Chile - 16.01.2014 - 2nd Post

Pucon – The Chilean Lake District – North Patagonia.

 16.01.2014

Well,what a complete change from the Atacama.

We have grass and trees, but it’s still hot and we still have volcanoes.  Volcan Villarrica is one of Chiles’ most active volcanoes and it towers above the town of Pucon.  Although it is permanently active, it does not present a significant threat to the towns below, but it did cause 73 deaths between 1949 to 1971.

And you do see these signs.

Pucon is a lovely place but we have to say a little bit on the touristy side for us.  It’s very much a sporting venue with climbing (including to the top of the volcano), white water rafting, horse riding, canoeing etc, etc, etc. We hired a car to visit some of the other lakes in the area, but most of them are only accessible by a 4x4.  So we opted for a thermal spring instead – lovely, an ideal opportunity to enjoy the warm weather before moving south to near zero temperatures.

After a guided tour of Pucon:-

think I’ve pulled one of the locals!

Caught the local bus to see the ‘Ojos del Caburgua’waterfalls – all set in a lovely forest – great walking area.  Made the mistake of leaving the park via a different exit – a further 3 mile walk to the bus stop!

19.01.2014

Tomorrow, we head 3,000 Km south by bus and plane, to South Patagonia where we will visit 2 sites in the Torres del Paine region.  From there, across to Argentina to glaciers and icebergs.  

To date, nothing booked thereafter until we reach Rio in March, although we do have a few ideas!