The trip was an adventure thrill-ride — a time for strengthening the bond with a sure-to-be-lifelong friend, meeting new acquaintances, and learning about cultures, the Spanish language and that I still have no sense of direction. In just 10 days, I tasted Chilean fish and locally brewed beer, watched traditional song and dance performances, churned freshly butchered meat over a fire pit, passed by a family of llamas, saw a natural phenomenon of special waterfalls and climbed an active volcano. Here’s a look at Pucón, the little city that marks both the start and end of a wild chapter.
I knew the four-hour uphill hike in the snow would not be an easy one for me, someone who is admittedly out of shape and not a huge fan of physical activity. Regardless, I wanted to experience the adventure of hiking an active volcano and I knew any hardship would likely be worth it in the end.
This incredible phenomenon was created when Volcán Osorno errupted, sending hot lava racing through the Petrohué River. When the lava hardened, its formations created powerful chute-like waterfalls in an already beautiful landscape.
The rain let up a bit, but the clouds were more stubborn and we were lucky to steal quick looks at the picturesque Volcán Osorno that the city boasts in the pages of guidebooks and on the fronts of postcards. We spent the days exploring the city, climbing to the top of a park hill or patiently waiting by the water’s edge to catch a better view of the volcanoes. One morning, we sipped hot tea at a lakefront café and watched the clouds as they parted; first, slightly to show Osorno’s tippy-top, then more to expose almost its entirety before closing in on it again until the volcano disappeared completely … all in 20 minutes time.
I can still honestly say I am lucky to have coincidentally visited Castro during Festival Costumbrista, despite it likely being the reason I wound up calling 37 hostels (while standing outside in the rain). The annual festival is held in various towns on the Isla de Chiloé in February, and celebrates the history and culture of island life. For an entry fee of about $1.25, we listened to live traditional folk music, watched locals weave and form unique apple-wood baskets, shopped at an artisan market, visited farm animals and learned to cook (and taste!) authentic island food.
I received polarizing reviews on whether to visit Chiloé, an archipelago of more than 40 islands. A friend of mine said he loved the beautiful island, and could spend a month there if he had the chance. A fellow traveler said he heard it was boring unless you were 80 years old and liked to visit churches. Nora and I decided to go for it anyway, and were glad we did. We spent two days on the island, and loved it.
Between the lush trees just across Río Valdivia is home of the Kunstmann brewery, a popular Chilean beer. After the 1960 earthquake destroyed Valdivia‘s main…
