Day 613 – South America – Chile [Rest Day in Villarica]

25/12/21

 Rest day in Villarica (Chile, South America)

Christmas day by the Lake, a DIY Xmas dinner and a well deserved rest on a sunny day

Downtown Pucon

Yesterday after the run was over, we spent the afternoon enjoying our environment back by Lake Villarica. We took our time and slowly prepared for our Christmas eve dinner. Later in the evening, we dressed up and headed out for dinner. Well… we drove all around town, every possible street… and everything was closed! What a surprise isn’t it!

Lake Villarica’s shore – and the rowing boats

So we drove back home and looked at what we had, to put a dinner together: a handful of spaghetti, a can of lentils, one of chickpeas, half a cucumber, half an onion, capers, lemon and cheese. Well… it all went in a big pan, simmered and that was edible! Not exactly what you would call the best Christmas eve dinner ever, but it did the job.

As slow a rower as I am a runner!

Today was Christmas day and we went on a tour. We drove all the way to Pucon, which we had heard so much about. Found out it is a bit touristy (though it was quite empty), there were quite a few buildings, eye sores, and organised beaches. I personally prefer the low key towns, such as Villarica, which are less touristy. Pucon is mostly a base for outdoorsy travelers to go hiking in the region. There is quite a lot to see: hot springs, waterfalls, and of course the active volcanoes of the region.

Villarica Volcano, very active today

We headed back to Villarica, about 30km drive away, and rented a rowing boat. We went around the shore of the lake, with the views of the smoking volcano in the background which was quite active today. Tonight we are heading out for dinner again, hopefully there will be a few open places.