Driving through the Chilean Lake District

After multiple days of feeling trapped in transitory limbo, Jen and I arrived to Chile's Lake District eager to begin our next outdoor adventure. It became clear quickly that renting a car would be the most effective way to see and do the most in four days. And so after a slightly desperate search for an automatic vehicle in the tiny town of Osorno (who's teaching me to drive a manual when I get home?), we were on the road in search of the region's best lakes, volcanoes and trails. At the end of the week I was blown away by the springtime colors and the seemingly endless beauty that exists here; I could spend many more months discovering the countryside of Chile.  

Springtime mustard flowers  

Volcán Osorno & Lago Todos de Los Santos 

24km in the volcanic sand, fun!  

Our loyal trail dog, Desolito

From our campsite at sunrise  

Osorno en fuego

Ascending Volcán Quetrupillan

Located an hour away from the town of Pucon, Volcán Quetrupillan was a day of snow trekking for us- two hours up through the tree line followed by two and half hours up on the open face. Helmets and ice picks accompanied us for the last part of the climb just to ensure our safety if we slipped down the mountain (hi mom!). The summit rewarded us with windy, 360 degree views of mountain ranges and active volcanoes, which we thoroughly soaked in before stepping into heavy duty snow gear and sliding back down to the tree line on mini plastic discs like 5 year olds. 

Snow diapers

Best way down a mountain is a tobagen ride