After our nightmare journey to San Pedro, we travelled in style on our 15 hour journey to La Serena with seats resembling reclining armchairs, blankets and pillows. Arriving at the hostel, we were unsure we had the right address as we entered into somebody`s living room. However, upon venturing into the garden, we were met by the owner who showed us our room in a charming small annexe at the foot of the garden. That evening, we made our way through the Elqui Valley, past lakes and vineyards up to the observatory in the mountains. From here we observed Saturn and 2 of its moons from a telescope under a rotating dome. Our guide/ astronomer showed us the Southern constellations and close ups of the moon and its impressive craters. We were also taught about comets, why Pluto is no longer a planet and Inca legends of the constellations.

The next day, having a full day to relax we made the most of the hostel`s homely communal kitchen to make our own lunch with fresh bread and homemade guacamole. Our eyes being too big for our stomachs, we were defeated the 4 avocados worth of the delicious dip. Nevertheless, we still had room for ice creams on the Plaza de Armas later that afternoon.

With the sea conditions in our favour, we were lucky enough to embark on a tour of the Islas Damas the following day. On our drive to coast, our guide explained that we were fortunate to witness the beginnings of the flowering desert, a phenomenon only occurring every 15 years. The beautiful green and flowering landscape that we were driving through was normally dry and barren! Despite being told that the sea conditions were perfect, upon arrival to the port, we discovered that it was choppier than expected. Making our way around the islands, we observed Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans and dolphins in their natural environment. However incredible it was to see this wildlife, we appreciated a stop-off on dry land, overcoming bouts of nausea on the rough seas. Arriving back at the port, we had a lunch of seafood empanadas and freshly caught fish.

The following morning, we caught our last bus together down to Santiago we were stayed with the Illanes family in their incredible house. The first day we explored the city centre and are hoping to meet Zanna`s Santiago uni friends this afternoon before going our separate ways