When we are in the Temuco region, we like to take a break
from family and head out to the Pucon area for a night or two (or three, if
time permits). Sadly on this trip, we
could only manage the one night. We go
to visit friends, enjoy the snow-capped volcano/s, marvel at the green of the
forests and perhaps have a change from home cooking.
The drive to Villarica is generally uneventful, other than
marvelling at the crazy drivers who insist on trying to overtake at any
opportunity, however small it might be.
The road has enough straight sections that mean it might be possible,
however there are always moments of having to slow down to avoid the oncoming
idiot. Things seemed a little calmer
this time with only two (from memory) scary moments, perhaps due to the very
visible presence of carabineros (police) at strategic locations along the road.
The section from Villarica to Pucon is always spent
marvelling at the crap state of the road and verge, in addition to the driving
skills (or lack thereof) on display.
Because it was a somewhat touristy time of the year, things were
slightly complicated by a few hardy souls who chose to ride bikes along the
road and pot-holes verge, creating an additional hazard to watch out for. Sadly, it should be a gorgeous drive along
the edge of the lake. If any of the muppets
from the local council should ever chance across this commentary, perhaps they
could consider a long-term public works strategy where they provide tourist
infrastructure in the region. For
example, re-lay the road, add in a bicycle pathway along the edge, add in some
overtaking lanes.
Then we could mention Pucon – a town idling along due to
past glories. Invest in
infrastructure! Fix the damn footpaths
and verges, tidy the place up with a professional rubbish collection system –
make it a place to be proud of, rather than one that thinks it doesn’t have to
do anything and people will just come anyway.
It should be so much nicer…
Rant over.
Needless to say, we stay outside of Pucon at a B&B
called Maison Nomade. Lovely place. This was my fourth visit and because Alain
and Carolina continue to invest in improving the place and the experience of
visitors, I’m already looking forward to visit number 5! And the view to the Villarica Volcano remains
stunning!
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