Pucon and Chilean Lake District

Created April 2006, Updated 4/2006

中文版 (Chinese)

After leaving Santiago, we traveled south along Chile's central valley to reach its famous Lake District. Before arriving at the Lake District, we stopped for one night at Salto de Laja, camping just next to the waterfall.

Pucon is located on the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica, and just right next to the ubiquitous Volcano Villarrica. We stayed there for 3 nights, pretty much doing nothing but just relaxed (drinking supersized beer at overpriced bars at 3pm in the afternoon..). I tried to join an optional tour to climb up to the top of the Villarrica, but accidentally missed the final opportnity to enroll (Was I subconciously still afraid to go up some place so high up?). I ended up wandering aimlessly on Day 2. However, I walked along the Grand Playa (Great Beach) and enjoyed its party atmosphere.

On Day 3 (Which was Chinese New Year, and I celebrated New Year all by myself once again), I went on a lake cruise to have a better look of the Lake and beautiful scenery around from the water. The day ended with an optional tour to a hot spring spa deep inside the Andean Mountain.

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We camped next to this waterfall for one night. We called it "min-Iguaza Fall." I would visit the 'real thing' later in this trip

The Volcano Villarrica, the most visible sight in the whole region. Eveywhere I turned, I saw it standing there. It seemed to laugh at me: "You don't have the gut to climb me, do you?" By the way, it cost a lot of money to climb Villarrica (it's like, $80! and lunch not included)

The Volcano Villarrica and Lake Villarrica. This volcanic lake is eclipse-shaped and Pucon is on the eastern shore of the Lake.

Streets of Pucon. Yes, it is a quite small town, and the Volcano Villarrica is visible from every corner of the town. Sort of reminded me that I ...

Pucon's "Playa Grande" (Grand Beach). It does not look very nice with all these black (volcanic) sands, but it is very popular by the vacationers. With several trendy bars and lounges along the Beach, it feels like "Ibiza by the Lake."

I also took a boat trip for sightseeing around the Lake. This is me before boarding the boat.

More pictures from Lake Villarrica...