«My favorite childhood holidays»

Karen Vergara

O In general, my childhood holidays were very nice because they always were among my family, my scout group, or with aunts who used to take me to visit different places in Chile.

O I remember that when I was 7 years old, we visited the South of Chile with my family. At that time, we were only three members.

O Some of my favorite places were Villarrica and Pucón. The beautiful city of Villarrica is located in the 9th Region and it is one of the most touristic areas of southern Chile. In this area converges multiple attractions, such as volcanoes, lakes, incredible spas, tracts of forest for ecotourism, which together with a temperate climate, makes it a perfect destination.

O We stayed at the Monteverde hotel, which is located in front of Villarrica lake. The place was very beautiful since it was surrounded by gardens full of native trees and a variety of flowers. I remembered, I went jogging at the edge of the lake and threw little stones, and set fire at night. From my room, I could have a perfect view of the lake when I woke up every morning.

O Within our panoramas, there was bathing at the lake shore. It was so nice because there was no need to swim, so that I felt very safe there. The water was warm, therefore I could spend the whole day there.

O When we went to Pucón, it was inevitable not to visit the ski resort. Even though, I did not learn to ski very well, I could make snowmen. Also, I really loved to see my dad as he slid into the snow. He definitely was the master of the skies.

O At Two Rivers park, we could go fishing. That time, I was better, since I caught a small fish, but I felt so sorry that I had to let it go. Also, we went on a tour of the place, horseback riding and camped but only for one night, as my dad would prefer a hotel room instead of a tent.

O The food was very delicious, but although I am very picky, I tried and eat everything.

O Local food is characterized by typical Chilean food such as Pastel de Choclo, seafood, but the most exquisite were cakes and sweets.

O In fact, there was a very nice restaurant that was like a hut, in which there was wonderful Mapuche food.

O Inside Villarrica’s public library--close to the church--we could find an interesting museum, where Mapuche’s clothes and hunting kitchen utensils were displayed.

O It was located in 1050 Pedro de Valdivia St., just 2 blocks right and 1 left from Daydream hotel, next to the Villarrica theather and across from a very famous candy store called "Dulcevita".

O My parents visited the casino, located at190 Clemente Holzapfel St. just 1 block to the right of Patagonia hotel. Starting from Geronimo Alderere St., turn left and it is opposite Cassis restaurant.

O I would love to come back to this beautiful place. Besides the scenic landscapes and awesome to-do activities, people were very friendly. It is a highly-recommended destination to go together with family in order to have a incredible, relaxing vacation.