Don't Panic

The north of Chile is really expensive, I suspect because of the mining boom. Trying to find accomodation on the weekend was a bit tough, let alone accomodation we could afford. This charming little number was literally on the side of the highway. Labelled “cabanas” we were surprised to learn that they did not have a kitchen, tv, breakfast or wifi, especially with the $50 a night price tag. We had a look anyway and found it to be a shipping container with a dodgy palm leaf roof.

The owner keep telling us “lindo, lindo!” (beautiful) but I’m not sure we could see it.

Surprisingly, we managed to find an affordable cabana in the only town on the Peninsula (this is an expensive area in season) that was looking out to the ocean. The owner was lovely and the only downside was the cruddy mattress.

After one night in the big building, we moved to one of the small cabins so we could have a kitchen. They were cosy buildings with a loft bedroom from which you could watch the waves crashing on the rocks.

Not being a religious person, I think that places like this are the closest that I get to spirituality. It is very easy to feel connected to the earth and nature and to understand how small I am in the big picture. I’m sure it wouldn’t be the same in peak season with kids running around and other guests staying here. I didn’t really want to leave but after the third day it was time to move on.

Cabanas Rio Blanco

Near Ensenada, Chile. The owner is a chirpy lady who is a brilliant cook and from the look of her garden, a brilliant gardener.

Cabanas Pewma in Futrono

Nicer than our house! Very reasonably priced too but disappointed to find we were not the only Australians staying the night. I am an individual!

The dog was very friendly but sat outside practicing his sad face.

If only we could have found more to do around Futrono, we would have stayed longer.

That night we found a cute little cabin up the hill from Lebu. It initially looked closed because it was off season but the owner let us stay. He had a range of animals some very friendly yet dreadlocked dogs.

The cabin overlooked the ocean and had a wood fire which we needed because it was so cold! The feather doona was amazing and we didn’t have to check out until 3pm so I stayed in bed for ages. Pure heaven in Chile.