Chile trip | Lakes region and wines of Chile

The small town of Pucón is idyllically situated between Lake Villarica and the active Villarica volcano in Chile’s picturesque Lake District. It is a popular destination for travellers seeking an authentic Chilean adventure. There are various activities and excursions to enjoy here. You’ll also find a wide selection of comfortable accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Popular activities include: water sports such as kayaking on the beautiful lake, hiking through the spectacular Villarica National Park, white-water rafting on the Trancura River, as well as snowboarding and skiing on the stunning slopes of the snow-capped Villarica volcano.

Santiago de Chile lies in a valley surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Andes. It is one of the most European cities in Latin America and is one of the few cities in the world from which, within an hour’s drive, you can find yourself on a ski slope or on a beach by the sea.
Santiago de Chile is also close to Chile’s wine regions, where the world-famous Chilean wines are produced. The city itself boasts many monuments and beautiful parks. Be sure not to miss the statue of the Virgin Mary atop ‘Cerro de San Cristóbal’. The view over the city from here is spectacular. You’ll find cosy restaurants and bars in the colourful Bellavista district and the bohemian Lastarria district, amongst others.

Puerto Varas is a picturesque town on Lake Llanquihe with stunning views of the Osorno volcano on a clear day. Many German families came to this southern Chilean town in the late 19th century and their influences are still visible in the local architecture, cuisine and traditions. The surrounding area is home to several national parks. A must on the route between Huilo Huilo and Puerto Varas is to visit the Petrohue waterfalls. These waterfalls are in the Vincente Pérez national park, about 65 km away from Puerto Varas and easily accessible via ruta 225.

Chile's second largest lake has a spectacular setting below the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, fringed by black sand beaches and inland wildernesses. The lake's tranquil, deep-blue waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, canoeing and water skiing, while its rich fish stocks make it an angler's Mecca. It is largely surrounded by national parks featuring a diversity of flora and fauna, but dotted between these swathes of nature are quaint historical towns with exquisite views and beautiful beaches. Lake Llanquihue's most enticing towns include Puerto Octay, Puerto Varas and Frutillar, with their pristine sandy shores and distinctive German architecture - a legacy of their colonial founders.

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world stretching over 7000 km. The southern tip of this majectic mountain range lies south of Llullaillaco in Argentina and Chile and is home to the southern Andean steppe. It is a unique ecoregion defined by its cold desert climate and tough grasslands. Some of the larger mammals that have adapted to this harsh environment are the puma, the Andean fox and two relatives of the llama: the vicuña (Peru's national animal) and the guanaco.

An area of glistening waters with snow-capped volcanic peaks and dense forests, the Lake District is known for its exceptional natural beauty. Furthermore, the Lake District is loved by tourists and locals for its rich indigenous culture, excellent cuisine and adventure activities. Most visitors first pass through the cities of Temuco or Puerto Montt before heading to the Lake District. But the real gems are the many national parks with their spectacular views. The cities of Pucón and Puerto Varas are also well worth a visit where you can take part in a plethora of extreme sports, but you can also enjoy delicious dining in the excellent restaurants or soak in a hot spring.

The Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve, situated in the heart of the Chilean Patagonian rainforest, is a private nature reserve whose policy is entirely focused on responsible tourism. The reserve covers 600 km² of unspoilt native forest with a range of natural attractions, such as mighty rivers, stunning waterfalls and towering snow-capped peaks.
The park provides an ideal sanctuary for a wide variety of exotic wildlife. These include 81 species of birds, as well as numerous feline species such as the puma, Geoffroy’s cat and the night cat (Kod-Kod), which is one of the world’s smallest species of wild cat.
Whether you’re kayaking and fishing near the breathtaking Huilo-Huilo waterfalls, skiing at the nearby Snow Centre or whizzing along South America’s longest zipline system, you are sure to create unforgettable memories during your visit to this remarkable reserve.

Central Chile is home to the capital, Santiago, as well as a number of fantastic off-the-beaten-track destinations and stunning natural attractions. Pichilemu is one of the continent’s premier surfing destinations, whilst Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its beautiful hilly surroundings, colourful buildings and historic harbour areas – is one of Chile’s most popular places to visit.
For outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, the region offers a number of excellent ski resorts (such as Valle Nevado and Portillo), incredible hiking trails in the waterfall-rich Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, and some attractive coastal destinations, such as Renaca, Viña del Mar and Cobquecura. Cobquecura also offers easy access to Loberia Island, which is famous for its impressive flora and fauna, including large numbers of sea lions and seals.

The Araucania region covers more than 30,000 square kilometres of central Chile and is one of the country's 16 administrative regions. The most fascinating destinations are Pucón and Villarrica, at the northern and southern foot of the sacred volcano Villarrica - known to locals as the 'House of Spirits' - respectively. Still a hotspot of volcanic activity, the mountain can be seen spewing white clouds of smoke during the day and glowing hot at night. Pucón has an eclectic mix of both local and international residents and a spectacular natural setting amid mountains, lakes, waterfalls and forests of Araucaria trees - a 70-million-year-old species. It is one of Chile's unofficial 'adventure centres', offering a wide range of high-adrenaline activities, including whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain tours, skiing and snowboarding. Villarrica is best known for its iconic volcano views, its glistening glacial lake - which allows for a diversity of water sports - and the nearby Villarruca National Park.

A hidden gem in Chile’s Lake District. Lago Ranco is situated on the shores of Lake Ranco, the country’s second-largest lake and, for many, the most beautiful. The lake borders Puyehue National Park, which is renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes. This area is recognised as one of the best-preserved examples of the Valdivian Forest, one of the world’s most important centres of biodiversity.
In addition to the magnificent lakes, the surrounding area features the lush forest of the picturesque Puyehue National Park. A wide range of water-based activities is on offer, and this is also the perfect place for activities such as horse riding, walking and mountain biking.

Chilean Northern Patagonia is renowned for its spectacularly scenic landscapes and stark beauty. The terrain is blanket in fairytale rainforest, vast steppe, rugged soaring mountains and cascading rivers that meet glistening turquoise lakes and deep fjords dotted with massive glaciers. Adventurous travellers can explore the wild and windswept landscapes of this little-visited, remote corner of the world. Visitors can start their exploration of this magnificent area starting from the seaport of Puerto Montt and venture down the Carretera Austral which traverses theses incredibly scenic landscapes. Climb vertical granite in the Cochamo Valley, soak in the hot springs of Puyuhuapi, hike through the green rainforests of Parque Pumalin, and raft the white waters of Futaleufu.