Villarrica Things to Do Tips by swesn

HIKE VOLCANO VILLARRICA

Villarrica is set at the south-western end of Lago Villarrica (Lake Villarrica), with a perfect view of Volcan Villarrica (Volcano Villarrica) in the distance.

The town was beseiged by the Mapuche Indians in an uprising in 1599 and the remaining Spanish settlers surrendered after 3 years. There is more evidence of Mapuche Culture in this region.

Pucon, the town 26km east of Villarrica and Villarrica organise many outdoor activities like horse-riding, white-water rafting and of course, volcano-hiking.

Volcan Villarrica is 2840m and climbing is allowed only to groups with guide. Good boots, ice-axe and wind-and-water-proof jackets and gloves are provided. Note that the weather is very changeable and it can become dangerous if one is caught in bad weather while up there. Coming down is a mixture of walking and sliding.

TERMAS SAN LUIS

A thermal, relaxing pool in this volcanic region of Chile sounded like a splendid idea after the tough climb up the volcano.

The problem is that thermal pools are all out of the way, a huge distance from the main highways and hidden amidst the woods. One needs one's own transportation.

The only option opened to me was to take a bus to Pucon, another bus towards Curarrehue, hop off at Catripulli and walk 2 km to Termas San Luis.

I would not really recommend Termas San Luis for it was a like a luxurious resort and the pools were those proper swimming pool-sort. I would have preferred to bathe in a natural pool. But I had no choice.

Still, it is a pleasant experience submerging in the pool for a few hours.