Chilean Lake District

Southern Chile, where volcanoes and lakes meet: Pucón as an outdoor base camp, Puerto Varas and Osorno Volcano, and the wooden churches of Chiloé.

This region corresponds to the "South" natural macro-region in Chile's official classification, commonly known as the Lake District. It covers the Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions, stretching from the Biobío in the north to Chiloé Island and the start of the Carretera Austral in the south. Dense forests and snowcapped volcanoes reflected in glacial lakes define the landscape, and this is also the heartland of Mapuche culture; the scenery is often compared to Switzerland and New Zealand. Highlights: Pucón and Lake Villarrica are the outdoor base camp, where you can climb the active Villarrica Volcano, soak in mountain hot springs and visit Huerquehue National Park to see monkey-puzzle (Araucaria) forests. Valdivia is a river port city with a strong German-immigrant heritage, a cluster of Spanish colonial forts and a lively fish market. Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt sit on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, facing the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano, with the Petrohué Falls and Todos los Santos Lake nearby. Chiloé Island is known for its shingled wooden churches (a World Heritage Site), the stilt houses of Castro and curanto, the traditional seafood stew. A classic itinerary is 2–3 days in Pucón, 1 day in Valdivia, 2–3 days around Puerto Varas and 2 days on Chiloé, about 7–10 days in total. Puerto Varas is also the starting point for the Andean lakes crossing to Bariloche in Argentina. To get here, fly from Santiago to Temuco, Valdivia or Puerto Montt; regional buses are convenient, while a rental car offers the most flexibility. Volcano climbs may be closed during periods of volcanic activity, so check official notices before you go.

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