Temuco & Pucon

April fools day this year was anything but a joke! Ximena and I decided to take a little weekend adventure and head to one of her favorite cities, Pucon. The only thing I knew about the city before leaving was that it was close to water and it had an active volcano...I was sold!! Our house is only a couple of blocks from the bus station so we figured we'd wing it and just walk over and find some tickets. We discovered that there were no direct routes to Pucon but we could take a bus to Temuco and then find a ticket from there to Pucon, so, we were off!

The tickets are super cheap, probably about $12, and it was THE most comfortable bus I have ever ridden in. It was a double-decker complete with foot rests and almost bed style reclining seats...so of course we both took naps during our 4 hour ride. Once we got to Temuco we began our mission to find a connection to Pucon. Of all the different companies there were in this station, not a single one had a ticket. But on a recommendation of one of the people there, we took a colectivo into the city and made our way to Jac Bus...one of the big companies here. They had tickets but not for a little over and hour, so we bought 2 and then Ximena took me to what is considered their famous market. Temuco is not an overly exciting city but the market was pretty cool. There were tons of stands with touristy-novelty items, including lots of cooper items (one of their main exports in Chile), ones with meats, produce and a handful of restaurants with traditional Chilean food. We were hungry so we decided to have lunch. We shared a little 1/2 bottle of white wine and Ximena ordered Curanto (a soup with mussels, clams, pork, sausage, chicken, cilantro, lime juice and potatoes) which was very tasty and I ordered Lomo de lo Pobre, basically steak, eggs, onions and french fries (not adventurous I know but she said it was a traditional dish, and I like tradition!). Here are some scenic pics of the ride and from inside the market!

After lunch we boarded our bus to Pucon and the trip was just around 2-2 1/2 hours. This bus, not quite as comfy as the last. We finally got in town around 8:30 and with my travel guides in hand, we went in search of a hostel. We were so tired from walking and busing all day that we pretty much settled on the 1st halfway decent place we found, The Treehouse. Complete with and an actual treehouse outside, along with hammocks and a cozy wooden interior. Upon entering the room, Ximena found a slug on the floor near her bed and needless-to-say, that was our one and only night in that hostel! haha! That night we went out to this local spot called Mama's & Tapas...exhausted from traveling all day, we didn't stay out late.

The next morning we got up and had breakfast at this oh so cozy restaurant called Cassis on one of the main streets. Raspberry tart, papaya juice, fresh breads, ham, cheese & jams...love Chilean breakfast!! After that we went on the hunt for a new hostel. We found this cute little place called La Tetera (The Teapot) and after seeing the rooms and the price with breakfast included, we were sold! After we moved our stuff we took a walk around the town. It was sunny and warm with a slight breeze and a perfect day for walking. We window shopped through some of the stores on the main drag and through some little stands in the park and then made our way down to the beach. Because of the volcano, the beach we went to was black volcanic sand...it was a surreal experience!! We hung out on the beach for a little while enjoying the sun and played fetch with a random stray dog...there were dogs running around that town everywhere! After the beach we walked over to another lake where there were tons of flowers and boats...I could have sat there for hours. **Mom I threw some pics in for you of a flower stand on the side of the road. The flowers are all carved out of wood. You really can't tell until you pick one up...I didn't believe it and made Ximena walk to the shop with me to prove it! lol

Walking back through town we started making stops at random excursion shops. We really wanted to go to one of the volcanic hot springs and do some ziplining. After pricing different places, we decided on a package that included both...we were to leave the next morning at 11am. Walking made us sleepy so we headed back to the hostel for a quick nap. After that we headed to the casino! My first time in a real casino...it wasn't that big really. We grabbed a drink and headed for the slot machines. After losing $15 I decided to call it quits...gambling was never really my thing, I don't even like the lottery.

Saturday morning we got up early and got ready for our trip to the hot springs!! Ximena and I are so much alike in our packing styles...you would think we were moving there!! lol The drive was only about 20 mins and the tourism place provided the transportation. The first thing we did was ziplining!! They drive us up this crazy twisting road up a steep hill. Here they gave us instructions (in spanish of course), and our first 2 lines were really low to the ground just for practicing. After that we walked up another steep hill to our first long, super high line. I had previously thought of trying to climb the volcano...a 5 hour hike...but after that hill, I realized I'd never make it! The first line they made us do in pairs...I went with one of the instructors. Now mind you, I'm terrified of heights but I love to challenge my fear. I would zipline again in a heartbeat!! The view, the adrenaline, the air...those guides have a really great job!!

After our lovely adrenaline rush, we changed into our swimsuits and heading to the springs. We were a little disappointed that the water wasn't that hot. It was kinda our own fault for choosing the biggest company in town that cares more about the number of people they book rather than the quality of the place they take you too. But the sun was shining, there were mountains and a volcano in our sites and we were relaxing...no complaints here!! **Don't forget to click on the pic for the photo album!!

Sunday was our last day in Pucon. It was really, really windy, to the point where dirt and dust were blowing into our eyes. It was then that we decided to leave. Our trip home was quite the adventure!! We walked to 4 different bus companies to find a bus to Temuco. Remember it was Easter Sunday, so once in Temuco we couldn't find any tickets back to Concepcion!! So Ximena has an aunt that lives only and hour or so away from where we were. So we took a bus to her city and stayed with them for the night. Just like the rest of her family, they were very welcoming and nice. I got to have my first Chilean style hotdog, complete with aioli, avacado, ketchup and sauerkraut...I hate to say it, but it almost beat Happy Dog!!!

Monday afternoon we finally made it home and spent the rest of the day relaxing from vacation!! lol