Alerce Andino National Park
Chile
Sadly, today was our final day driving along the Carratera Austral. Both traffic and civilisation were increasing at an exponential rate, decreasing the wow factor we had become accustomed to. Despite this, the last 2 weeks had been breathtakingly beautiful and one of the best drives we had ever undertaken. We hoped there would be more spectacular views to come as we continued north in Chile.
Salto Rio Chaicas
Distance: 7.9 km
Hiking Time: 1:40 hr
Ascent: 106 m
The Salto Rio Chaicas was part of a longer hike we wanted to complete, but after a delayed ferry then a missed ferry, the lack of a decent meal last night, minimal sleep, undertaking 4 treks yesterday and online reviews that suggested the second half of this route wasn't worth completing, we cut it down to the main sight: the waterfall.
We started out on a mostly flat stone path beside a river, being attacked by mosquitoes the size of moths. At the 3 km mark we entered a lush green forest that was much more pleasant. Eventually we reached a set of stairs that led directly up to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. It was flowing heavily but as it was sitting mostly in the shade, our pictures weren't so great. Nearby was a side waterfall hidden among the trees, much smaller than the star of the show. Together they were worth the short jaunt through the park.
Lago Sargazo
Distance: 4.6 km
Hiking Time: 1:05 hr
Ascent: 157 m
This hike began similarly to Salto Rio Chaicas, flat and unexciting, but we swapped mosquitoes for enormous horse flies. The terrain gradually changed from gravel road to boardwalk to hundreds of wooden steps up one side of a hill then hundreds of steps down the other. At the bottom was the tranquil Sargazo Lake, sitting inside a ring of green mountains without a drop of snow in sight. Another family was already here, the kids splashing around in the cool water. We perched ourselves on a log jutting out over the water, watching birds flit about and enjoying the calmness. It hadn't been a strenuous day for us compared to our normal standards, but as we had a longer hike planned for tomorrow, we appreciated the extra rest.
