Where to go

The Lake District

Arguably the most visually beautiful area of the country, where volcanoes meet lakes.

While not quite as wild as Chilean Patagonia to the south, the Sur Chico and Chile’s lake district is a region of the country that never fails to surprise and inspire those that venture here. In contrast to the other regions of Chile, Sur Chico is an area of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forest. Mixed in with this wondrous natural beauty are plenty of interesting and quirky places to lay your head or simply take it all in. For those looking for an adventure then this is the place.

At approximately 600 miles in length, from Conception in the north, to Chiloe and Chilean Patagonia to the south, the lake district is, without doubt, one of the most visually beautiful areas in Chile and one of the first places that we recommend to clients. Roughly speaking, while the entire region is worth further discovery, most will either head to the adrenaline town of Pucon, or to the sleepy town of Puerto Varas and the world famous Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales.

Unless you are driving overland from the north or the south, then most will look to fly into the busy and bustling city of Puerto Montt. Today it is seen as more of a pass-through than a destination in its own right. From here it is a short drive up to Puerto Varas where you are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the twin volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco that stand as sentinels at the entrance to the lakes.

With a superb day trip that is possible through to Bariloche on the Argentine side of the Andes, there is an absolute feast of activities that can be done while you are here. Many opt to self-drive while in the region as this gives you far more scope for exploration of your own. For walkers and activity fans there really is very little to fault this stunning region.

Further reading...

  • › Top 5 Things to Do in Chile's Lake District
  • › Self-drive itinerary in the Lake District
  • › Best Time to Visit Chile
  • › Chile Holidays
  • › Chile Honeymoon
  • Best time to visit the Lake District:

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    At a glance…The Lake District

  • Size: consisting of 3 main national parks
  • Location: Two-thirds of the way down the country
  • Recommended time: 3 to 6 nights
  • Time to visit: July to April
  • Go here for: Nature and wildlife, walking
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    Our recommended top hotels and lodges for The Lake District:

    1. Hotel AWA - front view

      Hotel AWA

      Hotel Awa is an architectural marvel with breathtaking view of the Osorno volcano from its secluded position on the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. After 2 ½ years of construction, Awa opened its doors in November 2016 and has become the place to stay for those looking to treat themselves whilst... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    2. Tierra Chiloé - external view

      Tierra Chiloé

      This is the newest of the three Tierra hotels and the only luxury hotel on the enchanting island of Chiloé; an archipelago just off the coast of Chile’s Lake District in Northern Patagonia with its own unique culture and traditions. Unlike at the other two hotels in Patagonia and the Atacama, the... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    3. Vira Vira - External View

      andBeyond Vira Vira

      andBeyond Vira Vira is a secluded property in Chile’s Northern Lake District. Situated on a working farm and surrounded by native parkland the hotel brings the style of luxury adventure lodge found in the Atacama and Torres del Paine to the Lake District, with delicious home-grown food, luxurious... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    4. Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas - Location

      Cumbres Puerto Varas

      Opened in June 2009, the Cumbres Puerto Varas has really set new standards for the accommodation in and around Puerto Varas. One of the four Cumbres hotels in Chile, hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is certainly one of the most stylish and upmarket properties with 90 rooms and a whole swathe of... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    5. Hotel Antumalal - Main building

      Hotel Antumalal

      Built in the 1950s Hotel Antumalal was one of the first hotels to be established in Chile’s Northern Lake District. Having hosted a number of famous of names and faces over the years, including the Queen and Neil Armstrong, its appeal lies in its sense of history and strong ties to the local area... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      4