- Hiking on the Sendero Sierra Nevada in the Parque Nacional Conguillio
- Enjoy the view of the Llaima volcano with araucarias
- Continue to Villarrica
Wow, fresh rolls are waiting for our hungry mouths at breakfast. Strengthened, we continue on the dusty path into the national park. First, we'll stop at the Laguna Verde with yet another great view of the 3125 m high Llaima volcano. We are really lucky in the weather, even if it is really cool here in the morning. The road always proves to be a challenge with our car, which is a little too low.
A little further on we park our car in the middle of some mighty ones Araucarias. The primeval-looking conifers usually only grow in their umbrella-like crowns, supported by a massive trunk. Together with the Llaima and the desolate volcanic landscape, the place would give one great backdrop for any dinosaur film adaptation here.
The hiking path Sendero Sierra Nevada rises continuously to the first lookout point where Niki will be waiting for us. If you are mildly flu-weakened, it's only half as fun! In groups of three, the path continues steeply upwards dense forest full of bamboo scrub and tall alercen. The endemic tree species is one of the endangered species, as it only occurs in a small area in the southern Andes. Some specimens have been found to be at least 3600 years old, which makes them the second oldest trees on earth.
After just under two hours we have it Mirador El Condor reached. From up here we have a wonderful view over to Llaima and down to the lake. Along the ridge there are more araucarias in exposed positions, which make a great subject. In short we can even do one majestic condor see circling in the sky. In order not to keep Niki waiting, the descent will soon be going on.
We drive a little further on the park road to the expensive lodge in the middle of an araucaria forest, before we turn back and leave the park southwards. We drive to via Cunco and Los Laureles Villarrica. Slowly coming the next picture book volcano of the same name into the field of vision. The Villarrica is one of the most active and most climbed volcanoes.
People are already standing on the outskirts with a sign: "Casa". Where we will soon find what we are looking for. A simple but functional row house is totally sufficient for the next night. We find a restaurant that is too expensive nearby and plan the next day accordingly.
