The Chilean Lake District is very pretty, with a huge variety of activities on offer in Pucon: hiking up the volcano, skiing, white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking, ziplining, thermal baths.

My bad knee had resurfaced in Buenos Aires, and I am planning to give it plenty of rest so I can get through the Inca Trail in 4 weeks time. I opted out of the volcano hike (which I would have loved to have done) and instead enjoyed an afternoon of horse riding on some country trails with beautiful views of the mountains, forests and the Trancura river.

I knew I was not comfortable being on 2 wheels, and yet I went on a 4-hr bike ride with Louisa and Lisa, when my butt was still sore from the horse riding from 2 days ago. After my 1st wobbly hour of trying to keep both wheels going in the same direction, I finally got the hang of it and started to enjoy the views as we rode through Quelhue to Rio Plato, about 20 kms through rocky and hilly terrain - and neither my butt nor my thighs were very happy with me thereafter.

We had our first pisco sours with dinner that evening - could not resist the 2 for 1 offer - we enjoyed the drink but I could not handle a 2nd glass - it had too much of a kick even for the seasoned drinker that I am! Off on our 10-hr night bus to Santiago this evening.