Araucaria trees
After the thrilling ascent of Vulcan Villarrica, we opted for a more leisurely day hike at Huerquehue National Park. This park encompasses approximately twenty lakes and many araucaria trees. Once again we caught an early combi to Pucon, then boarded another combi bound for the park. As we waited to depart, more and more tourists arrived until the bus was packed to the gills, but luckily a new bus soon arrived. On the way to the park our bus sustained a flat tire which was quickly replaced by the driver with help from some passengers.
Upon arriving, we set out on what I have dubbed the Three Lakes hike, although I’m sure it has another name. The friendly park ranger estimated seven hours for the hike, although we finished it in five. On the way to the lakes, we got stuck behind a group of Israeli kids who, for some unknown reason, enjoyed yelling into walkie-talkies to their compatriots further back along the trail. This rather annoying behavior did not contribute to our desired serenity level (nor that of any of the other hikers, I’m sure), and we were eventually able to lose them by visiting two waterfall overlooks along the way. Eventually we reached the first lake, Lago Chico. From there we visited Lago Toro and Lago Verde, before looping back to the main trail. We finished the hike pretty early, but didn’t have enough time to start another, so we relaxed a bit at the larger Lago Tinguilco before catching the combi back to Pucon.
In the evening, we enjoyed another lively dinner in the kitchen of La Torre Suiza. We loved that place!
