The Chilean Lake District

The Chilean Lake District

The Bio Bio River bisects Chile’s Pacific coast, dividing north from south and marking the traditional frontier. North of this natural barrier, Spanish colonizers established cities, ports, and farms. To its south, the mighty Mapuche people tirelessly resisted outside rule—first by the Inca and then by the Spanish—for over five hundred years. The Mapuche homeland is cool and green, cloaked in pasture and ancient forest. Rivers cascade into sparkling lakes, and volcanic cones are crowned with ice. Now known as the Lake District, this region is celebrated for its stunning vistas, active outdoor pursuits, and fine resorts.

Temuco & Conguillio National Park

The city of Temuco is the principal arrival point in the northern portion of the Lake District. Just 90 minutes by air from Santiago, Temuco is the gateway to Conguillio National Park and the lakeside towns of Villarrica and Pucon. Visitors to Conguillio can explore trails around turquoise lakes and through forests of 3,000-year-old araucaria trees.

Pucon and The Llaima Volcano

The park’s centerpiece is the active Llaima Volcano, with a snowcapped summit that reaches to 10,250 feet. Farther south, Villarrica and Pucon engage visitors in fly fishing, rafting, skiing (June through August) and horseback riding. Pucon is often rightly compared to Jackson Hole or Banff. Nearby, hot spring resorts offer a soothing finish to the day’s adventures.

Southern Lake District: Puerto Montt

The southern Lake District is anchored by Puerto Montt, the principal port on the Bay of Ancud. Just north of Puerto Montt is Chile’s second largest lake—Llanquihue, a 330-square-mile mirror reflecting three majestic volcanoes: Volcan Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador. 

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in Chile’s Lake District

Among other activities, visitors to the Lakes District can enjoy:

• Stargazing
• Via Ferrata
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Climbing
• Biking
• White Water Rafting
• Visits to German-settled Towns
• Exploring Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
• Helicopter Rides
• Kayaking
• Stand-up Paddleboarding
• Birdwatching
• Sailing
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Visits to Huaso Rodeos

November and December are prime fly-fishing months, but the dry fly season extends through April. June to August is ski season.

Crossing the Andes

Bariloche, Argentina lies directly east of Puerto Varas, on the opposite side of the Andes. Crossing the Andes is possible via a series of land and lake passages—a journey filled with fine views of peaks, valleys, and lakes. From September to the end of April, the crossing can be arranged as a full-day or leisurely two-day experience, with overnight accommodations in the alpine village of Peulla. In winter, between the months of May and August, the crossing is a two-day affair.

What is the Weather Like?

Chile’s Lake District is cool and comfortable year-round, making it a refreshing retreat in any season. Sweaters are essential, as temperatures remain mild but crisp. From September to April, warmer, drier days bring highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. The cooler months of June through August see highs around 50ºF, with nighttime temperatures near 40ºF. Rain is a possibility, but monthly precipitation rarely exceeds 6.5 inches, allowing for ample opportunities to explore the region’s lush forests, crystalline lakes, and snowcapped volcanoes.

No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. Mist and rain can be present at any time of the year. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chile’s Lake District, is well connected by air. Daily flights link Puerto Montt with Santiago in just one hour and 40 minutes, while flights from Punta Arenas take approximately two hours and 10 minutes.

Start your journey today