Based near Villarrica, we’ve spent years exploring the natural wonders and hidden corners of this volcanic paradise. This Guide to Chile’s Lake District Guide brings together the places and experiences we think you shouldn’t miss.
Guests who have visited us from the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand, are often surprised by the similarities in climate and topography, but Southern Chile definitely has its own unique flare.
La Zona Lacustre is studded with snow-capped volcanoes — the protagonists, even if only the backdrops of the region’s expansive lakes and prehistoric forests.
The area’s unique cultural fingerprint blends Chilean hospitality and indigenous Mapuche heritage with German-inspired architecture (and beer!).
It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with some of the world’s most sought-after hiking, skiing, and water activities.
Lake District at a Glance
The Lake District is in the southern half of Chile, stretching across three administrative regions known as La Araucanía, Los Rios, and Los Lagos, from north to south.
A tourism designation rather than an official political region, it has no official boundaries.
That said, Temuco, the largest city in the north, serves as a common point of entry, while the bustling port city, Puerto Montt, is considered the southern boundary.
Many consider the Lake District to be the gateway to or beginnings of Chilean Patagonia.
Favorite Base Towns:
- Villarrica
- Pucón
- Valdivia
- Osorno
- Frutillar
- Puerto Varas
Neighboring lakeside towns, Villarrica and Pucón — about 1½ hours from the nearby Temuco Airport — are charming and strategic bases to explore the northern half of the Lake District, and surrounding parks including Conguillío, Villarrica Volcano, and Huerquehue.
Valdivia is a midpoint coastal destination, known for its craft beer scene and historical Spanish fort.
Though you may prefer to start further south in the German-esque towns of Osorno or Frutillar for stunning hikes on the Osorno Volcano and in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
Or position yourself in quaint Puerto Varas, also imbued with German heritage — just under 30 minutes from the airport in Puerto Montt, where the famous Carreterra Austral (Austral Hightway) commences its long trek through Patagonia.
Time permitting, it’s more than worth it to use the rural intercity buses to explore the smaller surrounding towns or better yet rent a car and take a scenic drive through Chile’s Circuito de Siete Lagos (The Circuit of Seven Lakes).
You may have noticed that we didn’t include Temuco or Puerto Montt on our list of places to stay.
While both cities serve as important commercial, bureaucratic, and educational hubs for the region, they don’t quite have the same cozy charm or nature-immersed feel as the smaller towns. But if bustling urban centers are a one of the things you most enjoy about traveling — go for it! Temuco and Puerto Montt do boast museums, cultural heritage sites, and vibrant dining options. Otherwise, we recommend skipping the metropolises.
Direct domestic flights leave from from Santiago daily to the following Lake District destinations:
The three major airlines — Latam, Sky, and Jetsmart — usually have 3-4 price tiers.
Latam, for example, offers Basic, Light, Full, and Premium Economy.
The “basic” airfare is often quite affordable (even as low as $30 USD for a one-way ticket), but basic comes with conditions: no date changes, no refunds, and no luggage (only a small personal item).
