Chilean Lake District
Snow-capped volcanoes that flank a string of emerald coloured lakes which are surrounded by lush farmland and cold rain forest are the main features of Chile’s Lake District and recently denominated Green Patagonia.
In the north of this area you will find National Parks dedicated to the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) which is autochthonous to the region whilst in the south, national parks dedicated to dense cold rain forest of millenary cypress trees.
The Lake District stretches 339km from Temuco in the north to Puerto Montt in the south, The original peoples of the region were the Mapuches but European settlers arrived from the late 19th century and displaced most of the indigenous population. However, there has been a resurgence of Mapuche traditions, cuisine and crafts, particularly in the north of the region.
The region not only boast incredible scenery but is a Mecca for adventure sports lovers. There are opportunities for trekking, biking, rafting, kayaking, horse riding and much more. For something more relaxing there are many natural hot springs or simply enjoying the views.
Here are some of our top tips of where to visit:
Conguillio National Park
In the north of the region this spectacular national park is sometimes locally known as the “Umbrellas” due to the shapes of its thousands of Monkey Puzzle trees. Nothofagus forests as well as small lakes looked over by the Llaima volcano add to the scenic splendour.
Pucon
Popular in the region as a holiday destination in the summer months ( December – March ) the town situated on the shore of Villarrica Lake is ideally situated for those wishing to explore the area. Nearby attractions include hot springs, lava tunnels and the Villarrica Volcano. There is also a wide variety of accommodation options as well as restaurants. The town is also a gateway across the Andes to the town of San Martin de Los Andes in Argentina.
Huilo Huilo Biological reserve
Conservation and sustainability are the focus of the privately owned park that covers an area of n 60,000 hectares of Valdivian forest an 85 Km drive south of Pucon. In this temeprate rainforest the nature lover will find 81 registered bird species, ferns, lychens, mushrooms and many tree species including Nothofagus forest. Accommodation options available.
Puerto Varas
Located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, looking across to the lake to the conical Osorno Volcano, the city of roses is the ideal base to explore the southern end of the region.
Options for adventure sports in the area are many including trekking, rafting, horse riding and biking. The town is also the gateway to the Cruce Andino, (overland and lake crossing to Bariloche in Argentina), the Cochamo Valley and the Island of Chiloe.
Come and explore Chile’s Green Patagonia.
These are just some of the options available to explore the region.
Contact Andean Trails to plan your tailor made trip or check out this multi activity holiday, Chile Patagonia Lake District Multi Activity, based out of Puerto Varas. For photos on that trip see facebook.
For further inspiration check out our photos on facebook.
