In Search of the Inca

Raine: Set off nice and early this morning to hike to a glacier and get a close up view of the volcano Villarrica. The hike is a there and back, 4.2 km each way which I thought was ok as it’s quite a climb. We turned onto the stone road which at first was just a bit bumpy … were used to that now … then we got to a single track stretch that had been washed away in places. There was no way we could turn around, the city 4x4 was doing its best even with 1 wheel not touching the ground and another digging into the loose gravel! I had to scout around for rocks to put under the wheels; that, with a determined run up, saw us on our way again. Parked up and sauntered to the park ranger station. Had a nice Spanglish chat with the ranger and set off..it was a fabulous hike but ended up being 20km as we had to walk 5km to the start of the trail. It was amazing to walk through the natural forest and emerge above the tree line…the change was dramatic. We saw so many different plants and watched a woodpecker for a while and a parrot flew past … all so new to me. Next obstacle was a fast flowing waterfall and river… the bridge was in bits so we had to find a way across…I did not enjoy that stepping stone experience. On the way back I took my shoes off and waded across! The glaciers were magnificent and the volcano was puffing out smoke so it was well worth it. Needless to say I’m now eating and drinking wine …

Paul: what an incredible experience. I can’t make up mind which the best bit - the old growth forests, the volcanic ash landscape, the glacier or the active volcano. It was a totally awesome experience.