The big one

A 255-day adventure by Katarina Read more

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The big one Traveler
Lago los Lotos
February 7, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
One of the top attractions in Valdivia is a park on Isla Teja. The entrance was 500 CLP what is kind of acceptable for what it was.
We had a nice walk along the lagoon that was filled with lily pods and relaxed after the trip to Corral and Niebla.
The sun was slowly getting down so the light was really beautiful.Read more
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Valdivia - day 2
February 7, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
After returning back to Valdivia from our trip to Niebla and Corral, we headed back to the river front to check out the sea lion colony.
They were resting after busy day of sleeping and laying around so we found them chilling and taking in the sunset.
From there we visited our favorite Unimarc for a bit of shopping for Pic on what is our next destination.
In the evening we decided to go for a walk and maybe grab a pint at the Esmeralda calle that is a centre of beer and music throughout the summer.
The drinks were super expensive as paying 3 000 CLP (105 CZK) for a pint of beer is not really our standard.
Instead we headed back to our hospodaje and grab a bite to eat. We tried the "fast food" couple of houses next to our accommodation and had a fantastic chorillana.Read more
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Journey to the Parque Nacional Huerquehu
February 10, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
After another bad night sleep we had an early morning so we can catch an early bus to the national park.
The weather looked much better then those two days before and it was nice promise of great couple of days in the nature.
We slept pretty much whole journey in the bus. After paying CONAF another 5 000 CLP for entrance we walked two kilometre to the camping where we will stay for three nights.
The first where we have booked was really chaotic and Not really organised. So we walked to the Camp Olga where we emailed as well. Turned out, we had a reservation here as well and the spot was ready.
We picked up our backpacks and moved to the camp that has it's own beautiful beach by the lake.Read more
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Parque Nacional Huerquehue
February 10, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
As it was quite early when we got everything done on camp and the weather was nice but not too hot, we diced to head straight for the first hike around five lagoons in the park.
As it's more accessible, there was quite few families with children and generally quite a lot of people.
We even met 12 Czech people on their holiday with a tour company. They started the tour much earlier so we met them on their way back. We exchanged few words and headed further.
There are two waterfalls from the beginning of the trail and once we got higher, we have discovered our new favorite tree :) monkey puzzle tree!
In the nature they grown absolutely huge and are really magnificent on their presence. We have taken so many pictures but it still did not compare to seeing them live.Read more
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Laguna Verde
February 10, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
After two hour walk and lots of people we have finally arrived to Laguna Verde.
There was quite a lot of people so we took couple of pictures and headed to the next one that is bit further.
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Laguna Los Patos
February 10, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
After quite steep walk we arrived to much quite lagoon of the ducks. Even though there wasn't any ducks.
Instead it was absolutely peaceful and quiet and the lagoon looked like a huge mirror.
We sat on sun and decided to get some lunch. Of course our usual tuna with bread rolls :)
As it's bit more difficult hike, we met only another 4 people there and enjoyed really nice break.Read more
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Laguna Toro
February 10, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Beautiful lagoon that we have discovered as last. In size it can compete with the Laguna Verde but there wasn't nearly as many people.
The colour was dark blue and with the sun slowly getting down it was even nicer.
As it was getting quite late, we siding stay long and headed back to camp.Read more
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Finally relax on the beach
February 11, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
It might have only been a beach by the lake but the weather was fantastic and after only 2 hours, I have finally decided to go for a swim.
The water was cold but finally not freezing and absolutely crystal clear. Once I got in, I didn't want to get out.
It made for a perfect day of relax before another hike in the Parque Nacional Huerquehue.Read more
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San Sebastian
February 12, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
After a day of relaxing on the beach we had another hike ahead of us. We had to register at CONAF where we got stuck with other people and lost some time.
Only after that we were ready for the hike. The information where different at CONAF and mapy.cz what meant it should be anything between 8-10 km one way and about 1100 m of elevation.
The initial part has been just really long zig-zag hike up the hill. After that we got to a meadow that showed us the first glimpse of where we are heading and the magnificent volcano Villarica.
The next part was through a forest that showed us couple of nice views on the other side of the valley and where we had the "pleasure" to come face to face with the really huge tarantula. We have never seen one on real life so it really scared me when I found it standing on the path ahead of me. Shame we didn't take a picture before Petr moved it very slightly to the side so I can ran past.
That scared me enough so for the next kilometer or so I mainly focused where I was stepping.
Once we got out of the forest, really beautiful views opened ahead of us. There was couple of fake peaks that offered plenty of opportunities for pictures before we arrived to final peak.
From here we had stunning 360° view of the Chile with glimpse of Argentina as well. We counted 6 lagoons or lakes and 8 different volcanos with Villarica and Pumalín being the biggest ones.
We sat down for a lunch on the sunshine as the sky was absolutely cloudless.
As we were running low on water and the heat was getting stronger, we decided to head back to the camp and go for a quick swim in a lake.Read more
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Pucón
February 13, 2018 in Chile ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
After an hour of shaky-dusty road we have arrived back to Pucón. Our first encounter was with rainy weather so this time we decided to take full advantage of this busy town.
I think of you drive to Pucón, you will spend most of your day sitting in the car. There is so many of them everywhere and their either try to park or get out of the parking lot.
The volcano Villarrica is a sleeping giant that from time to time releases some steam.
In the evening we have decided to walk through the town that has all the restaurants full of dining Chileano who came here spent their holiday.
The marina is best experienced at the sunset when the warm light shines on the volcano and sun slowly sinks beyond the lake.Read more
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Hidrospeed
February 15, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
For us a completely new activity that we have seen anywhere else. It's kind of rafting but on your own private little "boat".
We were really excited even though they didn't have promised mount for our own GoPro. Fortunately part of the package were pictures and video from their guide so we have at least some memory.
We started by picking up all the gear before we headed to the river.
After a short introduction into hidrospeeding we started the activity.
It was really fun being thrown around by waves as the river was II or III grade.
In two quote tough parts I have lost my balance and ended up swimming in the river that wasn't that pleasant.
Before last part I did have respect but I pulled through and really enjoyed it.
Petr absolutely loved and would go again and again :)Read more
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Cerro San Cristóbal
February 17, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
The highest peak in Santiago is great spot for getting an idea just how big the city actually is. There is a possibility to take a funicular but as there was a huge que, we decided to hike there just around lunchtime. Thankfully they have points of hydration along the way where you can top your water and cool down.
At the top is a huge statue of Santa Maria that is overlooking the city.
If it wouldn't be for all the pollution, we would be able to see the Andes that are on one side of the city.Read more
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Barrio Bellavista
February 17, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Very colourful part of the city. Throughout the day one can explore one of the many graffiti on the street and in the night those streets transform to lively and loud party place.
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Plaza de Armas
February 17, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
The main square of the capital is a huge and confusing amount of people rushing through its adjusted streets.
The cathedral is one of the main domains and inside is absolutely stunning.
The palm threes with people sitting on the grass and the never tiring vendors complete the picture alongside with fake ponies on which you can get a picture taken.
We haven't stayed long as we have been warned there might be couple of strange people and headed slowly home.Read more
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Cerro Santa Lucia y Torreón de la cumbre
February 17, 2018 in Chile ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
One of the last things before we headed to the hostel for a dinner was our visit to Cerro Santa Lucia.
The sun starting to set down and the light was beautiful warm.
The climb wasn't that bad and the views are absolutely fantastic. Right at the top of the tower we were rewarded by lovely music and very romantic atmosphere.
Unfortunately still no Andes so soon we headed back.Read more
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Valparaíso
February 18, 2018 in Chile ⋅ 🌫 17 °C
Our first day in Valparaiso was kind is calm and relaxing. We arrived by bus from Santiago where Petr partly slept and I was reading.
We stayed in the hostel for a while before we decided to head towards the town.
As it was sunset, we decided to brave first of the hills. After exploring the newly opened park that used to be prison, we continued towards the down town with the historic part.
We could see some of the graffiti already on a way to hostel with many more to come our way.
We have tried the first "ascensor" and navigated our way through narrow streets.
As we have been told that it can be a bit dangerous once it gets dark, we decided to head back to the hostel for a dinner.
A pizza place that I wanted to try was closed so we were preparing for a instant soup dinner. Fortunately we have been saved by a couple who were preparing a little empanada party where we got offered to try some of them. They were absolutely delicious and we couldn't be happier.Read more
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Transport in Valparaíso
February 19, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
The city spreads over several hills and to allow for everyone get home easily, Valparaiso developed great network of public transport. From ancestors (elevators) to trolley buses and plenty of remises.
We have tried few of the ancestors as they were super cheap and at the end always offered fantastic view of the city or the harbour. The ride on the trolley bus took us through the entire city cheaply and with plenty of people watching.Read more
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Viña del Mar
February 20, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
From chaotic and messy Valparaiso we decided to take a short metro ride to much more polished city of Viña del Mar. It's a beautiful seaside city with wonderful sandy beach and wonderful views of the ocean.
The architecture is a mix of new and old with lots of European feature. Italian, French or English? All within couple of blocks!Read more
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Valparaíso -> Calama
February 22, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
For another bus journey we prepared ourselves for 21 hours on the bus.
In 1535 km the scenery dramatically changed from lush green vineyards to fields of cactuses just find ourselves in the middle of Atacama desert.Read more
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Calama -> Salta
February 23, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
One of the most scenic routes so far with paso that will take us to 4 820 masl. The scenery is stunning with gorgeous lagoons and lamas running around. The Andes are surrounding us the entire journey with beautiful snowy peaks at the distance. If it wouldn't be for the border crossing, it would have been absolutely amazing.Read more
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4820 m.n.m.
February 23, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
The highest point of our journey from Calama to Salta. We can still catch our breath and the views are spectacular.
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The Chilean - Argentinian border
February 23, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C
Once again we are stuck at the border between those two countries. This time at 4 200 masl. Couple of people are getting really sick but we are handling the altitude well....at least so far. The key is keep the physical activity to minimum. I ran about 15 metres and definitely felt it. We are so looking forward to Europe with its borders wide open. We have spent 4 hours at the end at the borders and left head-achy and thirsty. Hope our journey back will be easier.Read more
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Salta
February 24, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Beautiful colonial city with stunning architecture and busy streets full of cars. We got here super late as our bus had 3 hours delay. We grabbed first taxi that knew where we need to go and made a way through the city.
The owner of the hostel was super nice and got us settles down very quickly. We felt asleep pretty fast and got ready for next day.
After typical Argentinian breakfast next day, meaning bread and marmalade, we headed for the town. We discovered the main square pretty fast and admired the beautiful buildings surrounding us. From the cathedral and museum to administration. We visited rather strange Museum de la Montaña with a special exhibition. We still don't know what to think about the displayed frozen girl that was found at the top of the volcano Llullaillaco at 6739 masl.Read more
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Food in Salta
February 25, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
We have found an amazing hostel in Salta with even better kitchen. As the weather wasn't as perfect as we have been used to last couple of weeks, we spent one entire day here planning and half of another one. With that we decided to make the most of the amenities here and cooked some very delicious meals.
For Sunday lunch had "řízky" with boiled potatoes, for dinner "kaťák s bramboráčkami" and for Monday dinner sausage with spinach and mashed potatoes.
And as we love food in Argentina, a choripan on the street for 30 AR$ was a delicious must!Read more
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Salta-> Cafayate
February 27, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Another scenic route on our journey. This time in Argentina. After hundreds and hundreds of pampas down South, we couldn't believe our eyes. The red coloured mountains with all different shapes and valleys.
I think we took around hundred pictures as every corner was different in its own way.
Thankfully we get to do it again!Read more
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