It's all about Pucon

Pucon wasn't originally on our itinerary but everywhere we stayed people were talking about how good it is. We arrived to find great weather, no ash, a very pretty town on a lake with views to snow capped mountains. There is a lot to do in Pucon, its an 'adventure capital' but we came here with the idea of climbing Volcan Villarrica, a snow covered, active, 2847m volcano. Despite the pep talk from the agency about potential bad weather, treacherous ice and toxic sulphur gases, its one of the best things we've done in SA so this is going to be a longer blog than usual, not sorry.

Smoking Volcan Villarrica from the lakeside

To be fair the walk up was hard but the views were amazing and looking over the crater through the rumbling gas was special.

Little bit afraid - 6hrs up, snow and ice all the way, active volcano, all smiles

Only half way

Break time - perfect weather for good views (Pucon on right)

View from the top to the west - Argentina

The crater and the stink gas

People for scale

Going up was pretty cool but coming down was incredible. No knee breaking walk, we slid down, on our bums. Over the steepest parts you can really pick up some speed - the record is 47kmph.

Me with the bum slide equipment

Starting the slide

Whoever came up with this is brilliant, its the best ride ever

So we will now add ourselves to the long line of people bragging about Pucon. We were super lucky with the weather and the group but I would still tell everyone to come here and try this. And for afterwards there's hot springs and beer.