The Lake District

Huerquehue National Park. This small park offers some great outdoor and hiking opportunities amongst several lakes and the stunning backdrop of the Villarrica Volcano. The parks lush forest is a playground for many bird species including woodpecker and parrots.

Lake Villarrica. This is the main lake of the area, and a centre for water sports, walks and scenic beauty.
 
Villarrica National Park. One of the most visited in Chile, this 165,000 acre park sits on the edge of lake Villarrica, making it easily accessible from Pucon. The park runs all the way to the Argentine border and encompasses 3 large volcanoes including Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin, which are active, extinct and dormant respectively. Activities in the park include hiking, investigating some of the lava flows and volcanic caves, particularly around Villarrrica, climbing one of the volcanoes or enjoying a thermal bath.
 
Villarrica Volcano. Probably the most famous of the area, and one of the most active in South America. On a clear day you can see several mini eruptions as puffs of smoke appear from its snow capped peak. At the base you can walk through lava tunnels, while for the more active it is a relatively easy climb to the crater, from where you can look inside to see a bubbling cauldron of rock, lava and volcanic activity.

Puerto Varas. Situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue with breathtaking views of the nearby volcanoes, it has a strong German influence due to early colonial settlers. The town is cleaner, quieter and friendlier than nearby Puerto Montt, making it a preferred destination for a stay in the region.
 
Lake Llanquihue. South America’s 3rd largest lake, which contains some of the most scenic areas of the Lake District. The surrounding hills and volcanoes provide spectacular views and activities on the lake include all water sports, fishing, swimming and cruising.
 
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. A lovely national park situated in the shadows of Osorno Volcano, known as ‘Chile’s Mt Fuji’. The park offers White Water Rivers, lakes, volcanoes and some stunning views. It is a centre of activity, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, fishing and mountain biking.
 
Lake crossing to Bariloche (Argentina). This is a full day or a 2 day trip over the most scenic border crossing in South America. It is a combination of water and land transportation, through volcanic and lake scenery. You cruise across Todos Los Santos Lake, Frias and Nahuelhuapi lakes, with views of Osorno, Calbuco, Tronador and Puntiagudo Volcanoes. Lunch is in Argentina before returning by land to Chile.
 
Chiloe Island. From Puerto Montt it’s possible to reach the Island of Chiloe by boat. Among its attractions are the famous ‘palafitos’ – wooden structures built over the water on stilts, Cucao, a region with superb landscapes, and the Chiloe National Park, which has a unique range of plant and animal life. The park has over 100 species of bird, 2 different species of penguin and numerous hiking trails. Castro, the capital of Chiloe, is the third oldest in Chile, founded in 1547 and famed for its local dish ‘curanto’, a delicious mixture of seafood, meats and vegetables cooked in a covered hole in the ground which is heated by hot stones. A visit to Chiloe is possible on both a day trip or on an overnight basis.
 
Cruises in the Chilean Fjords. For many, this is a highlight of a trip to Chile. Spectacular landscapes, vast glaciers, icebergs and marine mammals in abundance make this a truly memorable experience. Depending on the length of time, there are various options available.