Let me get the bad news out of the way first…

I missed out on my chance to go paragliding over the Andes here in wild Bariloche. There is currently only one operator in the city. The other is vacationing in Buenos Aires, so if I get a chance to find him there in a couple days, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.

Anyway, Federico, the sole operator, is booked solid today, and this is my only free day in the city. Tomorrow I catch a 24-hour bus to Buenos Aires at midday.

So while I didn’t get a chance to soar like the massive condors over the majestic mountains, I will get a chance to visit the Fabrica de Chocolate… Yes, the Chocolate Factory. This is not your run of the mill Willy Wonka movie. These guys are professionals. Trained in the Swiss style, the Bariloche residents know a thing or two about chocolate.

I may even try to grab a gift or two if it’ll keep. I may just eat it all.

I’m also gonna wander through the city center. This place is bigger than both Pucon and Puerto Varas put together, with about 100,000 residents year-round.

But it’s also home to a large number of back-packers, travelling through Patagonia hitting all the wild places they can.

With internet cafes nestled between hiking stores and pizzarias, the place is a back-packer’s dream…

And the scenery ain’t bad either. I’ve got some stunning pictures of the mountains and glorious wild flowers on my walk to the bus stop.

There are hostels and cabanas everywhere, and they’re building more by the dozen. Turns out “Se Vende” has crossed the border into Argentina, as well. I haven’t driven through too many agricultural areas for sale, but small plots to put a quaint hostel or restaurant are squeezed in every which way from Sunday.

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Well, folks, my canyoneering trip didn’t cure my fear of heights, nor my fear of deep water… But it was certainly an experience.

For one thing, our bus broke down on the way to the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park. That wasn’t a good sign, but once we got to our destination - a couple hours later than expected, mind you - things were looking up.

But then we had to hike for about a half hour, up hill, in a wetsuit.

I’d though I’d left hiking behind in Pucon, but that was not to be… It was well worth it, though. The cool waters were quite refreshing, though the thought of sliding down a three-meter waterfall didn’t sit well with me.

And my impressions didn’t improve as we went along.

It’s okay, you can call me a chicken. I am… And I tried to let my mind wander to other things besides white water and rapid currents.

Like all the “Se Vende” signs we saw on the way to the canyons. “Se Vende” means “For Sale.” Massive amounts of farmland are up for grabs just an hour south east of the fun touristy town of Puerto Varas. You can pick up a parcel of land for between $1,500 and $4,300 an acre.

Then you can buy a pre-assembled home for a cool $12,200. Continue Reading »

While the U.S. markets experiences a near meltdown today, the hot town of Puerto Varas was partying…

It’s about 85 degrees here, with little wind, and the beaches on the Lago Llanquihue are packed with people. The icecream sellers are doing a brisk business, as are the fellows that rent kayaks and canoes.

It’s not hard to find out what the party is all about. The beach has amazing views of two snow-covered volcanos, and a front row seat to the sunset breaking on the Andes. True, the water is very cold, but anyone and everyone, from school kids to couples is enjoying the beginning of summer.

Like Pucon, Puerto Varas is an adventure Mecca. The scenery here is a bit different. There’s more trees for one - the city is surrounded by national forests, and the lake is much larger that Lago Villarica.

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