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Lake District

The Chilean Lake District Trips & Tours

Combine the landscapes of New Zealand with a unique Chilean culture and fascinating personality

Whether you appreciate the Lake District for its bucolic views and tranquil panoramas, or for the promise of adventure hidden beneath the snow-tipped mountains, we’re pretty certain you’ll fall for it. Settled by the Mapuche people long before the 16th century, it’s one of Chile’s most historically-rich regions and their noble respect for Mother Earth and nature is ever-apparent in the unspoilt surroundings. As the name suggests, an assortment of exquisite lakes characterise the region, their shores carpeted in forest and all overlooked by a volcano, each one fiercer than the last. In between, there are tiny villages dripping with charm and crystalline streams trickling through meadows and pastures, completing the chocolate-box scenery perfectly. Starting in the north, the lakeshore resort of Pucon is the home of the adventurist, with watersports-galore on Lake Villarrica and ample opportunities to climb volcanoes, hike and horse-ride. Further south, Puerto Varas is gentle and peaceful. Use it as a base to walk amongst the ancient trees of Alerce Andino National Park, explore the Germanic villages around Lake Llanquihue or boat out to Chiloé, a remote island of multi-coloured bungalows, listed churches and intriguing traditions that will stay with you for years to come.

Trips

The Chilean Lake District Trips & Tours

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Chile

All the highlights of Chile

20 nights from $20.6K per person

The Wine Valleys Valparaíso Santiago

Chile

The very best of Chilean Patagonia

12 nights from $13K per person

Santiago Carretera Austral South Chilean Patagonia

Argentina + Chile

Argentina & Chile: the natural highlights

16 nights from $14.8K per person

Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Mendoza

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Our Experts

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Kevin Zimmermann

Africa & South America Travel Specialist

Jessica Klauzenberg

Asia Travel Specialist

Tessa Dancer

Africa & Asia Travel Specialist

Things to do

What to do in Lake District

Chile's Lake District is as picturesque as they come and the spread of mirror-smooth lakes, swathes of ancient forest, and volcanoes that rise in the distance is utterly magical. Pucon is a hub of activity, whether you're after watersports, hiking, biking, or horseback riding - or a soak in the thermal springs - but there's plenty of that across the district too. For an adrenaline boost, go white water rafting on a glacial river and if you're an avid skiier, the Lake District has fabulous volcanic slopes. In the case of Volcan Villarrica, you could even trek to its bubbling crater and toboggan back down! Not to be missed is a taste of the area's Mapuche history on a boat ride to Chiloe Island, where jewel-bright stilted houses line the shore.

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Culture

Why you'll love it

The food is extraordinary good. On a journey through Chile’s history, sample everything from German apple strudel, to traditional Mapuche meat stew with spicy merkén, and succulent southern hake barbell and a glass of icy white at a lake-side restaurant.

Off the beaten track

The region is a self-driver’s dream with easy-to-navigate roads and plenty to look at as you go. Hire a car and drive from north to south (or vice versa) and access remote lakes and off-the-beaten track parks.

Something to think about

The main cities in the region - Puerto Montt, Temuco, Valdivia and Osorno – are simply transportation hubs with little or nothing to offer travellers. You aren’t missing out!

Best time to visit