The Final Full Day in Chile

I woke up filled with joy and excitement, knowing that today would be my last full day of running in Chile. The journey has been long, and now, the finish line of this continent was so close. I started my run by heading down into town, but the climb began almost immediately.

The scenery was breathtaking—foggy, misty, rolling green hills, farmland stretching far and wide, and even a few llamas along the way. Every step felt like a celebration of the landscapes I had been privileged to run through.

After covering about 15 miles, I reached Frutillar and stopped for breakfast. The minimarket had some pastries, and I grabbed some more milk before continuing. Google suggested a gravel road parallel to Ruta 5, and I followed it for about two miles before deciding I’d rather stick to the main road. I took the next overpass and merged onto Ruta 5, running comfortably all the way to the Puerto Varas exit.

The run felt good. It was steady, smooth, and fitting for a final full day on this side of the world. In Puerto Varas, I made my way to a hostel I had found earlier. Guillermo greeted me with warmth, welcoming me in and explaining everything I needed to know. His kindness made the day even better.

And then, it hit me—altogether 3,000 km run on the South American continent and coast to coast. Buenos Aires to Valparaíso. Done. Completed. Nice one.

Later in the evening, I shared dinner with Stefanie, a traveler from Bulgaria, whose curiosity and enthusiasm were infectious. She listened intently to my stories, her eyes lighting up as I spoke. Moments like these remind me why I share this journey—it’s not just about the miles but about the connections made along the way.

Now, as I wind down for the night, exhaustion is setting in, but excitement is bubbling just beneath the surface. Tomorrow may be a short running day, but it will be a big day—the day I officially finish my South American segment in Puerto Montt.

Having you all along for this journey means everything. Gracias.