National Park Lanin, aka: "Paradise"

Ok, so the word is out now... on our road trip we found paradise. There is just no other way to describe a remote beach located a two hour hike into the National Park of Junin.

Having planned on a few days of back country camping, we stumbled upon the sandy beach in view of the local volcano and dropped our heavy backpacks, promptly putting on our bathing suits and going for a swim. The glacial water was freezing but crystal clear to the sandy bottom and the sun was hot.

We set up camp on a shady piece of land jutting out onto the water with views of the volcano and enjoyed two peaceful days soaking in the beautiful scenery. Initially there were two other groups camping nearby, but the second day everyone cleared out and we were the only ones left in the surrounding wilderness. It was amazing!

Originially we had plans to do some hikes into the forest but the weather was so perfect at our secluded beach that we ended spending the next day lounging by the water, taking breaks to eat and enjoying the camp fire at night. Even though we had to hike everything in on our backs, we made sure to bring a good supply of wine (of course!) and so enjoyed all of the important amenities of civilization out in one of the finest settings imaginable.