Now the thing i love about non westernized countries is their approach to health and safety. If you´re stupid enough to stand on the edge of a cliff, jump in a boiling spring, or sit on the roof of a train, no ones going to stop you. Just be prepared for the consequences. These places still issue life jackets, crash helmets, or whatever equipment you need. They just don't hold your hand to cross the road. All to often, especially in NZ, you were are always being told. "Don't climb that mountain, its to windy", when in fact you couldn't have flown a kite. Or "Don't swim in the lake its deep, in parts"...Hmmm. After all, in adventure sports and outdoor activities its often the small element of risk that makes them fun, and out of the ordinary.

As i mentioned, Pucon is shadowed by Volcan Vallarrica. At 3000m its small by Andes standards, but higher than most European peaks. It last erupted in 71 wiping out a neighboring town, and is still bubbling away fiercely. At night the peak glows against a backdrop of stars as a funnel of smoke rises into the sky. Oh, and you can climb it if you want.

Early this morning i put on some crampons, grabbed an ice pick and set off to do so with my guide, Rodrigo. The first stretch is by chair lift to carry you over the rocky debris that litters the base, then on foot up the snowy slopes to the summit. I had no idea what to expect at the top. The volcanoes i climbed in NZ where all dormant or extinct.

Gazing into what appears to be the center of the earth is mesmerizing and hypnotic. The heat and fumes are almost unbearable, and the situation obviously quite dangerous. You really got the feeling that you couldn't get away with it in most countries. Every now and then the fiery red crater would roar and through bright red lava into the air some 30m from where we stood. The smaller fragments of rock and ash would then rain down even closer, sometimes we´d move to avoid it. Incredible.

There are easier ways of getting down a snow covered slopes than walking. After hanging around at the top for a while, it was time to get on my arse and slide to the bottom, using the ice pick as a brake. Tremendous fun, but kinda painful.

Off for some food.