Today is pretty uneventful. We first search for a sleeping pad and compression sacks. We go to an outfitter close to the hostel and ask about hiking maps in the national parks. He says there isn't much, but he recommended that we do Cochamo Valley. He showed us the map and it sounds wonderful - it is described as the Chilean Yosemite, small farms sell fresh bread, the lakes are full of fish and you walk along the valley listening to the river that roars 500 metres below. We ask about the entire valley and he says that it will take 5 days. Darren and I are sold and we spend the remainder of the day preparing for the trip and gaining energy for the journey (plus, I don't feel the best..probably all the water I swallowed yesterday). We find thermorests and compression sacks, buy lots of food and we are set!

One note about Chile is that the grocery stores (supermarkets) do not have as much selection as ours. I read the labels and almost everything is made in South America! How wonderful! Very little seems imported and most food is fresh; very little pre-made foods are available. Also, don't buy the equivalent Kraft Dinner. It is disgusting; after our attempt to save money and not go out to eat - we ended up going out to eat (more pizza at a quaint pizza restaurant).