Chile – Part II
The Lakes & Volcanoes Region
On October 29th, we crossed back into Chile via the spectacular Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, winding our way down from the Andes through a dramatic series of switchbacks surrounded by towering peaks. The descent into Chile felt like stepping into a new landscape—lush valleys, warmer air, and a sense of familiarity as we returned to a country that had already become special to us.
Our first stop was Viña del Mar, where we spent two nights exploring the city and using it as a base to visit the vibrant coastal city of Valparaíso. With its steep hills, colorful houses, and countless murals, Valparaíso offered a perfect contrast to the modern feel of Viña del Mar. Wandering through its chaotic streets and viewpoints gave us a strong first impression of this iconic Chilean port city before we continued our journey south.
From there, we headed to Santiago de Chile, where we booked a hotel to dive into the capital without any rush. Santiago’s mix of contemporary architecture, leafy plazas, and vibrant neighborhoods made it easy to spend days discovering new corners. One of the highlights of this stretch was our 4-day trip to Easter Island, a long-awaited dream destination. Walking among the iconic moai, exploring volcanic craters, and experiencing the unique culture of Rapa Nui felt like stepping into a world suspended between myth and history.
After returning to the mainland, we resumed our route south along the Pacific coast, passing through Playa La Trinchera, Curanipe, and Arcos de Calán. The drive offered rugged ocean scenery, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages—perfect spots for photography and quiet overnight stays.
Leaving the coast behind, we continued inland to one of Chile’s natural treasures: Parque Nacional Conguillío. Dominated by the impressive Volcán Llaima, ancient araucaria forests, and turquoise lakes, this park immediately won us over. The combination of volcanic landscapes, forests that feel prehistoric, and peaceful lakes made it one of the most memorable national parks we have visited.
From Conguillío, our route took us through Villarrica, Pucón, Coñaripe, and finally to Neltume, a region rich in dense forests, rivers, and mountain scenery. Nature here is all-encompassing—quiet, green, and endlessly photogenic.
To continue into Argentina, we booked the scenic ferry from Puerto Fuy to Puerto Pirehueico, a serene crossing over a deep green lake surrounded by steep mountains. After arriving on the other side, it was only a short drive to the Paso Hua-Hum, where we re-entered Argentina on November 22nd, ready for the next chapter of our South American journey.
