BACK TO OVERVIEW

Panguipulli - Puerto Montt - Castro (30 Nov. - 4 Dec. 1999)

We reached Panguipulli, where we experienced our first really rainy day in South America. Nevertheless, we could enjoy some evening sun when walking along the Choshuenco lake (see above for view of Volc�n Choshuenco (2415 m.a.s.)). Unfortunately, I had attained a skin infection that started to look really nasty. Therefore, at the next stop, Valdivia, it was high time for me to go and see a doctor. After having visited the municipal hospital, I was redirected to the private "Cl�nica Alemana". They tore off the last crusts to my dismay before admitting me to one night at hospital. I got permission to leave the next day, but was forced to return to the clinic to pay the enourmous bill. Finally, we headed south for Lago Llanquihue, the biggest lake in the district, where we hoped to see the perfect volcanic cone of Osorno. In the end we got sight of the mushroom above the clouds, but mostly it looked like below.

We stayed one night in Frutillar on the shore of Lago Llanquihue before finally reaching the end of civilized Chile, Puerto Montt. Anna enjoyed visiting the market place of Angelm� (see below), but started to become tired of my constant intentions of visiting outlooks. Therefore, nothing spectacular happened in Puerto Montt.

Puerto Montt wasn't too exciting per se, but the surroundings were remarkable in almost every direction. We had to see the most interesting places before heading for Patagonia by boat the next week. Our first choice was Isla de Chilo�, the great island towards the southwest. Yet another bus-ride, this one including a ferry, brought us to the biggest city on the island, Castro. Although this town didn't deserve a too good reputation, it wasn't too bad. A strange church, strong tide and cheap accomodation made the short stay bearable. However, we didn't take any photos, so obviously the town was of minor interest. Next we would head for the national park located on the west coast of the island.

Parque Nacional
Isla de Chilo�

Back to Parque Nacional de Huerquehue