Pucón y Volcán Villarrica

Pucón, Chile

Hermanos. Volcán Villarrica

Our next stop was Pucón. A true adventure destination that has a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. For the duration of our stay we referred to it as "Banff", Chile. 

Lava tubes

For starters, Cindy decided that we should walk 250 meters into South America´s most active volcano. We almost didn´t make it due to all the bad tourists that ruin the access road. It had nothing to do with the road itself, the slope, the materials and techniques used to construct the route nor that annoying principle of gravity.   

Spelunking

When all was said and done we were treated to a really good tour. Plenty of information about volcanoes, volcanic material and a long history of eruptions went in one ear and out the other as we wandered through a maze of volcanic tubes and stared in amazement at the interesting formations and unique coloration. We eventually descended into total darkness and a cool temperature of about 8°C.  

Tilquilco Lake

After consuming a few empanadas napolitanas, Jeremy and I headed to the River Trancura to hydro-speed down the rapids. Equipped with wetsuits, fins, life jackets and over-sized flutter boards we waded into the chilly waters for our briefing. Our three minute lesson was cut short when one of our foursome made an early departure backwards down the first set of rapids against his will, yelling "I can´t!" The hour long thrill ride got better from there and Jeremy later summarized the experience stating. "There was more self preservation required that I expected."

Huerquehue National Park

Our visit to Parque Nacional Huerquehue included another hike and yet another waterfall. The steep uphill trek through massive old trees was perhaps the most impressive part of our tour and a good workout ta boot. After completing the loop we made the trip to Los Pozones natural hot springs for a relaxing soak. Polar dips in the ice cold river that ran past the thermal pools were optional.