Volcanoes!!

Volcanoes!!

On our way north, generally following the Ruta 40 in Argentina, we decided to make a quick foray into Chile to visit some volcanoes, particularly the active Volcán Villarrica near Pucón.

Leaving Junín de los Andes, the clouds started closing in as we headed towards Parque Nacional Lanin, and although we had been told there would be spectacular views of our first volcano, Volcán Lanin, along this road, we couldn’t see a thing. Camping is not allowed in the park, and so we parked up for the night at the entrance and soon the rain was lashing down on Big Bertha.

The next morning we awoke before sunrise to be greeted with clear skies and an amazing view of Volcán Lanin.

We continued through the park to the border post where formalities were relatively painless and crossed once again into Chile. Arriving in Pucón we parked up to explore the town for the afternoon before driving up Volcán Villarrica to camp at the highest ski station carpark. We were very lucky with the weather – a clear night, no wind and a waning moon. Dave stayed up into the night experimenting with his phone and camera, which resulted in some incredible photos.

From Pucón, we drove around Lago Villarrica towards Parque Nacional Conguillio. Entry being only from 08:30 to 14:00, we camped outside the park gate and entered the next morning. This park has one of the most famous walks in Chile: Sendero Sierra Nevada. And again we were super lucky with the weather – this 14km (return) hike climbs 600m up through a forest before reaching a ridge line, with stunning views either side, that takes you up to the Mirador Sierra Nevada. The hike overlooks our third volcano – Volcan Pichi Llaima.

The park is closed (for entry) on Monday and, as we had arrived on a Sunday, we had the park to ourselves the next day. We camped on a beach next to the lake and hiked another 14km to Laguna Arcoíris.