The Lake District
Between Temuco (700km south of Santiago) and Puerto Montt you find one of the most picturesque lake regions in the world. There are twelve principal lakes in the district, although dozens more fill the gaps and valleys between the main lakes. Many are joined by rivers and streams, which
together with the lakes offer some of South America’s best freshwater fishing.
Nine volcanoes run through the district from north to south, the highest one is the Llaima Volcano at 3,125 meters. The Lake District is an ideal area to cross over to Argentina. There are four border crossings at passes through the Andes range; none is over 1,300m above sea level. One way to cross the border is the famous lake crossing, a bus-boat combination between Puerto Montt and Bariloche. Just think about it: crossing the Andes in a boat?
The region’s capital, Puerto Montt, developed due to its air, bus and boat services to all regions
of Chile, and as the main gateway to the Lake District and to Patagonia. From Puerto Montt the Navimag ferry service leaves to Puerto Natales. Only a few minutes from Puerto Montt is Puerto Varas, situated on the shores of one of the biggest lakes in South America. Across the blue water you can see snowcapped
conical volcanoes and their images reflected in Lake Llanquihue.
Puerto Varas is not only a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, it is also an attractive place to walk around and enjoy the shops and restaurants. The large numbers of southern rivers invite you to fish, go white-water rafting, hike or take a pleasant boat cruise.
The flora and fauna are unique in the world; the Valdivian rainforest is still virgin and mainly untouched. It contains hundreds of natural species such as the red Notro or the Alerce, which exist only in this remote point of the world. The Araucaria, a prehistoric conifer which grows on volcanic soil, is a peculiar tree that always attracts the attention of foreign visitors.
The Lake District between Temuco and Puerto Montt is the perfect place to get in touch with nature. Travelling in rental car is one of the best alternatives for exploring the region. Having your own car permits you to explore deeply the natural and cultural attractions of the area. Roads are generally in good conditions, and daily distances to cover are reasonable. National Parks are easily accessible.
Travel information and recommendations |
| Travel time: |
Best from October to April |
| Flight hours: |
Santiago – Puerto Montt is 1:45 hrs,
Santiago – Temuco is 1: 20 hrs
Puerto Montt – Punta Arenas is 2:10 hrs. |
| Transfer time: |
Airport – Puerto Montt 20 min
Airport – Puerto Varas 40 min
Airport – Petrohué 1:45 hrs. |
| Regular coaches: |
To Santiago 14 hrs, Bariloche 6 hrs,
Punta Arenas 36 hrs; Valdivia 3 hrs, Temuco 7 hrs |
| Minimum stay: |
2 nights in Pucon or Valdivia or Puerto Varas |
| Notes: |
In January we have black “Tábanos” flies in the Andes.
At the first two weeks of February Frutillar celebrates the “Semanas
Musicales” with mainly classical music. |
|
= self-drive
