travel advice from la paz to punta arenas or Santiago

I've been to the Salar in June and early March, both times were good. In March (i.e. rainy season) we couldn't go to Isla Pescadores but we got the "water on the salar" effect which made for crazy vistas and fun pictures.
From San Pedro to Calama is about 2 hours by bus, and it's then another 20 to Santiago. You could potentially fly from Calama to Punta Arenas via Santiago, not sure of costs. Calama is a fairly unlikeable place, though it's a jumping off point for visiting Chuquicamata (world's biggest copper mine outside a creepy ghost-town). Along the route to Santiago there are several nice spots - particularly the pisco-producing valleys inland from the main highway. I didn't go there but the Huasco valley looks very nice. It's off the beaten track and won't have too many tourist facilities. The Elqui Valley is more developed but still very worthwhile - I loved the place.

If you want to save money, you should go by bus as far as Puerto Montt, and buy a return plane ticket Puerto Montt Punta Arenas.

Ythanks for the info - both really helpful! IT looks like flying into Punta arenas is the best way to get to. Tierra del fuego?

I recently flew from Santiago to Puerto Montt, then Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. Both flights cost about £200 each with LAN. The bus is probably cheaper but will take much longer, plus the flight (particularly Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas - sit on the left) has amazing views of mountains, glaciers and lakes.

Also, I'd advise staying in Puerto Varas, as opposed to Puerto Montt - much nicer location and only a short, cheap bus ride away.

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