Hot Springs!!! (10/9)

You got it!!! We were looking for some luxury in the midst of Pucon's incredible nature. What we didn't know is that we would have to drive up the roughest roads we have seen since Costa Rica's Panamerican Highway! After a casual morning and a wonderful Swiss breakfast, we set out for the hot spring waters of Termas de Panqui. We headed east towards Argentina, then turned north on a dirt road. It was rough, but the scenery was beautiful. We were held up by some Huaso cowboys and their herd of cattle as they chased them down the road in front of us. We knew we were in for rustic, though, when we made our last turn onto a mountain trail. Though it had been traveled recently, it sure wasn't kept up. We pulled in right as the skies opened and rain started to fall. We were given a tour of the grounds by a very hospitable Chilean who didn't seem to note the absurd journey or the rain. Resolved after the rough ride to relax in geothermal waters, we reluctantly prepared for the cold of rain and chilly conditions (there was snow still hiding in the shadow of buildings and trees) on our nearly naked bodies. But, after the initial freeze and slip into the water, we decided it was well worth all the trouble. This was MUCH better than an outdoor hot tub. We ended the about 4 hour swim with an incredible Chilean meal. Even the bushwhack out was anti-climatic.