- \n
- The Chilean Lake District: the basics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Argentinian Lake District: the basics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hiking in the Chilean Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hiking in the Argentinian Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adventure activities in the Chilean Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adventure activities in the Argentinian Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay in the Chilean Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay in the Argentinian Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to get to the Chilean Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to get to the Argentinian Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Travel between the Chilean and Argentian Lake Districts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Chilean Lake District: the basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Chilean Lake District<\/a>, better known in the country as Los Lagos province is one of the greenest areas in Patagonia. It\u2019s the wet winds that blow in from the Pacific Ocean that shape the region, parts of which have some of the oldest and most pristine temperate rainforests in the world, with alerce trees that are thousands of years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Puerto-Varas-2-1024x732.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSeven national parks dot the region, with much of the action for travellers taking place around Vicente P\u00e9rez Rosales National Park<\/a>, with its immaculate snow cone of Osorno Volcano on a lake opposite the main town of Puerto Varas<\/a>. To the north, you\u2019ll find the adventure sports centre of Puc\u00f3n<\/a>, in the shadow of Villarica Volcano. To the south, lie the start of the northern Chilean Fjords, which are perfect for exploring on the water, and Chilo\u00e9 island<\/a>, with its own unique culture and wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Away from the scenery, the Chilean Lake District has a great foodie culture, with some of the country\u2019s best farm-to-table dining<\/a>, as well as a lively craft beer scene<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Argentinian Lake District: the basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Argentinian Lake District <\/a>is often generically called the Bariloche region by locals, after its largest city. It\u2019s the best place in the country<\/a> for getting outdoors, whether you\u2019re looking for summer adventure activities or winter sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/52573768198_3d265e7cd4_4k-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are two main national parks to explore: Nahuel Huapi<\/a> and Lan\u00edn National Parks<\/a>. The former is best explored from the main gateway of Bariloche<\/a>, and has great day hikes and remote treks among some of the craggiest peaks in the Andes. The town has a distinctive alpine character thanks to its original Swiss immigrants \u2013 a fact that has also made it Argentina\u2019s gourmet chocolate capital). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the northern part of the region, San Mart\u00edn de Los Andes<\/a> (usually just known as San Mart\u00edn) sits near the mighty extinct Lan\u00edn volcano, with its epic hiking trails and prehistoric-looking araucaria trees. This is a particularly beautiful area for road trips, thanks to the gorgeous Route of the Seven Lakes (Ruta de los Siete Lagos), as well as kayaking and whitewater rafting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiking in the Chilean Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hiking in the Chilean Lake District<\/a> is really all about the day hikes \u2013 it specialises in short concentrated bursts of adventure in truly spectacular surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Pumalin-Park-hiking-1024x732.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGreat day hikes from Puerto Varas centre on Vicente P\u00e9rez National Park<\/a>, for hikes around the shores of Lago Llanquihue and the picture perfect cone of Osorno Volcano and. To the south Alerce Andino National Park<\/a> and Pumal\u00edn Douglas Tompkins National Park<\/a> offer contrasting experiences thanks to ancient alerce trees, along forest trails dripping with moss and ferns. Pumal\u00edn is particularly extraordinary after its remarkable recovery<\/a> from a volcanic eruption nearly 20 years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the north, Villarrica National Park<\/a> has volcano trails, including the chance to climb Villarica volcano itself, and to gaze (from a safe distance) into its lava-filled crater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the trails of Chilo\u00e9 island shouldn\u2019t be neglected, particularly those along its Pacific coast. The opportunity to see the island\u2019s rich wildlife is a big draw here, including the pudu \u2013 the smallest deer in the world<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiking in the Argentinian Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s often overlooked as a destination in favour of places like Los Glaciares<\/a> in southern Patagonia, hiking in the Argentinian Lake District<\/a> is actually some of the best in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SWO_5_ALL_SarahSchneider-frey-hut-to-hut-nahuel-huapi-960x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNahuel Huapi National Park is threaded with hiking trails, whether you wanted to hike for an afternoon or a day, or head deeper into the wilderness for something more testing. Some of the best long distance hikes are between mountain refuges, such as the hut to hut trek<\/a> from Refugio Frey, which takes you around the craggy peals of Cerro Catedral and Cerro Navide, with epic views over a procession of mountain lakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, the great peak at the heart of Lan\u00edn National Park offers some truly remote volcano hiking<\/a>, with trailheads that can only be reached by boat, camping deep in ancient forests and tackling the snowy volcano at its climax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adventure activities in the Chilean Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A big clue for what to do in the Chilean Lake District comes in its name: it\u2019s a great place to get out on to the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Chilean-Lake-District-rafting-1024x732.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe whitewater rafting here is particularly good, with a selection of rivers with Class 3 and 4 rapids. The Petrohu\u00e9 River in Vicente P\u00e9rez National Park offers some of the most accessible rafting, with excellent rapids below the Saltos de Petrohu\u00e9 waterfalls. Near Puc\u00f3n, the Trancura River draws plenty of rafters, but for the real enthusiasts the place to go is a little further afield on the Fuy River, which has some of the best rafting in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For kayakers, the presence of the coastal fjords is what makes the Chilean Lake District such a delicious prospect. Paddling around Pumal\u00edn National Park<\/a> allows you to get truly away from everything, wild camping on forest-lined beaches after a day of spotting dolphins and sea lions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those who prefer wheels to paddles, there are lots of mountain bike trails \u2013 including a joyfully relaxed one that involves cycling between microbreweries. For those who want a taste of everything, multi-sports activities<\/a> are readily on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adventure activities in the Argentinian Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mountain biking<\/a> is a great way to explore the Argentinian Lake District. There are some gorgeous bike trails<\/a> between Villa Angostura and San Mart\u00edn that offer relaxed pedalling rather than punishing ascents. Around Bariloche, the R\u00edo Manso and Circuito Chico bike trails are also very picturesque. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/53709850743_03ce7f892f_4k-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe smaller lakes here are popular with kayakers, such as Lago Machonico<\/a> near San Mart\u00edn and Lago Perito Moreno near Bariloche. Those who prefer their water a little faster running should head for R\u00edo Hua Hum or R\u00edo Manso, both of which have superb whitewater rafting among stunning scenery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike many parts of Patagonia, the Argentinian Lake District doesn\u2019t shut down in winter. Instead, it becomes the nation\u2019s winter sports capital, with skiing and snowboarding in mountain resorts close to Bariloche. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in the Chilean Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are main places to base yourself when exploring the Chilean Lake District: around Puerto Varas, around Puc\u00f3n or on Chilo\u00e9 Island. While you\u2019ll find the best selection of accommodation<\/a> in the towns\u2014both in variety and budget\u2014the sleeping scene really takes off when you head out into the wilds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/52573240456_04cb3ce522_4k-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Chilean Lake District is home to some of our favourite lodges in Patagonia, such as Vira Vira<\/a> near Puc\u00f3n, and Futangue Hotel <\/a>deep in the Valdivian rainforest. On the shores of Lago Llanquihue, Hotel Awa<\/a> gives sublime sunset-and-volcano views over the lake, plus a distinctive farm-to-table dining experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chiloe has some particularly unique accommodation choices, including the architecturally striking hilltop Refugia Chilo\u00e9<\/a>, and boutique hotels converted from palafitos<\/em> \u2013 the traditional waterside stilt houses that the island is famous for <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in the Argentinian Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While there are three main places to stay<\/a> in the Argentinian Lake District, for most travellers, the choice comes to one question: Bariloche or San Mart\u00edn<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rio-Hermos-Lodge-2-1024x732.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe city of Bariloche is the biggest hub with the most choice. In our experience, the centre of town can get very busy, so we recommend staying on the outskirts or further out along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, where the views are better and the mountain air cleaner. The Llao Llao Peninsula (pronounced shao shao<\/em>) is a favourite option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The small resort town of San Mart\u00edn is perhaps more immediately picturesque. It has great access to some adventure sports activities, and some charming guesthouses and lodges, though a smaller choice than Bariloche. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t decide between the two, it\u2019s less than four hours drive between them \u2013 or you can opt for a third option in tiny Villa Angostura, which has a small number of excellent boutique lakeside hotels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get to the Chilean Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Chilean Lake District<\/a> is less than two hours\u2019 direct flight from Chile\u2019s capital city Santiago<\/a>. There are three main entry points. Most travellers fly to Puerto Montt, whose airport is just 22 km (14 miles) from Puerto Varas, the gateway to Los Lagos. Puerto Montt is also perfectly positioned for the northern Chilean Fjords. A second option is to fly into the north of the region to Temuco, which is best placed for those heading for Puc\u00f3n. Finally, those going to Chilo\u00e9 can fly direct to Castro in the north of the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also possible to travel between Puerto Montt and Chilo\u00e9: the combined road and ferry trip takes around four hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get to the Argentinian Lake District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The main gateway point to the Argentinian Lake District<\/a> is Bariloche, which has multiple direct daily flights from Buenos Aires<\/a>, taking about two hours. Bariloche is also connected by direct flight to El Calafate for Los Glaciares, as well as Mendoza and other Argentinian cities. If you\u2019re in a part of Chile that isn\u2019t the Lake District, it\u2019s worth noting that you can also fly to Bariloche direct from Santiago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also a smaller number of direct flights from Buenos Aires to San Mart\u00edn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel between the Chilean and Argentinian Lake Districts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- The Argentinian Lake District: the basics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lago-Todos-dos-Santos-1024x732.jpg\")
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