Oasis village Pica, Chile

Pica main square
Originally uploaded by louise_parmenter.

On our way north from San Pedro we stopped off in the desert town of Calama (2hrs from San Pedro - and the nearest big town) and stayed with Esteban´s cousin Claudia, her husband Julio and their baby,Maloy, for one night. She was so generous and offered us a bed although they clearly didn´t have room. Many thanks Claudia! We then travelled on to Pica (12hrs north, near Iquique). This oasis village provided a relaxing stop over with thermal baths with caves (from which you can work off mud for a great face pack) and a beautiful square full of humming birds, flowers and shaded benches, decorated with pink ironwork. Here are a few photos.