Arriving in Coquimbo, Chile

The Prisendam has arrived in Chile.  It’s a little overcast this morning, and I’m about to take an hour drive to the Cerro Tololo Inter American Observatory.  This is the largest astronomical observatories in the Southern Hemisphere.  The elevation of the telescopes is at 7200 feet above sea level.  I’m also supposed to take a tour of the Elqui River Valley with a stop for lunch at a Chilean restaurant. 

I’m looking forward to this trip today.

I've included a map with the location of Coquimbo which is outside of La Serena, Chile.

 

The view of Coquimbo from the port and starboard sides of the ship.  The time here is two hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone back home.