Pucón - the tourist town

After three beautiful days in Puerto Varas, I continue to Pucón, a popular holiday destination in the southern region of Chile. In the background stands the Villarrica Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, and the city invites you to all kinds of outdoor activities. Upon my arrival after a five-hour bus ride from Puerto Varas, I first realize that I have forgotten my only pair of shorts, which also served as pajamas and a substitute for bikini bottoms, in the last hostel. So I use the afternoon to go to the center and look for a replacement.

Termas Los Pozones

In the evening, I meet Juliane at the hostel, and together we plan to visit the Termas Los Pozones the next day. These are hot springs that can be reached by public transportation due to the volcanic activity around Pucón. The most popular ones are the Termas Geométricas, which can be visited through a paid day tour. Unfortunately, there were not enough people for that, so we decided to go to the alternative that can be reached by public transportation. The next day, we meet Daniela and together we enjoy the afternoon in wonderfully warm pools and the bright sunshine. To end the day, we treat ourselves to the best empanadas in town.

Villarrica Volcano and exploring the city

For the next day, I have signed up (bravely and full of ambition) for the ascent to the Villarrica Volcano. This trip costs just over one hundred euros and includes all the necessary equipment and experienced and competent guides - if you choose the right agency. I had chosen Expediciones Aguaventura, which were recommended by the Lonely Planet guidebook and my hostel. The ascent of the volcano is special because, with the right weather conditions, you can hike up to the crater and see the lava inside - a unique experience! A certain level of fitness is required, and sitting in the bus fully equipped, I wonder if I even have that level of fitness. But with "hang in there, catch it," I have chosen this, so let's do it. The transfer bus takes our group to the base, at an altitude of about 1,400 m. For comparison: the rim of the crater is at an altitude of 2,847 m, so we have to cover 1,400 meters of altitude in 4.5 km. However, we already notice that the chairlift, which could take us a few meters up, is closed due to wind. A bad sign. The smoke plumes from the chimney are blown away by the wind just above the crater rim. A very bad sign. The guides give us the choice: we can start and see how far the weather conditions allow us to climb, or we can cancel the tour and take the bus back to the city. The guides don't expect us to make it to the crater. The group discusses for a long time while groups from other agencies pass by us. In the end, the entire group goes back. And that's the reason for recommending Expediciones Aguaventura: at the moment the ascent of the volcano starts (from the base), the full amount for the tour is due. But the guides give their experienced and honest assessment, so we only had to pay for the transfer (less than 10 euros). The other groups went off without a detailed assessment or motivation and had to turn back at the end of the day without having seen the crater - and they had to pay in full.

In the morning, unexpectedly back from my tour, I spend the day with Juliane in the city again - with empanadas for dinner :)

Huerquehue National Park

On my third day in Pucón, I set off for Huerquehue National Park with its primeval forests of ancient Araucaria trees and its mountain lakes. It is a steep climb, but the effort is worth it, as I am greeted with beautiful and diverse forests, idyllic and clear lakes, and heavenly peace at the top.