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.
