cyrsullivan
Feb 5, 2025
2 min read
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Following a hectic three weeks in Ottawa managing personal affairs and reconnecting with friends and family, including a Cyr Family Christmas in Cobourg, we set off for South America. Our one-month adventure in South America kicked off with a few days in Santiago, then we took a two-week cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires, sailing around Cape Horn. From Buenos Aires, we flew south to Patagonia, and spent a week hiking in the Andes. Following a short return to Buenos Aires, we jetted off to to Sydney, Australia, Whew!
While in Santiago, we stayed near the Plaza de Armas de Santiago, located in the heart of the city. This area is a web of pedestrian malls and is home to buildings of historical and architectural significance. It is also a bustle of street vendors and buskers.
With extended daylight hours and short nights, Christmas lights are conspicuously absent. This shop window displays its seasonal support with an adorable Santiago skyline.
The entrance to Cerro Santa Lucía on Santa Lucía Hill features a charming small park with remnants of forts, an astronomical observatory, and public promenades that are centuries old. It is believed to be the location of an Inca settlement.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago on Plaza de Armas de Santiago. A fine example of the architecture seen throughout the city.
We were all smiles as we embark on the Princess Majestic for our tour around the Horn.
A stellar 14-day cruise around the Horn was a tour we’ll never forget.
Quaint fishing villages dot the shoreline near Puerto Montt.
One of a number of glaciers spilling into the sea from the Amalia Glacier.
Monumento A Tripulantes Goleta Ancud in Punta Arenas - The monument depicts the journey of 23 expedition members who left on the Ancud to the Strait of Magellan in 1843.
A quick pic from the bottom of the world on Christmas day.
I think I made him uncomfortable.
In the distance through the fog, the Cape Horn Lighthouse on Hornos Island can be seen.
Spending time with a few hot dogs in Buenos Aires
Dropped by the Hotel de Campo La Leona for a coffee, near El Chalten but far from everywhere.
The trek to the Monte Fitz Roy climbers’ base camp in Los Glaciers National Park was an epic journey. It was incredibly rewarding and thoroughly exhausting.
The Perito Moreno Glacier: an immense and accessible spectacle.
We had an incredibly thrilling hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
We spent a few days in San Carlos de Bariloche, a charming town with German influences located in the heart of the Andes.
During our time in Bariloche, we spent a day hiking through a breathtaking valley with magnificent views.
We wrapped up our one-month South American tour with a few days in the remarkable city of Buenos Aires. We explored various central neighbourhoods, absorbing the incredible sights and sounds. An unexpected delight was a boat tour of the Tigre Delta, a vibrant city with tranquil canals where boats are the sole means of transportation. Next destination, Australia!