A companion for visitors to Chile and Peru. Tied to some of the most popular tourist locations, this history starts with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and ends in the 20th century as the overwhelming influence of Europeans in the culture, commerce, agriculture and mineral wealth of the region finally declined. It focuses on the long and dangerous voyage from the old continent and looks at how the newcomers brought with them their own lifestyles and comforts. It looks at the personal stories and anecdotes of explorers, pirates, travelers, naval officers, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, bankers, artists and many others who played a role in the independence struggles and subsequent national development. It describes especially the relatively comfortable life in Valparaiso in the nineteenth century as well as the extreme natural challenges facing those who moved northwards to prospect minerals and work the mines and those who went south to establish farms and fishing ventures.The book contains almost one hundred maps, engravings, photographs and other contemporary images.