring the surrounding area. Our adventures took us just north to some sand dunes in the city of Con Con, along the beach in Renaca and Vina del Mar, and a bit farther away to a small mountain called La Campana.

Con Con

Our day at the sand dunes was a bit cool and cloudy. The fog that was hanging over the coast and the dunes in the morning gave them an eerie feel. However, once we started exploring, we realized just how beautiful they really were, especially with the fog and mist blowing over, constantly altering our view of the dunes and the sea. It was also awesome to pretty much have the dunes all to ourselves!

View of the sand dunes from the ocean

Brent hiking up the dunes

Brent enjoying the view

Some of our sand art made by starting the sand running from the top of the dunes like a mini avalanche. We did this for awhile. . . I guess we're easily amused. :)

Me on an awesome sand-board that we rented for about $3. After rubbing some complimentary candle wax on the bottom they really fly!

The boards are aparently made for mini-people. If you don't hold onto the string, it creates some pretty impressive drag, so we ended up crouching like this all the way down the hill.

Fulfilling my sledding craving for the winter

After one of the many times brent ate sand. He was digging sand out of his ears and nose for days after this.

Hiking back home

Beach in Renaca & Vina del Mar

On our way home from the sand dunes in Con Con we decided to hike home along the coast rather than taking the bus back. It was a beautiful walk and a nice, relaxing afternoon.

View of the ocean

Brent hiking along the rocks

Fisherman

Cool rocks

Futbol players on the beach

Awesome houses built up on the steep hills that jutt out of the ocean

Our walk home. . .tough life, huh?

Some 'dino-mite' sand art!

La Campana

One of the hiking highligts during our time in Valparaiso was a trip we took to a little mountain outside of town called La Campana. We went on a beautiful, yet toasty day with my host sister Picha and her friend Turko. Turko decided to have a relaxing day and hung out at the bottom. Picha made it all but the last few kilometers before turning around, leaving just Brent and I to peak La Campana together in the afternoon. It wasn't quite like our usual hikes, but it was enjoyable just the same, especially once we reached the beautiful summit.

The view of Cerro la Campana from the base, right before Turko wished us well and headed back down. The peak in the center is what Brent and I summited later this day. Picha made it just to the edge of the treeline.

Picha with Turko still close behind