Waterfalls at Villarrica National Park

After we decided to stay another night in Villarrica yesterday evening, today is a day trip to the Villarrica National Park at.

But first we have to do it again Bank around more dollars to find a lucrative change in Argentina. This is proving to be more difficult than hoped, however, as banks do not sell dollars to foreigners. Each of us draws 200,000 pesos (approx. 330 CHF) at the ATM, which we then change to USD and Argentine pesos at an exchange office with a loss. We could have saved ourselves that if we had brought more dollars! But it is still by far the better solution than the normal withdrawal of money from the Argentine machine.

Dismissed the money worries, let's go to that Lago Villarrica along after Pucón. The cloud image over the volcano is downright magical. First we want to look at the volcanic caves on the slope of the Villarrica, but the exaggerated price of the unfriendly parking lot attendant, this attraction located on private land, makes us change our mind. We continue straight towards the Argentine border. A fairly rough gravel road leads near the national park, where - also on private land - some waterfalls worth seeing and thermal springs can be found.

First there is a stop at the narrow one that falls from 73 meters Salto la China at. Embedded in wonderful green vegetation one imagines oneself in more tropical climes. Adventure seekers can rappel right next to the waterfall. A real insider tip, which is still rarely noted in a travel guide. Unfortunately, the access road is in a pretty bad condition. At Restaurant we eat local dishes such as Pastel de Choclo and Cazuela. The first is a meat and polenta saucepan baked with cheese, the second is a stew with pumpkin, potatoes, beans and boiled meat.

Next we visit the even more impressive one, which falls in two stages Salto El Léon at. The drizzling spray is a welcome cooling off during the hot afternoon hours. Visitors do not find much at this pearl of nature.

Soon afterwards we make our way back to Villarrica. On the way we make a detour to the tourist center Pucóns, but decide to go straight through.

We march on foot into the friendly center of Villarrica. Numerous dealers offer their goods here, which Niki and Mam loved. The two of them stroll through the shops while Pap and I do the Tricks of the BMX guys admire. We drink a fruit juice at one of the stands and then go shopping. Unfortunately, we miss the sunset on Villarrica. Back in the row house we make a ready-made soup and soon go to sleep after a dust-free shower.