The Araucania region is named after the Araucaria trees, which are prominent features of southern Chile.
Countless colourful houses adorn the hills of Valparaiso and turn the city into a lively mosaic.
Street scene in Valparaiso. The city is built on 42 hills, some of which rise up to 360 metres above sea level.
Chile, Valparaiso: Don Renato, 90 years old, has been running his corner shop, where he mainly sells alcoholic beverages, since 1953.
The "Ascensor Reina Victoria", also known as the 'funicular railway', built in 1903 - seen from the colourful Avenida Elias.
Drummer and one-man band Sebastian collects donations from guests at the excursion restaurant 'Isla de la Fantasia'.
Art everywhere in the winding streets of Valparaiso's old town, which can only be explored on foot.
The sea lions at Valparaiso's fish market, which appear here in groups of up to 20, also like to feed on fish scraps.
Lunchtime near the harbour district of Valparaiso. In the background is the 'Cordillera' cog railway, which has been in operation since 1886.
Valparaiso, Mercado Puerto: Rebecca Munoz knits red winter pants. It takes a day. One pair costs the equivalent of 3 euros.
The streets and alleyways of Valparaiso, Chile, resemble a never-ending street art gallery.
Annette in front of the 3125 metre high Llaima volcano, one of the most active in Chile. During the 2008 eruption, 54 tourists were trapped by the lava before a rescue team evacuated them.
Conguillo Nationalpark: The butterfly Yramea Lathonioides from the Nymphalidae family which can easily be confused with the Silver-washed fritillary, which is also native to Germany.
Araucaria trees reach a great age, with some trees living to be 2,000 years old. Their bark, which is up to 14 centimetres thick, accounts for up to 25 % of the trunk volume and protects against fire and hot ash during volcanic eruptions.
A jewel lizard (Liolaemus tenuis). These animals are only found in Chile and are therefore endemic.
Chile: During our ascent to the Villarrica volcano, we are rewarded with fantastic views over the cloud-covered landscape and the Llaima volcano.
Total peace and quiet, pure relaxation: Annette in a hut on Budi Lake.
A somewhat dilapidated, traditional dwelling called Ruka.
Selma Kanunir harvests potatoes that end up on our plates just an hour later.
A fire-eyed diucon (Pyrope pyrope)
A Chimango caracara from the vulture falcon family.
On Selma's farm at Rudi See: Annette in front of the well-preserved Ruka, where we spend the night.
In this villa of the Viña Tarapaca winery, which is the emblem on every bottle, Annette and I taste some wines.
Wines and cheeses await tasting in the villa of the Viña Tarapaca winery.
Fantastic play of light from the setting sun on the foothills of the Andes in the background and the skyscrapers of Santiago de Chile.
