A LUXURY VACATION TO THE LAKE DISTRICT
Chile’s Lake District is a wilderness of glacial lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and wide-open valleys, stretching from the forested foothills of Pucón to the meltwater rivers of northern Patagonia.
A haven for fishing, riding, paddling, and hiking, this is a place made for those who like to be out in the elements. Though recognised as one of the world’s great adventure destinations, its remoteness means that large swathes remain wonderfully free of tourists.
Our bespoke trips to Chilean Patagonia often begin in the lakeside towns of Pucón and Puerto Varas, well placed as springboards into the region’s wilder corners. We work with a small collection of boutique hotels and trusted guides here – from a clifftop nature reserve with serious style to a small, family-run farmhouse full of local character.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District is a year-round destination, equally suited to active exploration and quiet retreat.
Adventure-led Pucón sits beneath the smoking cone of Villarrica Volcano, with access to summit climbs, white-water rafting, and natural hot springs in the surrounding hills.
Further south, Puerto Varas has a more European feel, with Germanic architecture, smart cafés, and wide views across Lake Llanquihue to the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. It’s also the best base for visiting Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and the Petrohué Falls, or venturing on to Frutillar, a lakeside town known for its theatre and music scene.
In summer, days might include fly-fishing on glacier-fed rivers, rafting the mighty Futaleufú, trekking volcanoes with a private guide or picnicking by a lake. In winter, the slopes of Villarica offer some of South America’s best ski touring and heli-skiing, alongside snow-covered forest walks and evenings by the fire in a well-stocked cabin. Each journey is built from the ground up, and can be as rustic or as comfortable as you please.
ELSEWHERE IN CHILE
Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine and the beaches of the Pacific Coast.
It’s a land of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions sit alongside a dynamic, contemporary culture – and we’ve spent years exploring its every corner. From the buzzing capital city of Santiago to the mysterious Moai of Easter Island and the celebrated vineyards of the Central Valley, we can open doors to places and people few travellers ever encounter. Chile is vast, complex, and deeply rewarding – and we know how to make it yours.
CONTACT US
Get in touch to start planning your trip to Chile’s Lake District.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
Field Notes
