After the flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago we stayed for one night at an airport hotel which was slap bang opposite the airport terminal. This enabled us to make a quick get away and head out by hire car to the Pacific coast about 100 km west of the capital city. We made a stop at Casa Pablo Neruda, the home of the Chilean poet before making our way to our hotel on the coast.

Our first hotel on the Pacific coast was in Algarrobo and the Medio Mundo Hotel which had great views across the ocean from our room. This was a simple hotel and the welcome Pisco Sour cocktails overlooking the Pacific were most welcome.

The following day's visit north to Valparaiso was an easy drive which allowed us to enjoy more views of the coast as well as the twin cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Valparaiso is a bit more gritty than its neighbour but it was great fun riding the funicular railways that link the different hillside areas of the city.

After a second night in Algarrobo we headed further north to Zapallar, a journey of around 150km again our chosen hotel, the Isla Seca, gave us great views although overall I don't remember this hotel being the best in terms of service. It was however handy to walk down to the beach area and enjoy dining out adjacent to the sea.

From Zapallar we then made the journey back to Santiago and a chance to experience the capital city of Chile properly - the airport hotel did not really count!