Banos de Caulle, PN Puyehue, Chile

This was a varied and interesting 3 day 'out and back' tramp to some hot springs over and around Volcan Puyehue.

Though the first day began cloudy, the clouds cleared enough for an ascent of the volcano on the mostly snow free south east ridge. The second day was a long slog over soft snow through a bizzare volcanic plateau to the hotsprings, which were in a sublime setting. Day three was simply a return to the car, but had amazing weather and great views through the Chilean Andes.

Starting off under grey skies

Leguna Beech Forest


Ascending through highly eroded tephra gullies

Above the refugio, we climb toward Volcan Puyehue

Andy climbs the scoria SE ridge of Volcan Puyehue

The crater of Volcan Puyehue

Back down the SE ridge towards the clouds below

Happy campers.. So nice when it isn't raining...

Sunset over Lago Puyehue

Strolling on snow on the south flank of Puyehue

Andy gets stuck in a deep drift

Amazing terrain and great views

Traversing volcanic ash and fumeroles towards the hot pools

Testing the waters at the first hot springs

Andy and a neat snow cave over a warm river

George and Andy 'enjoy' the hotsprings.

A mix of scalding hot water, frigid snow melt and orange mud..

BYO Cervezas..

Curious cloud and no wind as we return early on day 3

Finally off the snow and enroute to a well earned beer.

Refugio Puyehue and the Volcan