Classic Lake District with Chiloé Self-Drive

Day 1: Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas; Hotel Casa Kalfu

Puerto Varas is known as the 'City of Roses' and sits on the shores of Lago Llanquihue, the largest lake in the Chilean Lake District, overlooked by the conical 2650m Osorno Volcano which rises from the lake on the opposite shore.

Explore at your own pace during the afternoon, perhaps taking a stroll along the lakeside shore, enjoying great views of the volcanoes across the lake.

Length of self-drive: 33km

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Kalfu, Puerto Varas

Day 2: Puerto Varas; Hotel Casa Kalfu

Puerto Varas offers a great base for activities and exploring this beautiful centre of the Chilean Lake District. You could spend time relaxing in and around the town and lake shores, or see the the lakes and breweries on a bike and beer ride. Alternatively, head off in your hire car to explore the region at your own pace.

For those looking for a more adventure, perhaps try kayaking or enjoying some of the great hiking to be had around the base of the Osorno Volcano and the surrounding national parks with their abundance of bird life and diversity of vegetation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Kalfu, Puerto Varas

Day 3: Puerto Varas to Castro; Palafito 1326

Drive south for an hour to Pargua where you cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to reach the island of Chiloé. Upon arrival, take a little time to explore the town of Chacao, known for its lovely main square and the church of San Antonio.

Continue south, to Chiloé's capital town of Castro, famous for its colourful 'palafitos' (houses on stilts) and the great San Francisco Church, completely built out of native wood. Afterwards, make your way to Palafito 1326, your accommodation on the Rilan Peninsula.

Length of self-drive: 190km

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Palafito 1326, Castro

Day 4: Chiloé east coast; Palafito 1326

Get to know your surroundings in and around Castro, or with your own wheels to explore the villages and landscapes of the of remote east coast of Chiloé. The island offers some great day hikes, bird watching and more vehicle-based excursions for those not looking for anything too strenuous.

The population of Chiloé, a fusion of indigenous Mapuche, colonial Spanish and German immigrants from the 1850s, has led to a curious combination of foods, folkloric tales and music. As an island cut off from the rest of Chile, life on here is still very traditional and slow paced, the food is home-grown, the fish freshly caught and there is always time for a friendly wave to the passers-by. Highlights you might like to visit are the UNESCO church at Rilán, the wild coast of Curahue, or hopping on a ferry at Dalcahue and roaming the beautiful regions of Quinchao and Curaco de Velez. Whatever you choose to do today, make a point of stopping off to say Hola with the friendly locals in this off-the-beaten-track destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Palafito 1326, Castro

Day 5: Castro to Puerto Montt Airport

Depending on your flight and car drop-off time, you might have time to see more of Castro, such as its various viewpoints, the municipal and modern art museums and unique churches. Drive back to Puerto Montt Airport to drop off your rental vehicle.

Length of self-drive: 175km

Meals: Breakfast