It was over a year ago that we first met Rick and Letitia from California in Colombia. We enjoyed a Superbowl party with them in Ecuador before parting ways as we continued South. After spending more time in Ecuador and exploring Peru, they are now heading for Southern Chile to explore the Carretera Austral and Southern Patagonia. Our paths crossed once again in Villarica and we got a chance to meet up once again.
We spent a few days catching up with them as we explored the lakes and mountains of the region camping in Villarica, Pucón, and on Lake Caburga. It was great to spend time with friends once again, and although our time together was brief, we were grateful for the opportunity to share a few dinners and laughs with them.
Steam powered contraptions are always a great place to stop for lunch.
Fields of rapeseed plants (the source of canola oil) create a vivid yellow carpet.
Enjoying a yummy treat in Villarica
Camping with Rick and Letitia on the shore of Lago Caburga
Rick grilled up a yummy salmon fillet for dinner one night. The local cats thought it was great too.
We spent a relaxing afternoon at one of the area’s many thermal pools.
After saying goodbye to Rick and Letitia, we drove to Conguillio National Park.
We’d hope to drive all the way through the park, but late season snows kept the road closed and we were forced to backtrack.
On our way north along Ruta 5, we happened to cross paths with Peter and Lesley from the UK who we first met a few weeks ago in the lakes district. We told them of our plans and they decided to join us.
The colony is only now transitioning from being a closed, secretive community led by the autocratic Paul Schäfer, to a venue for weddings and events. When we arrived we were greeted by people wearing traditional European clothing. This wasn’t something put on for tourists, this was how they dressed. Everyone spoke to each other in German, and it felt much more authentic than the other European influenced regions we’ve visited.
The five of us toured the beautiful property with a guide from the community.
Our next stop on our way North was at the Siete Tazas (seven cups) waterfalls.
After driving around the city of Santiago, we camped at a truck stop. We sat on top of a pile of rocks as the sun set trying to break pieces glass by throwing rocks at them. Not your typical family together time — we pull out all the stops when it comes to Quinn’s education!
The switchbacks on the way up to the pass separating Chile from Argentina are numbered – over twenty of them!
Near the top of the pass is the ski resort of Portillo, popular with ski teams from all over the world as an off-season training ground.
We also got to see the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia – Aconcagua
your photos continue to be amazing. quinn with his treet and the perfect poppy are exc. The beautiful lakes and mountains are always eye catching. you must have had a pils in the bavierian community. no? hts