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| Image: verticetv |
As you may know, Chile is administratively divided into 16 regions. The Lakes Region (Region de Los Lagos, also called the Tenth Region) is located in the south-central part of the country. It is bordered by the Region de Los Ríos to the north, the Region de Aysen to the south, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The regional capital is Puerto Montt, and the region consists of four provinces, listed from north to south: Osorno, Llanquihue, Chiloe, and Palena. According to the most recent census, the region's population is 828,708.
The economy is driven by agriculture, forestry, livestock, fishing, salmon farming, the dairy industry, services, and tourism. These sectors thrive thanks to the region's stunning natural landscapes, traditional cuisine, folk music, and rich cultural heritage—especially in the province of Chiloe. German colonization, which took place primarily between 1850 and 1910, has left a lasting influence on many aspects of local life.
How to Get There
Island of Chiloe
The "Isla Grande de Chiloe" (Greater Island of Chiloe) and its surrounding islets are among Chile's most iconic destinations. This enchanting archipelago is a unique gem within the Los Lagos Region, celebrated for its vibrant culture, distinctive traditions, lively music, rich cuisine, and serene, captivating landscapes.
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| Image: iglesiasdechiloe.cl |
Top tourist spots include Ancud, the historic gateway to Chiloe founded by the Spanish in 1768; Castro, the provincial capital famed for its iconic palafitos (stilt houses) and the UNESCO-listed San Francisco Church; Dalcahue, a charming town 25 km north of Castro; and Chonchi, nicknamed "La Ciudad de los Tres Pisos" (The City of Three Floors) for its tiered layout on natural slopes.
The historic churches of Chiloe, 16 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflect the island’s renowned "Escuela Chilota de Arquitectura en Madera" (Chiloe’s School of Wood Architecture). These architectural treasures are globally admired for their unique craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Discover more about Chiloe’s remarkable attractions here: Tourist places in Chiloe
City of Puerto Montt
Renowned for its picturesque waterfront, Puerto Montt serves as the northern gateway to the expansive Patagonian region and stands as the principal business hub of southern Chile. Key industries include tourism, salmon farming, aquaculture, agriculture, livestock, transportation, and telecommunications. During the high season (December to March), the city attracts thousands of tourists worldwide, drawn to its vibrant streets, inviting restaurants, and diverse attractions.
Puerto Montt boasts a robust commercial and tourism infrastructure, including a seaport, airport, bus terminal, extensive road connections, hotels, restaurants, and comprehensive services. These high-quality facilities cater to travelers, the tourism industry, and those attending conferences and conventions.
"Angelmo" Fishermen's Market and Tourist Center
Located just 3 km from downtown Puerto Montt, the small bay of Angelmo stands out as one of the city’s most iconic tourist destinations. This vibrant area is home to the Maritime Terminal, which provides connections to the province of Chiloe and the regions of Aysen and Magallanes. Visitors can also explore a bustling Craft Fair, a Fishing Terminal where local fishermen sell their fresh catch, and a lively Seafood Market featuring small restaurants serving delicious local dishes.
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
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| Image: Villa Peulla |
Established in August 1926, this protected area is Chile’s oldest national park. Spanning over 253,000 hectares, it boasts breathtaking tourist attractions set against the majestic Andes Mountains, lush evergreen forests, and turquoise lakes—truly postcard-perfect landscapes.
Notable highlights include:
- Osorno Volcano: A true icon of the Los Lagos Region, admired for its "almost perfect" shape and striking colors.
- Todos los Santos Lake: One of Chile’s most photogenic spots, renowned for its serene turquoise waters.
- Petrohue Waterfalls: A stunning series of cascades formed by the Petrohué River as it flows over volcanic rock, a favorite for photographers.
- Laguna Verde: The park's gateway, named for the green hue of its waters caused by two suspended microalgae.
- Monte Tronador: A dormant volcano rising to 3,491 m a.s.l., marking the border between Chile and Argentina.
This park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Museo Colonial Aleman (German Colonial Museum)
Inaugurated in 1984, the Museo Colonial Alemán in Frutillar preserves the legacy of German immigration around Lake Llanquihue. The museum consists of five wooden-tile buildings, typical of Southern Chilean architecture.
At the entrance is La Llavería, where administrative tasks are handled. Visitors can then explore La Casa del Molino (The Mill's House), featuring a large collection of objects, documents, and explanatory panels detailing the area's historical stages. Outside, El Molino de Agua (The Water Mill), one of the first machines used by settlers in the 1870s, stands as a testament to the past.
Other highlights include La Casa del Herrero (The Blacksmith's House), displaying machines, carriages, and tools from the era; El Campanario (The Bell Tower), a circular barn used to store wheat sheaves; and, on the hill, La Casa Patronal (Main House), built in 1889, showcasing the homes of prosperous German settlers. Nearby, the Family Cemetery offers a glimpse into the customs of early immigrant groups.
Llanquihue Lake and Surroundings
Puerto Varas and Llanquihue Lake
Llanquihue Lake, located 22 km from Puerto Montt, is Chile's second-largest lake. Its name, derived from the Mapudungun language, means "sunken place." A renowned tourist destination, its shores are dotted with picturesque towns and cities, framed by the majestic Osorno, Puntiagudo, Calbuco, and Tronador volcanoes.
Notable attractions include Puerto Varas, home to the striking Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church, visible from every corner of the city. Frutillar Bajo’s waterfront is a must-visit, featuring the Teatro del Lago, an artistic center that hosts the annual "Semanas Musicales de Frutillar" festival. Ensenada, located on the eastern shore of the lake, offers breathtaking natural beauty and excellent tourist facilities. The charming town of Cochamó, nestled between the Reloncaví Estuary and the Argentine border, is a popular destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.
Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
Following the Carretera Austral, 46 km southeast of Puerto Montt, lies this protected area, whose name, translated into English, would be "Andean Larch National Park." It is named after the 20,000 hectares of this tree, which once covered hundreds of thousands of hectares in this part of southern Chile. Today, only 42,000 hectares remain, protected by the Chilean state.
It is worth mentioning that the Larch tree is one of the oldest species on the planet. It can live for 3,000 to 4,000 years, grows only 1 centimeter every 15 years, and despite this slow growth, it can reach 50 meters in height and 3 to 4 meters in diameter.
This natural reserve was created in 1982 specifically to protect these true relics of nature, although the park also includes other native species such as the Coigue de Magallanes, Coigue de Chiloe, Lenga, Tenio, Mañio, and Canelo. Alerce Andino is open year-round, although the most suitable time to visit is during the spring-summer season. There are trails for trekking, and since the area is very rainy, visitors should take the necessary precautions.
Carretera Austral (Chile's Southern Way)
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| A view of the Carretera Austral Image: vialidad.cl |
The Carretera Austral, or Route 7, is undeniably one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. The rugged terrain of this part of Chile offers an array of postcard-perfect landscapes. Stretching nearly 1,300 kilometers from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, the road is continuously being expanded. While some sections are paved, many remain gravel, and certain stretches require ferry crossings. The following highlights some of the must-see places in the XIth Aysen Region.
Notable destinations include Hornopiren, the northern gateway to the Carretera Austral; Parque Pumalin, one of Chile’s largest and most significant private nature reserves, renowned for its stunning scenery; La Junta, the entry point to the Aysen Region; Parque Nacional Queulat, a favorite among travelers on Route 7; Laguna San Rafael National Park, the largest in the Aysen Region, home to the striking Northern Ice Field and its ancient glaciers; and La Catedral de Marmol (The Marble Cathedral), a captivating mineral formation of calcium carbonate in the deep blue waters of General Carrera Lake, with a series of awe-inspiring caves accessible by small boats.
The Futaleufu River basin, located in the Los Lagos region, is a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts worldwide. Famous for its challenging Class V rapids, it's also a popular spot for rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Although remote and near the Argentine border, the area boasts excellent infrastructure, offering a range of dining options and accommodations. Nearby Lake Espolon, a paradise for recreational fishing, is home to many scenic spots. Futaleufu also provides access to Argentina via the Trevelin International Pass.
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