Chile Forum

I am arriving in Chile in early November. I spent, back to back, about 7 years in Chile, 1998 to 2006. Legally resided there for 4 years, 2002-2006. I know the Chillan area for that was my home base. I worked at the Grand Hotel de Las Termas in the spa for 3 years as a master of healing arts (there’s material for a book!) and lived in the pueblo of Recinto. I am a good, but slow learner. It took me all that time to realize that I need a place to live with less people. No gallos, perros, ni bulla. I lived 30 years in the woods of British Columbia, Canada. I am now retired, low budget (life style over $), will lose gov’t supplement(~50%) after 6 mo. and will be looking for part time work in this field that I love. At this point I plan, after visiting friends in Santiago and Chillan area, to explore the Pucon area which I know a bit. I am looking for opinions and info of general and specific nature. Anybody that wishes to contribute to this quest will be appreciated and if opportunity arises, invitar a una copa.

The GENERAL QUESTION is can I have a reasonable chance to find the life style I would like in PUCON area or is it getting overcrowded. I believe there is good opportunity for my work in Pucon and would like to find a small cabana to rent cheaply (I paid $50.000 for a 2 bedroom house including luz in Recinto). I would like this within a ½ hr drive of Pucon and reasonable access to one of the lakes to pursue my hope of 3rd age sport, laser sailing (I am already an advanced skiier). Not close to people and in the heart of a natural setting. Should I consider Villarrica as home city over Pucon. Is it worth a look see or should I think of heading further south as one in North America must keep heading north to find less populated areas?

More DETAILED…

Anyone know of a small, simple place to rent. I am of a background of back to the land and can live in simple conditions well (much less challenging than living in pueblos or cities for me which I have done in Chile).

What is the reality of phone/internet signals in rural areas around Pucon. In mountains above Chillan, a 5 min. drive could mean u had to change company, or perhaps no signal. I wonder about getting cell phone and modem in Santiago to be connected on trip down.

I plan to take my time going down. I am thinking of buying a used fugon, probably citroen c-15 and camperizing it (got a good idea for hot water shower using tailpipe as heat source). Suggested route going down??? Mountains to coast, worthwhile places in the varied beauty of Chilean naturaleza. 2-3 hrs on ruta 5 (que lata) and then 1-2 hrs to safe, lovely place to explore for day and camp over night.

The work I do is beneficial to health and would be useful to long term trauma or injury that might have come from earthquake. I know that there were young Chilean volunteers who went to traumatized children to give the loving touch of reiki. My general approach in Chile was to make money from the rich and help the poor for free or intercambio. I am open to volunteer my talents my way down the coast line, helping where there is opportunity. Direction? Contacts?

Best internet map of Chile and cities?

mike

mike wrote:Best internet map of Chile and cities?

See if this sort of map is useful: http://www.mapas.mop.cl/pdf/Lam4_Reg_8_9.pdf

for other similar maps in PDF and TIFF formats go to http://www.mapas.mop.cl/ and click on "cartas camineras" for the map menu