February 9, 2008
Our first port of call is the Chilean town of Puerto Montt. This area is known as the gateway to the Chilean lake district and home to several volcanoes. We took the tour to Lake Llanquihue (lan-kee-way) which is the largest natural lake in Chile. The scenic drive included a stop at the Petrohue River falls and a trek up to the ski resort that is located 3000 feet up the side of the Osorno volcano. Unfortunately the clouds were out and obscured our view of the top of the volcano, which we're told looks like Japan's Mt. Fuji. The bus ride up the side of the volcano was especially thrilling as we wound our way around narrow, twisting, hairpin turns to make it to the top. Needless to say we were happy to get back down as well. The photos show some of the switchbacks we navigated as well as the beautiful view out over the lake to the volcano.
