Pucon, Chile

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I highly recommend spending the $90 USD to climb Villarica volcano if the weather conditions are good. The challenging 6 hour hike using crampons and ice pick on the glacial peak rewards you with spectacular views of surrounding volcanoes and the opportunity to toboggan down a glacier! Unfortunately, we were 1 hour from the top and the volcanic fumes were blowing in our direction and forced us to turn back. For those travellers debating on how this compares to the $20 USD tour of Pacaya volcano in Guatemala which allows you to walk directly on the red hot lava, I think the experience is completely different, just try it!

For the unlucky people that have to turn back because of bad weather conditions, there is a black lava sand beach with views of the smouldering volcano when you jump into the lake. For a treat, grab one of the vendors selling refreshing mote con huesillo - a refreshing barley with dried apricot drink.

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Photos

Start of the Trek
Chairlift was closed since there was too much wind. This added another 1 hr to the trek.

Gearing Up
Dimpy getting her crampons put on

Ready to go!
Ice pick in one hand, luck in the other.

Walking up the glacier
one step at a time.

View of Santiago
before the earthquake :(

Beansprouts
Direct translation from spanish: teeth of the dragon