Cajon del Maipo

Our 1st trip out of Santiago was a couple weeks ago, Feb 19th-21st.  I wanted to write about this because it was heaven!  We went to a place called Cajon del Maipo, which is about a 2 hour bus trip southeast of Santiago.

Let me start with the bus trip.  After finally finding the bus, we got on to find out it was standing room only.  Now this wasn't a big deal at first because we thought it was only a 45 min trip....well, were we wrong!  Not only was it 2 hours...but after the 1st hour, it was all dirt road.  Let me paint you a picture.  When we got on the bus, we didn't think we would fit because it was that packed.  They fit 15 more ppl on the bus after us.  No air conditioning, packed like sardines, bumpy dirt, mountain road.  Needless to say, I did not feel well (under statement of the century).  A lady gave me her seat about 20 mins before we got to our stop, probably for fear of being thrown up on.  It was awful....I have learned to pack the Dramamine!  Below are 2 pictures as soon as we got off the bus - happy Stephen feeling good, surrounded by beautiful scenery....and me.

Our montage of TheKev continues everywhere we go.

No mas.

After the initial nausea wore off, I looked around and almost thought the bus trip from hell was worth it (though in the end it definitely was)!  We stayed at a great inn called Lo Refugio.  It is owned by a German Club in Santiago and run by a Chilean/British couple.  There is no electricity until after 8 every night.  It was so refreshing and relaxing!  The view below is from the outdoor patio at Lo Refugio.  It is the most spectacular 360 degree view you have ever seen!

Our chairs the whole weekend

We hiked up the mountain next to the inn on Sunday.  It was definitely not an easy hike, but the views the entire way made up for that!  Here is about half way up to the top (yes we used a hiking stick Katherine).

And here is Stephen reaching the summit with the Chilean flag next to him!  I have to admit, I didn't make it all the way up as it got a bit dodgy at the top, but I imagine looking over the other side made it worth it!

After hiking back down and eating lunch, we decided that we wanted to go relax in the Banos Colinas.  These are thermal  springs that come from the volcano in the area.  As you can see from the picture, it isn't the most inviting body of water.

REALLY hot water comes out of the spring and into the 1st pool (where we spent most of our time) and then it trickles down to about 8 other pools ranging from "not a hot tub" to "2 hour old bath water".  It was definitely relaxing to sit and stare out into the surrounding mountains, though an hour was more than enough.

View from banos

After the banos, we enjoyed one more dinner at Lo Refugio with some great Chilean wine and a view to die for!

The best part about the couple who runs this refugio is that they are really nice people.  On Monday, they offered to drive us back to Santiago (after hearing my bus story one too many times I imagine).  All in all, it was a wonderful weekend away from busy Santiago.  And I imagine we will be back again soon - though it will not be on a bus!