Chile

The Lake District

Villarica Volcano
Puerto Varas
Pucon, Chile
Kayaking from Awa hotel, Puerto Varas

Why visit the Chilean Lake District

This northernmost area of Chilean Patagonia is a region that quietly gets under your skin. Stretching south from Puerto Varas towards the wilds of Patagonia, it is a landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, mirror-like lakes and ancient forests where everyday life still feels deeply connected to nature.

One morning, you might find yourself kayaking across the glassy waters of Lake Llanquihue beneath the perfect cone of Osorno Volcano; by afternoon, soaking in natural hot springs hidden among dense woodland. The region’s 19th-century German heritage adds another layer entirely, think wood-shingled houses, homemade kuchen and cosy lakeside inns that feel worlds away from the frenetic pace of Santiago. When you add to this that there is a strong Mapuche presence in the area, especially on the magical Chiloe Island, there is far more to the Lake District than “just the great outdoors”.

For active travellers, there is superb hiking, fly-fishing, horse riding and white-water rafting, while food lovers will relish the smoked salmon, local cheeses and just-picked berries sold at roadside stalls. Above all, the Chilean Lake District offers space: vast scenery, crisp air and the rare feeling of having escaped somewhere genuinely restorative.

Rafting in the Lake District with the Awa Hotel

Highlights of the Chilean Lake District

  • Volcano-studded scenery – Snow-capped peaks such as Osorno Volcano rise above deep blue lakes, creating some of Chile’s most dramatic and photogenic landscapes.
  • Outdoor adventure – The region is ideal for kayaking, horse riding, fly-fishing, hiking and white-water rafting, with activities set against forests, rivers and volcanoes.
  • Ancient national parks – Explore lush woodland and volcanic scenery in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest national park and a haven for wildlife lovers.
  • Charming lakeside townsPuerto Varas blends German heritage with Chilean character, offering cosy cafés, timber-clad buildings and sweeping lake views.
  • Natural hot springs – Geothermal pools hidden among forests near Puyehue National Park provide a wonderfully restorative experience after a day exploring outdoors.
  • Exceptional local food – Fresh salmon and trout, smoked meats, homemade pastries and handmade cheeses reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions and strong German influences.
  • Chiloe Island – A stronghold of Mapuche culture, the island is just a short drive (and 45min ferry crossing, until the new bridge is finished) away. Famous for its stilted house and endemic bird species it makes for either a great day trip or a longer stay to dive deeper into its history and culture.
German roots

German settlers were encouraged to move to the Chilean Lake District during the 19th century, when the Chilean government sought to populate and develop the country’s remote southern frontier.

Volcanic farmlands

The volcanoes of the Chilean Lake District are so fertile that their mineral-rich soils helped transform the region into one of Chile’s most productive farming areas, famous for dairy, berries and hops.

Good to know

Getting there

Puerto Montt is home to the region’s airport and is less than a two-hour flight from either Santiago or Puerto Natales (in the deep south).

Many people do include the Chilean Lake District as part of a self-drive route that also includes the Argentine side of the Andes. This makes for a stunning journey throughout the region.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

While the books will tell you that December to February is the best time to visit Chile, we know from experience that spring and autumn are far more spectacular. Spring (September and October) in the Lake District sees the flowers bloom and plenty of snow on the mountains. Autumn (March and April) is a riot of colours as the first snow of winter falls on high ground.

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