Another climb...and then Argentina

JG: Whirlwind week - climbed Villarrica in Pucón, Chile last weekend - turned out to be a steeper climb (about 1200m total) than in Bolivia, but without the altitude issues and not quite as cold. Still pretty demanding as it's 5 hours of zig-zag trekking wearing crampons and hauling all your gear in a backpack. Oh - and we did a 4-hr bike ride of Pucón spanning 25 miles (40km) the day before so we were feeling it the following morning. We vowed (again) no more climbing for the duration of the trip! 

Made our way into Argentina thereafter - Bariloche specifically. The weather started to turn on us, though (approaching winter), and we didn't get to enjoy the city as much as we'd have liked. Stayed two nights and decided to head to Mendoza and wine country. Looking forward to some city and vineyard touring the next couple of days before moving on to Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian border, then Buenos Aires after that. Should be in Europe by mid-month!

SS: So - funny story...

John and I are touring the town of Mendoza and think to ourselves, we're hungry but don't want to sit down for a long lunch. Before we know it we come across a Subway - perfect, right? As we are standing in line salivating over what we are going to order we come to the disappointing realization that ordering the bread, length, toasted or not, type of cheese, individual veggies and sauce (forget the cookie) is a near impossible endeavor in the Argentina hybrid, half-word Spanish. So half way in line, we left. *#@$.... I mean shucks. 

What is wrong with us and climbing mountains? Although we did rationalize this one since technically it was a volcano....perfect logic. 

Although, so amazing! Volcano Villarrica is one of South Americans most active volcanos. As we peered into the open mouth top it was steaming away and with a better angle you can actually see the molten lava that lays within. Super cool! 

Bariloche is so beautiful - although we could hardly see it through the freezing rain. Definitely a destination that we will have to return to in summer months to truly enjoy this region. 

Mendoza - known as the Melbec capital of the world. This place is heaven! Daily bike tours of multiple wine tasting vineyards all included with a tour, and of course tasting, of a chocolate factory!! What more could a girl ask for? Oh, I know...thermal bath spa. Complete!!

Chile in one fell swoop

JG: We've been slackers with posting (hard to believe it's been almost two weeks since the last), but we've been on the move a fair amount and wifi has been sporadic. Generally heading south, it's been getting cooler as they're easing into winter, and as such we're almost onward to Argentina before we jump continents eastward. 

Visited La Serena, a coastal town whose main attractions are the beaches (weather didn't cooperate), observatory (Chile is reportedly the astronomy capital of the world), and a day boat trip to Isla Damas, where they have an assortment of exotic animals including penguins, birds, dolphins although we were not lucky enough to spot the whales.

Another bus ride down to Valparaiso, which is an architectural bizarro world. Think San Francisco meets a colonial city in Europe - everything built up on hills, with elevated cable cabs taking you between levels. Our few days consisted of a walking tour and more informal touring - couldn't get enough of it.

Down to Santiago on another long bus ride - big city, very cosmopolitan, tough to take in within a few days, but took a nice walking tour and even managed to squeeze in some golf! Also stayed at our first real hotel (the W), which was a great change of pace and feel "normal" for a long weekend.

Down further to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas on an overnight bus, rented a car and cruised the lakes and surrounding areas. Spectacular views near a volcano.

Last stop now in Pucón - adventure capital of Chile. Visiting some hot springs, looking into some other activities. Little bit of travel fatigue settling in - unpack, pack, unpack, pack, bus rides, planning travel, dealing in different currency and cost of living, eating out every day, etc. Including overnight buses, last night was the 39th bed we've slept in. Bit of a grind but we're still kicking.

Last Chilean hurrah is tomorrow morning....when we climb Volcan Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. I thought we said we'd never do this again....

SS: Chile on a whirlwind. After being in Peru and Bolivia for a month, it was refreshing to get back to some sort of civilization that included regular supply of toilet paper, hot water and paved roads. 

La Serena was a quaint town with a highlight of taking a boat ride through the Pacific waves and trying to hug a penguin - awe, no success at hugging but lots of pictures. The tour of the sky was so amazing. A near perfect picture of planets and stars through a telescope, apparently the ozone is the thinnest here so best sky visuals, and a few hours of learning astronomy from the experts. 

Santiago was not too much more than plush bathrobes and The W Bed experience. It was like a weekend away from traveling. Hot rainfall showers with all North American amenities including daily room service!! The walking tour was awesome and informative of the history of all of Chile. 

Valparaiso - my first impression is that it was the most 'messed' up city I have ever seen - literally. The streets have no specific direction or orientation, basically like a giant maze that includes outdoor elevators and thousands of winding staircases. The entertainment is just walking around this city for days; everywhere you go has an amazing views since it was built along 40+ small mountains hovering along the coast line and the graffiti has drenched every wall in reach.Taking into account that they are prone to multiple earthquakes a year it is hard to believe how any building seems to exist. 

Pucón - back to the adventures!! Nestled deep into The Lake and Volcano District and on the edge of Patagonia, we are embarking on adventures that we swore we would never do again. Although this time it is climbing one the 5 most active volcanos with the intent of reaching the top, looking through the sulphur steam at the molten lava that bubbles within.