April 15th 2010

Ok so we arrived in Arica after a 9 hour bus journey which we didnt manage to get much sleep on. We then got a taxi from the bus staion at 6am and headed to our preboked hostel, Arica Surf House. We knew we wouldnt be able to check in so early but we headed there to drop our bags in!

With a bit of luck we were told we COULD check in and were given our key. We were shattered so jumped into bed for a quick cat nap and woke at 10:30am.

The plan of the day was to head to the train station to book a ticket across the border to Peru but on arrival we found out the train station was closed due to repair. W ewlaked to the main plaza and spotteda tourist office where we were given advice on the buses/taxix across the border instead of the train.

After this we strolled along the markets and visited the church which was dsigned by Mr Eiffel tower himself!! All made of iron, it was beautiful inside. We sat and said a few prayers (well i did anyway) and decided it was way too hot so went to get ingredients for brunch.

All fed and relaxed we walked abck into town to climb the hill to the statue of Jesus with war memorials commemorating the Pacific war between Chile and Peru. We popped into the museum for a nose and took pics of Arica from above! A good climb that made our tummy rumble for dinner!!!

As our last stop in Chile we found it really enjoyable and feel a new confidence of South America.

Dinner and an early night ready to cross the border to Peru tomorrow....... Adios Chile!!

(all pics on neils facebook)