Chile is blessed by an abundance of beautiful and contrasting landscapes. Visit Chile and you’ll see deserts plains and arid gorges in northern Atacama, lush wine growing lands in the Central Valley and glaciers, snow-capped mountains and hardy forests in southern Patagonia. Among Chile’s must-see landscapes are the country’s Lake District and River Region, where picture-perfect views and European-inspired architecture combine perfectly.

There is a charm to Chile’s Lake District and River Region, where a slower pace of life and love of the great outdoors are the order of every day. Here, blissful afternoons are spent either paddling pristine waterways, observing endemic wildlife and savoring local cuisine, or hiking active volcanoes and enjoying adrenaline sports—meaning something for everyone!

Befitting the magical landscapes found throughout Chile’s Lake District and River Region, there’s a wonderous selection of remote hotels and boutique lodges to choose from during your time here too, so speak to an Atelier Travel Specialist to discuss the perfect spot for you.

Everything from the varied landscapes to cultural heritage gave us inspiration for our Travel guide to Chile’s Lake District and River Region, and we hope to inspire you too.

Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt, capital of the Los Lagos region, is a good entry point to the Chilean Lake District and Chiloe Islands. Though the city’s origins date back to German settlers in the 1850’s, little original architecture remains due to a massive earthquake in 1960 which destroyed most of Puerto Montt. Today, the area is best known as an industrial port and center for aquaculture, especially salmon farming.

Puerto Montt is a good example of “real-life” Chile, a working town with a strong connection to fishing and plenty of seafood dishes to enjoy as a result. The countryside that surrounds Puerto Montt is also noteworthy, with forested mountains and the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park easily accessible, as well as the adventure hub of Puerto Varas.

Puerto Varas

In many ways, Puerto Varas captures all the reasons to visit Chile’s Lake District in one hit. Edged around the shores of Lake Llanquihue, you find a heavenly blend of outdoor activities, excellent restaurants and even views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes everywhere you go.

Roughly 30 minutes from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas enjoys an idyllic location that’s loved as much for the surrounding scenery as its interesting cultural heritage. The Huilliches People have inhabited this area of Chile for thousands of years, and though their presence was reduced by Spanish then German settlers, you can still find proud evidence of their culture and history to this day. Elsewhere, European-style buildings and cuisine characterize Puerto Varas, as do outdoor activities and untouched natural beauty as just some of the many reasons to visit this enchanting region.

Despite its many charms and attractions, fantastic hiking and biking trails, top restaurants and boutique hotels, Peurto Varas retains a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, rarely feeling like a tourism hotspot.   

In and around the nearby Vicente Perez Rosales and Alerce Andino National Parks, some of the best things to do in Puerto Varas include:

• The Osorno volcano. Puerto Varas is overlooked by the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, and visiting Osorno on a day trip to admire the dramatic lands that surround is a real highlight.
• Petrohué Falls. Just under one hour from Puerto Varas, the Petrohué Falls are spectacular both for the falls themselves, and wonderful setting beneath the Osorno Volcano.     
• Lake Todos Los Santos. Deep, pristine, and framed by both tree-covered cliffs and distant volcanic slopes, Lake Todos Los Santos is a stunning natural spectacle that begs to be admired. You can take a boat trip from shore to shore, or hike to a nearby viewpoint for spectacular views.
• Frutillar and Puerto Octay. The villages of Frutillar and Puerto Octay near Lake Llanquihue are charming and traditional, evoking a bygone age of pretty housebuilding and gardens, local produce, and strong community spirit.
• Rafting and kayaking. Among the many excursions and activities around Puerto Varas, Rafting or Kayaking down the Rio Petrohué is a must. Not only exciting, the wilderness which lines your route makes the whole experience even more unforgettable.

Puyehue National Park

The Puyehue National Park in the Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions of Chile takes you to a world of natural hot springs, thick forests, waterfalls and semi-active volcanoes—the epitome of Chile’s River Region.

Guarded by the Andes Mountains, Puyehue National Park’s microclimate of temperate forests and high annual rainfall keep the rivers and waterfalls flowing, biodiversity in abundance, and walking trails among the prettiest in Chile.

Visit Puyehue and head straight to the hot springs, an ideal reward after trekking through the forest, along the river’s edge, or hiking to one of the many waterfalls that are found throughout the national park. Puyehue is also known for its ancient trees and wildlife like the Andean Fox and kingfishers, all of which are protected as a UNESCO-stamped biosphere.

Puyehue National Park is all about the abundant nature, a place where the lakes and hills are pristine, the food is local, and cabins are cozy—a real highlight of any journey to Chile.

Futangue Park

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve

Close to the border with Argentina and in the heart of the Patagonian Andes, Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve awaits. This wildlife-rich haven is a place of endemic species and varied environments, where both biodiversity and community conservation thrive.

Privately protected, Huilo-Huilo feels like entering a natural wonderland where thick forests change color throughout the year, gushing waterfalls feed glacial rivers, and many flora and fauna species are not found anywhere else.

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve is isolated and pristine, making the mix of outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, horse riding and self-guided forest walks even more special. Though remote and with the environment firmly in mind, there’s also a handful of comfortable cabins to call home while here, as well as expert local guides and the chance to see preservation projects first-hand.

Pucón

Sitting on the shores of Lake Villarrica and with the Villarrica Volcano as its backdrop, the town of Pucón in Chile’s Lake District has a little bit of everything. Popular amongst both tourists and Chileans alike, Pucón has all the trappings of a busy hub with a stunning setting to boot.

Adventure and relaxation can be enjoyed in equal measures while staying in Pucón. From white-water rafting, skydiving, or climbing the Villarrica Volcano to indulging in thermal springs and strolling through craft markets, this is a top destination in Chile where everything’s on your doorstep.

There is heritage here too, with cultural influences from the Mapuche People proudly found in the local cuisine or when visiting a Mapuche community, making Pucón more than your average hotspot for outdoor activities—of which there are many!

Where to stay

There’s a huge range of places to stay across Chile’s Lake District and River Region, from modern waterfront hotels to secluded cabins in the countryside, and everything in between. Some are known for their warm family-run service and others their stunning location or abundant activities.

Cumbres Puerto Varas (in Puerto Varas), for example, enjoys views over Lago Llanquihue and feels like a rural retreat, yet is perfectly located near Downtown and its many restaurants and bars. The hotel has good facilities too with a fantastic spa, restaurant (with views) and well-equipped guestrooms too.

Just a short drive from Puerto Varas you also find Hotel AWA, a luxury wellness retreat that boasts an isolated spot on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Here, expect walls of glass and stunning views, a fine dining restaurant and activities that can be either adrenaline-filled or all about wellbeing, bliss. Elsewhere in Puyehue, Hotel Termas de Puyehue makes for a great eco-retreat with nature walks and activities all around, as well as thermal pools and a spa onsite.

Another top Chile hotel is the luxurious andBeyond Vira Vira in Pucón. This beautiful boutique woodland lodge is designed to put you at one within nature, with no shortage of five-star comforts along the way. If in Pucón and looking for a family-orientated hotel, one with an equally impressive waterfront setting and good facilities onsite, Antumalal Pucón is a great option. Or, for an exclusive retreat of only 7 rooms, lake views and eco-credentials, then cozy up next to the fireplace at Casa Panguipulli and lose yourself amongst nature, near Huilo Huilo National Reserve.

Top travel tips for Chile’s Lake District and River Region

• What to wear: When visiting Chile’s Lake District and River Region, pack for the outdoors. The climate can be varied, from temperate forest to snowy mountains, sunny summer days to rainy afternoons, so having a mixture of loose clothing for activities, waterproofs, solid walking shoes/boots and swimwear is advised.
• When to go: December to February (the summer months) bring lower humidity, less rainfall, and long sunny days averaging 21°C, making for a great time of year to visit the Lake District. Temperatures cool and rainfall goes up between March and May, while skiing and winter activities are best enjoyed from June to August. For many, the spring months of September to November are some of the best when hiking—especially to elevated viewpoints on a clear day.
• Internet: Phone coverage can be unreliable in remote areas and some of the more isolated hotels/cabins do not provide Wi-Fi in the rooms, though most do in communal areas. Signal is stronger and easier to find in towns like Pucón and larger hotels across the region.
• Currency: The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso real. Be sure to have some cash with you too as some very remote sites do not have the internet coverage required for card payments.
• Getting around: We would always recommend domestic flights and a private guide/car to get around these areas easily. Local airports can be found at Puerto Montt, Temuco, and Chiloe.
• Cuisine: Food is varied across Chile’s Lake District and River Region, with certain areas and restaurants influenced by European cuisine, and others leaning on traditional ingredients and techniques. Seafood is popular (often cooked over a BBQ), as is wild boar, seasonal produce, and fine Chilean wines to pair with.
• Length of stay: Due to the number of activities and landscapes available in this region, we would always recommend at least 3 full days to get the most out of your time in the Chilean Lake District.

No matter what your interests or group size, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Chile and beyond.