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| A view of Puerto Varas with Llanquihue Lake and Osorno Volcano as a backdrop |
The south of Chile is a land of volcanoes, with snow-capped peaks that provide a stunning backdrop to the landscape, idyllic lakes to enjoy in the summer, and numerous rivers to delight anglers and adventure travelers. Mountain resorts, whose slopes transform into world-class ski fields in winter, and more, add to the region's appeal.
Puerto Montt is the capital of the Los Lagos Region (Region of the Lakes), also known as the Tenth Region of Chile. It serves as the main gateway for tourists exploring southern Chile, leading them to a variety of fascinating sites and attractions in the area.
Located 1,033 km south of Santiago, Puerto Montt sits on the shores of the Reloncaví Sound. With a population of around 220,000, it is the largest city in the Los Lagos Region, which has an estimated population nearing 1 million. The city’s airport, El Tepual, and its bus terminal serve as primary entry points for travelers visiting southern Chile.
Resort town of Pucón and Villarrica Lake
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| Image: voces.latercera.com |
Pucón offers everything a visitor needs to relax and have fun. The tourist infrastructure is well-developed, including a major casino belonging to the Enjoy chain, along with hotels, spas, national parks, and natural reserves where excursions take place amidst stunning scenic beauty. The town is situated on the eastern shore of Lago Villarrica (Lake Villarrica), and one of the favorite activities is swimming and sunbathing at Playa Grande. The active Volcán Villarrica, with an elevation of 2,860 meters above sea level, provides a beautiful backdrop to the region and, despite being the most active volcano in South America, attracts hundreds of mountaineers and adventurers each year.
Notable attractions include the Centro de Montaña Pillán (formerly the Pucón Ski Center) on the slopes of Volcán Villarrica, one of the most popular ski resorts in Chile; numerous thermal centers such as Termas de Menetue, Termas de Vergara, Termas Geométricas, Termas del Rincón, Trancura, Termas de San Luis, Palguín, Ancamil, and Coñaripe; and Lago Caburgua, located 23 km northeast of Pucón, renowned for its scenic beauty and as a summer residence for notable figures, including presidents. Other attractions include a tour to Los Ojos del Caburgua (The Eyes of Caburgua Lake), a beautiful natural basin formed by small cascades from an undercurrent of Lago Caburgua, and Villarrica National Park, 12 km from Pucón, which covers 63,000 hectares and features Araucaria forests, Lengas, and other species, with several hiking trails crossing its wooded landscapes. The Los Pozones natural hot springs, located 35 km south of Pucón, are known for their therapeutic and relaxing properties, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 40°C.
In line with its reputation for beautiful watercourses, another ideal spot for photos is Salto El León, a striking 95-meter waterfall located in Palguín Alto, about 30 km from Pucón. Salto El León is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area, offering spectacular views and an environment surrounded by native forest. The waterfall can be accessed via a 300-meter trail from the reception, where visitors can also reserve a wooden hot tub with a view of the waterfall.
Pillan Mountain Center
Centro de Montaña Pillán (formerly Pucón Ski Center) is an ideal destination for skiing, nature, and adventure enthusiasts, as well as those who appreciate the culture of southern Chile. Located at the foot of Villarrica Volcano and within Villarrica National Park, this center offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, and, most notably, skiing. It features well-equipped cabins, a restaurant, a game room, and a heated swimming pool. Additionally, guided excursions are organized to explore the area's stunning landscapes, with visits to other volcanoes, picturesque lakes, forests, and hot springs.
The local wildlife is abundant, from coypus and foxes to pumas, and includes black-necked swans, woodpeckers, kingfishers, peregrine falcons, hawks, pudús, and chillas, among others. Another protected area, Huerquehue National Park, is located 35 km from Pucón. This 12,500-hectare park, known for its exceptional natural beauty, lies near Caburgua Lake in the La Araucanía Region, also known as the IX Region of Chile. Amidst vast native forests, especially Araucaria trees, are 17 beautiful lakes, including the well-known Toro, Escondido, Tinquilco, and Verde lakes. Its main trekking trails are Los Lagos, Quinchol, Los Huerquenes, San Sebastián, and Ñirrico.
Chiloé Archipelago
City of Valdivia and Huilo Huilo Reserve
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| Night view of "The City of Rivers" - Pixabay |
Valdivia, also known as "The City of Rivers," is the capital of the Los Rios Region. Located 848 km south of Santiago, Chile’s capital, Valdivia was founded in 1552 and is the fourth oldest city in Chile.
The tourist town famously dubbed "The City of Roses" sits on the shores of Lago Llanquihue, just 20 km north of Puerto Montt. It boasts exceptional amenities tailored to meet the needs of visitors, including a world-class casino, hotels, restaurants, and various services.
Today, the small city, with a population of just over 30,000 inhabitants, was established by German colonists who arrived in the second half of the 19th century, and their influence is still evident in many aspects of the town. Although Volcán Osorno is located 59 km away, the mountain, along with Lago Llanquihue, provides a magnificent setting worthy of a postcard.
Frutillar
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| A view of Hotel Frutillar in Frutillar Bajo |
Charming lakeside town of nearly 17,000 inhabitants, located on the western shore of Lago Llanquihue, 42 km north of Puerto Montt, facing the peaks of the Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes. Founded in 1856 by German colonists, whose descendants continue to maintain their traditions, gastronomy, and gabled-roof architecture. The “Semanas Musicales” festival is held at the end of January each year in the modern Teatro del Lago, the official venue of the event since 2011.
The “Semanas Musicales de Frutillar” is a festival where the range of melodies spans from traditional classical music to various styles like jazz and Chilean folklore. This event takes place every year between late January and early February at the Teatro del Lago, featuring performances by renowned national and international artists.
In a green area of 3 hectares, the Museo Colonial Alemán is located—a complex of old-style buildings that recalls the life of the German settlers who founded several towns around Lake Llanquihue. The construction of the German Colonial Museum began in 1972, with support from the Government of Germany and the Municipality of Frutillar, and technical assistance from the Universidad Austral de Chile.
Villa Peulla
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| Image: hotelgranpacifico.cl |
Saltos del Petrohué
Located 56 km from Puerto Varas, Saltos del Petrohué is a series of stunning small cascades along the Petrohué River, just a short distance from Lake Todos Los Santos, within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The waterfalls and rapids are created by rocks formed from hardened lava from the Osorno Volcano, which erupted over 600 years ago. A visit to this site is a must, as the cascades, the volcano, Lake Todos Los Santos, and the surrounding area are iconic tourist attractions in southern Chile. The Osorno Volcano also features a ski center, offering spectacular views of the area and seasonal programs during the summer. To learn more about this beautiful place, there is a link at the end of this article.Valle de Cochamó
The Cochamó Valley, located in the Los Lagos Region, is a nationally and internationally renowned destination for trekking, climbing, and nature enthusiasts. The valley attracts thousands of tourists each year with its impressive granite walls, ancient forests, and clear rivers.
Activities in the valley include climbing, trekking, swimming in the river, observing flora and fauna, and relaxing in the breathtaking landscape. The Cochamó Valley Nature Reserve protects primary temperate forests of great ecological importance, home to species such as the Pudú, Monito del Monte, Darwin's Frog, Puma, Güiña, and Andean Condor, among others.
The valley is often described as one of the best places to visit in Chile, particularly for trekking and climbing aficionados. Additionally, in 2023, the Cochamó Valley was declared a Nature Reserve, which supports the conservation of its ecosystem.
Cruise through the Southern Channels
Departing from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales in Patagonia (or vice versa). If you wish to reach southern Chilean Patagonia without flying, you can navigate through the Patagonian fjords, taking in magnificent views and experiencing incredible flora and fauna. Go to Navimag Ferries.
Antillanca Mountain and Ski Center
Antillanca ("Sun Jewell" in the ancestral Mapudungun language of the Mapuche ethnic group) has been a traditional ski center for decades. Located 98 km from the city of Osorno, on the slopes of Casablanca Volcano, it is situated in one of the three areas of Puyehue National Park: Aguas Calientes, Anticura, and Antillanca. Its privileged location makes it an ideal destination for adventure travel in the summer and winter sports from June to October. Additionally, the hotel’s location next to the ski slopes and its ecological reserve on the shores of Puyehue Lake add to its appeal. The winter resort offers 14 pistes with varying levels of difficulty, catering to beginners, professionals, and all preferences and styles. Learn more about AntillancaValle Corralco Ski Center
A recent addition to the scene, Valle Corralco Ski Center is considered one of the best winter resorts in Chile. Located just over 700 km south of Santiago and 120 km east of Temuco, it sits on the slopes of Lonquimay Volcano, within the Malalcahuello-Nalcas Forest Reserve.
The Lonquimay area is known for its heavy snowfall (in winter, a significant percentage of precipitation falls as snow, reaching up to 2 meters), which gives the snow exceptional quality. Valle Corralco, with its 29 world-class pistes, is a spectacular mountain and ski resort.
The 5-star hotel and spa opened in 2013. The setting is stunning, surrounded by Araucaria trees with a direct view of the volcano. In addition to its ski and snowboard circuits, there is a full schedule of excursions in the beautiful national reserve, including trekking and mountain biking routes, horseback riding, recreational fishing programs, snowshoeing, randonee, and snowmobiling.
Parque Nacional Conguillio
This true natural treasure is located in the Araucanía Region, also known as the Ninth Region of Chile, 148 km northeast of Temuco, the regional capital, and 700 km south of Santiago. Covering 608 km², Conguillío National Park was established in 1950 and is managed by CONAF, the National Forest Corporation.
The park was formed from the merger of two national parks, Los Paraguas and Conguillío. The beauty of Conguillío, one of the most visited parks in Chile, is highlighted by its lakes and lagoons, the Llaima stratovolcano (3,195 meters in altitude), and its dense native vegetation. Notable plant species include the Araucaria (or Pehuén), the mountain cypress, and the Andean canelo. The main trails include Sierra Nevada, Las Araucarias, Los Carpinteros, Truful Truful, Laguna Captrén, and Laguna Arcoiris.
During the summer season and until mid-autumn, visitors can enjoy food sales, kayak and boat rentals, open trails, camping, and picnic areas. Go to Conguillio National Park WebsiteContact information:
The best time to visit and enjoy the Chiloe Archipelago is during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, between December and March. At that time the best temperatures are reached, which always remain very mild.
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