Day 1: Wake up at 4:30 a.m. in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina to catch the 6 a.m. bus to Pucon, Chile. Within about 2 hrs. we hit customs and the border crossing which consisted of: Argentine Customs, quick, but then a dog walks through the bus!, drive 2 minutes then Chilean customs where they scan our bags. So, I had collected these amazing driftwood pieces from Lago Puelo and Lago Hermoso, but had to ditch them because Chile wouldn't allow them...wood, wood, it's just wood! Well, Im over it now.
We arrive in Pucon and head to Hostel Backpacker's, the coolest and most amazing hostel we've ever stayed at, hands down. Claudio, the owner, is so awesome that we stayed 5 nights 6 days. Oh, and he also runs his own adventure tours as well. Therefore, it was noon on arrival and within 2 hrs. we were rafting class 3/4 rapids in freezing water and pouring rain. It was amazing and the rain and cold temps only added to the experience. After the rafting journey we decompressed at the hostel and within another 2 hrs. are at the hot springs just chilling. Day one, long and incredible.
Day 2: With day one being long and on the go, today we just chilled out. We woke up late, made breakfast, visited the town, relaxed at the hostel, made dinner and relaxed some more. Pucon, the town, is very low key yet has all anyone could need. The people are super friendly and the town is purely devoted to outdoor adventure activities. By the way, at this point we are just waiting for a clear day to peak Volcan Villarrica.
Day 3: VOLCANOE. Wake up at 6:30 a.m. to Claudio saying, "Today's the day." We fly out of bed, gear up and eat a quick breakfast. The crew consisted of nearly 13 of us plus 4 guides. We get near the take off point but had to stop so the guides could put chains on the van to even get us there. That new snow would also explain why the ascent was so difficult. We all unload and gear up and I attach my board to my pack and am ready to roll. D is ready and waiting with an ice pick in hand. We go. The guides set a pace against our liking; long routes with long breaks instead of shorter routes with more frequent quicker breathers. It made the hike even harder.
As we leave the ski resort area and are heading to unchartered fresh power tracks, D and the other girl with us turn back after hours of extreme snow hiking. Honestly, I felt like I was ready to turn back. I trekked on. My legs burning I kept on until an hour from the top. The weather shifted and the cold, snowy and windy air aided my decision to detach the board and surf the freshy all the way down. Julian, the dude we met at the hostel, and I strapped up and flew down. Overall, ridiculous experience that I would do again any day.
Day 4: We both feel like we got rolled by a steam engine! Today was to be relax day, but I got tempted to bike...30 miles. Why, I do not know. From the hike the day before I was struggling on the uphill, which was nearly half the bike ride! Well, I kept on with our Brazilian buddy Hugo and we went past Ojos del Caburgua waterfalls and all the way to Lago Caburgua. Along the way we saw Claudio and the hostel crew doing our bike route in a van...too easy, biking was cooler!
Day 5: Relax. Have tea and coffee. Relax. Chill at hostel. Decide on our next stop on our great adventure. Chillan, here we come. Goodnight.
Day 6: Wake up, eat breakfast and peace out to Nevados de Chillan for snowboarding.
Overall, Pucon is amazing. Que buena onda! Between the adventures, the outdoors, the hostel and Claudio, it was impressive. We hope to be back soon, Chao.
