This region is in the Magellanes and Antarctica of Chile. It was a full day bus excursion, that picked us up from our hotel along with 10 other passengers. Torres Del Paine National Park was named by a German expedition in 1959 and has remained totally protected. The main industry of the region is shipping and farming. Despite high rainfall, the land stays dry because of the strong winds. There is sparse, low growth and yellow grass. Private land (hestansias) have many kilometres between dwellings/houses. On the way, I saw a puma with a recent kill, panting from its victory. Pumas are protected now and a big problem for farmers, for killing atleast five sheep a day, just for practice. It was rare to see one, expecially with fresh kill by day, they usually hunt at ... read more

Boarding the Cat 21 DE MAYO III which departs 8am everyday (weather permitting) and passing a colony of hundreds of Cormorants before getting a up close and personal view of waterfalls tumbling down steep rock faces and moving closer to the ever imposing, majestic mountains seen from the hotel. We docked to walk appreciate 1km to the base of Serrano Glacier. The electric blue glaciers/icebergs floating and seen compacted on the Southern slopes takes your breath away. After which, a quality whiskey on glacial ice was severed to all passengers pre the next dock for a traditional Argentine cuisine, of soup and asado (form of roasted meat, particularly lamb) and or choice of chicken and sausages. Needless to say, all passengers had a wonderful siesta on the return!... read more

We were told that Volcano Osorno, last errupted 1835 when Charles Darwin visited Chile. Noting, that no murmuring was going on below the surface, we took two chairlifts before a 4.5 hour round hike to touch the snow and drink from the run off from icicles, before the chairlifts decent to base camp and the zig zag drive back down the remaining steep slope. Very breathtaking views of the the massive Llanquihue lake below, the second largest lake in South America and the cordillera mountain tops competing with majestic Osorno and Volcano Calbuco also in view. There are two other volcanoes in this vicinity, Puntiagudo and Tronador. Though these were not in view od our angle. Fasinating flora and fauna in the area and volcanic dust and larva rock of so many colours, depending on how ... read more

Valdivia known for the most powerful earthquake ever recorded 9.6, in 1960 - flooding damage caused by the earthquake can still be seen today. Valdivia was celebrating its anniversary in the days we were there, a beautiful fishing town also known for it's sealions, seafood and beer. So pretty along the banks of the Valdivia river , it is the point of continuation of the Calle Calle River from the point that meets the Cau Cau River. Another taking point there, is Chile's first draw bridge remaining unbuilt because it was built backwards! A joke to engineers all over the world and now a major tourist attraction of the area. Via Valdivia, you are totally charming.... read more

Frutillar is a must see if you are in the area, it is always hard to believe, that it's a lake in front of my eyes...I keep refering to it as a beach! If you were to go around the whole lake, Frutillar with houses dating back to the early German colonists who settled in the area and boasts several cake shops and enormous gardens along the waterfront, you couldn't help but stay for a while. Another attraction of Frutillar, is the annual musical festival, late January to early February. A majestic, on the shores theater, called Teatro del Lago - can hold upto 1,200 people. The treat of the day was pizza at Trattorio and warmly welcomed by the owner Di Alessando, who spends six months working in his restaurant and six Summer months in ... read more

After catching the bus into Puerto Montt from Puerto Varas and walking from the central station, to the famous sea market in Angelmo, amazed to see sea lions so close to human activity. Seeing the freshest fish and fruit and vegetables, cheeses, sausages and many unrecognizable produce. To have the excitement of witnessing sea lions at play. All except for the bull sea lion that took his post very seriously. A sea lion can reach a length of 9 foot and weight over 700 pounds. This male looked every bit of that!... read more