Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Pisco Sour

The tour group had a nice scenic drive from port to Simpson River National Reserve, with snow-capped mountains & waterfalls in the distance; rivers and valleys.

At Simpson Reserve Visitor’s Centre we had time to find out more about the reserve. Unfortunately the information was in Spanish but Patricia, our guide, was able to give us an overview of it. We had time to stretch our legs and take a walk along the river. It was pretty, and very peaceful.

Our next stop was at Coyhaique to visit the village square and handicraft market. The square was pretty with its fountains and trees – it had a park-like feel to it, more so with many families out and about relaxing. A few handicraft shops were open but most places were closed because of today being a Sunday.

Lunch at Fogon Restaurant was buffet-style with a nice selection of empanadas, fruit and liquids. Over and above the soft drinks wine and Pisco Sour went down a treat for the guests.

Scenic drive back to port with brief photo stop (from bus window) to see Cascade of the Virgin which was a pretty waterfall.

As always, it has been good to get out and about.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Simpson River National Reserve

Cascade of the Virgin

Coyhaique

Having had a sea day yesterday it was good to get off the ship for a while. Even if it meant having to travel in tender to get to shore!

It's been a nice day out with a visit to the Cucao Chiloé National Park. On the way to the park in the hills we passed by fishing harbours with shellfish farming & salmon farming, past lakes & through beautiful countryside.

Once at the national park we made our way to the visitor’s centre. Unfortunately another tour group was inside the visitor centre with their guide. Our guide, Juna, found it difficult to compete above the voice of the other guide so we started our walk through the park earlier and we would come back to the visitor centre on our way back.

Lovely walk along paths and boardwalks, over marshland/wetlands, through forest and scrub. We stopped at the open air museum (wooden house) on our way back to the park entrance and our guide described what life used to be like, living inside the wooden house.

We had refreshments at Cocineria Tradicionel Morelia, a traditional Chilean restaurant. A variety of empanadas were served and a type of small dessert. Also fruit juice and/or Pisco Sour served as well. The Pisco Sour went down a treat.

On the way back to Castro pier we stopped briefly to see the wooden stilt houses built above the incoming tide waterline. I got the feeling that some people have never seen stilt houses before, but that is to be expected.

I caught the tender back to the ship but others decided to stay in town for a while. The weather was good so - if not, why not.

Overall it has been a nice day, beautiful scenery, lovely walk and good weather.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Cucao Chiloé National Park