Around Villarrica Volcano

Once again we go back to review one of our most exciting routes: Around Villarrica Volcano. Three days, two lakes, two volcanoes, riding in the perennial woods of Chile’s deep South. The most intense nature one can get. 


The grand prize: crossing Villarrica National Park, one of the most stunning natural settings, and a magnificent remainder of the prehistoric rainforests that once covered most of Chile.

We traveled to Pucón on a comfortable night bus. Right off the bus we take off. 
Half a day of enjoyable backcountry roads riding along Lake Caburgua to my cabin in the woods near Huife hot springs. 
It's early December, the weather is fine and the high season has not yet started.

Second day, we cross the Park. The terrain is difficult with steep climbs over a ridge that connects two active volcanoes: Villarrica and Quetrupillán. The downhill could have been exhilarating, but we prefer to go slow and admire the landscape.

The majesty of these araucaria forests is impossible to describe in words or in pictures. 
It's so nice to sit alone and just listen to the soft whisper of the wind as it passes over the canopies, more than 30 meters above.

Let us just hope that these noble giants remain there for another million years.

Second night and award ceremony is on a nice lodge at Coñaripe, next to Lake Calafquén. The last day is a smooth ride around the Lake back to Pucón. Paved roads this time, but we will be exploring something a little more rugged for this stage in a next trip.


kmzs here