Southern Chile & The Lake District

Southern Chile and the Lake District is home to twelve clear blue glacial lakes, six snow-capped volcanoes, temperate rainforests with thousand-year-old trees, hot springs, and rushing rivers as well as charming towns like Villarrica, Pucón, Valdivia, Corral, Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, and the most famous of all, Chiloé, an island with colorful houses built on stilts, and historical wooden churches, 16 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In addition to its natural beauty and charming towns, visitors can go kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, and skiing. There are also several craft fairs, shops, and boutiques that sell the various handicrafts made by the indigenous Mapuche people, and multiple excellent seafood restaurants. Travelers should try the local specialties of Parillada de Mariscos (grilled mixed seafood), Cancato (grilled fish stuffed with a variety of vegetables, cheese or sausage), and Curanto (various meats and sausages, fish, mollusks and potatoes and corn cooked in an earthen pit).

While the climate in the region is temperate all year, May to October can be very cold, with much more rainfall. Therefore, Spring and Summer, between November and April, are the best times to visit.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Pucón and Villarrica

Pucón and Villarrica are two neighboring towns known for their outdoor recreational opportunities, picturesque landscapes, clear blue lakes, and proximity to the Villarrica Lake and Volcano. Visitors can enjoy activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, trekking, canyoning, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness. Another attraction is the Termas Geométricas, a hot spring complex known for its soothing thermal waters and unique architecture.

Valdivia

Dating back to the Spanish colonial era when it was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1552, Valdivia is a charming city located at the confluence of the Calle-Calle River and the Valdivia River. It is famous for its historical forts, its beer culture, with several breweries and pubs that have embraced craft beer production, and its many vibrant markets, where visitors can sample local products, such as fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.

Puerto Varas & Puerto Montt

Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are neighboring cities known for their stunning natural landscapes, proximity to picturesque lakes and volcanoes, and German-influenced architecture. Puerto Varas is often referred to as the "City of Roses and Volcanoes" because of its abundant rose gardens, while Puerto Montt is a major center for Chile's fishing industry. The region surrounding the cities offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, fishing, skiing and other activities.

Chiloé

Chiloé is both an archipelago of islands, and the largest island in the archipelago. It is known for its natural beauty, colorful houses built on stilts, and 16 wooden churches that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous of these are the Church of San Francisco in Castro, the Church of Santa María de Loreto in Achao, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Rilán. Visitors can also enjoy various outdoor activities and observe Magellanic and Humboldt Penguins.