VOLCANOES and ARAUCARIAS...
(South CHILI)
Conguillio

(New trip to the South of Chile - December 3 to 31, 2012)
(see here our 2008 trip)

(See map and practical information here)

 

After a short rest in the city of Curacautin, we drive to the Parque Nacional Conguillio, via a good dirt road, which snails through pastures overlooked by the Llaima volcano.

 

  

Unusual vision of these peaceful animals, which fortunately cannot read
the signs along the roads, showing the way in case of a volcanic eruption
(Llaima does not obey the now frequent sign in Chile : "Prohibido fumar"...)

 


From the (very comfortable) campground, on the shore of lake Conguillin, the view opens on the Sierra Nevada (2000 m)
(yes, another Sierra Nevada... There are 5 of them in the world - and we have visited 3...)

 


The Llaima volcano (2920 m) is now very close.

 

It looms over our walk to the Sendero Sierra Nevada
 


The sky is a bit cloudy, when we arrive at the first viewing point,
but the notros enlighten the woods


The Conguillin lake, as seen from the viewpoint.
The campground is close to the shore, above left.

 


Close to the numerous streams, mimulus luteus,
not very frequent on these mountains.

 


But violas cotyledons are quite common
on the volcanic ashes

The vanellus chilensis

fiercely protects its nest
against intruders

Many Liolaemus tenuis
 enjoy the sun


Not quite as friendly, an araña pollita
(yes, a tarentula, but not supposed to be dangerous).
Yet, it is the size of the hand's palm...
 


Tonight, clouds are coming...
This will be the last time we see a volcano that clearly...

 

A few practical informations

Cont'd... Page 3 (Huerquehue - Petrohue)