VILLARRICA (The Other Side). Chasing more Volcanoes. 54 425 Km

After 2 weeks of enjoying hikes, chocolate, beer, and ice cream, we hopped over the boarder to Villarrica. We had passed through this area on our way north during summer and stayed at Pucon, which is on the other side of the lake. This time we were looking for a less glam and touristy feel while we got out to do some more hiking.

The town is definitely different to Pucon. We had arrived late on a Saturday night and so we went for a wander around town on Sunday only to find a lot of wind and nothing else really open. We later found out that all the wind was a bit rare but on this day you could have surfed the lake.

After a little wander around we spent the afternoon catching up on jobs and eating more chocolate and cake. I guess Bariloche wasn't really that far away.

The next day we were picked up for a Husky ride. We had planned to go on a sled ride with the huskies but it had been a bad winter season and the snow had melted quite quickly in the few days before we arrived. Keen to see the dogs and the experience we went along and were pulled along in a cart instead of sled. It was a little bumpier than a sled but was great fun. And afterwards we got to play with the new puppies to help "socialize" them.

The following day we were keen to get out to Villarrica national park to explore some of the area around the volcano, which I climber in May. We found lots of cool looking walking trails and some hot springs as well. Unfortunately we didn't find any transport. Unlike the more touristy Pucon, public transport options on this side of the lake were somewhat limited and so we never actually got to the national park. What we did do was take a nice local bus for about an hour or so to another town so we could enjoy the scenery. There wasn't much in that town though so we did a lap and then got the next bus back. It was a nice day but not quite as planned.

In the evening we went for a wander around the lake and waited for the evening light to hit the lake and volcano.