Posts

Showing posts from April, 2023

Active Volcano? Adventure Central? Water Sports? ... Pucon!

Image
Pucon Pucon is a small city located in the South of Chile, specifically in the region of La Araucanía. One of the most notable characteristics of the town is the Villarrica Volcano that surround Pucon at the other side of the lake named after said mountain, one of the most active volcanos in South America.  This town is one of those that are prime destinations for the summertime, and it’s even known as the adventure hotspot in Chile. There is an abundance of apartments, cabins, and camping sites to accommodate the large amounts of tourists that gather in Pucon during the first months of the year.  I had the chance of visiting in early 2017 with my immediate and extended family, we were a lot of people, so we rented out two cabins next to each other that also had access to the lake. That summer was memorable because Pucon is one of those places that has a certain vibe and feeling that can’t be replicated anywhere you go, especially when moments like those are shared with family.  me an

Paradise on Earth, "Valparadise"

Image
Valparaíso For the central region of Chile, I could go with its capitol Santiago, but my favorite city in this area is Valparaíso. I personally like calling it “Valparadise” playing into the very literal translation to English, but this city is truly a paradise on its own, so I think the name is very fitting. It is also known as the “Jewel of the Pacific” for its beautiful and colorful landscapes and characteristic street art in almost every building of its cerros (hills).  There are many cerros to explore and discover in the different neighborhoods of Valpo, as a kid with my family we used to visit Cerro Esperanza because my mom grew up there and my grandmother had a house in that hill.  Cerro Esperanza But as I’ve grown up, I love visiting Cerro Alegre every time I find myself in Valparaíso. Its colorful streets, outside markets in the summer, hidden restaurants, and getting lost in between the old buildings is what makes it such a special place in my opinion.  my cousin, my dad, a

Not a diamond in the rough, but the Pearl of the North!

Image
Antofagasta The city of Antofagasta, known amongst Chileans as “The Pearl of the North” is a coastal city right in the heart of the Atacama Desert located in the second region named after its biggest city, Antofagasta . The Pearl of the North is known for its large number of beaches and natural monument of La Portada . La Portada  I’m technically not from the north, but I lived there ever since I was 6 up until I turned 18 so I’m basically “Antofagastina” by heart since it is my hometown after all. Even though it is not one of the most visited cities within the country, there a few places that locals enjoy.  The Costanera in Antofagasta One of the big plans during the summer season, is to take a trip to beach towns in the outskirts of the city like Mejillones, Juan Lopez, and Hornitos, all located anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half from Antofagasta by car.  me and my family in the Balneario Beach If you like laid back plans like going to chill at local beaches and watch the su