Pucón
On the shores of Lake Villarrica, Pucón is one of South America's leading adventure sports destinations, offering volcano hikes, white water rafting, mountain biking and more.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
A host of shining blue glacial lakes is to be expected in Chile's Lake District, but this region also offers visitors a nearly endless parade of perfect snow-capped volcanoes, temperate rainforests with thousand-year-old trees, hot springs and rushing rivers an island rich in folklore and a series of national parks threaded with hiking trails. Throw in a couple of towns geared up for a host of adventure sports activities and 'Los Lagos' becomes an unmissable part of any Patagonia trip.
On the shores of Lake Villarrica, Pucón is one of South America's leading adventure sports destinations, offering volcano hikes, white water rafting, mountain biking and more.
Discover MorePerched on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and overlooked by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Puerto Varas is the perfect gateway to the Chilean Lake District.
Discover MoreChiloé Island is the perfect destination for anyone searching to get off the beaten track, for hiking in its dramatic coastal scenery and rich forests and exploring its unique …
Discover MoreThe star power of three volcanoes is what draws visitors to Villarrica National Park on the doorstep of the outdoor sports capital of Pucón.
Discover MoreSnowy Osorno Volcano and the blue waters of Lake Todos los Santos usher visitors into one of the most accessible national parks in the Chilean Lake District.
Discover MoreLush rainforest, waterfalls, snow capped mountains, smoking volcanoes, glacier, lakes and jaw dropping beauty: Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park has it all.
Discover MoreSpread over the Andean foothills and close to the adventure sports capital of Pucón, Huerquehue is one of the region’s most charming national parks.
Discover MoreAlerce Andino is a temperate rainforest biosphere reserve dominated by ancient alerce trees that stands as the northern gateway to Chile’s epic Route of the Parks.
Discover MoreWith seven national parks and an abundance of volcanoes, ancient forest trails and lake views to enjoy, this region of Chile is perfect hiking country.
Discover MoreGetting on a mountain bike can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the stunning lakes, mountains and forests of the Chilean Lake District.
Discover MoreIn a region dominated by glacier lakes and rivers, it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to explore the Chilean Lake District is paddling by kayak or raft.
Discover MoreThe Chilean Lake District is well connected to the rest of the region, with plentiful daily flights from Santiago into Puerto Montt, a short drive from the main gateway town of Puerto Varas, or to Temuco for the adventure sports hub of Pucón in the northern Lake District.
There are also direct connections from Santiago to Chiloé island. The Lake District is also connected to Torres del Paine, with direct daily flights between Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas (for the adventurous with more time to spend, there is also a four-day ferry that travels through the fjords between these cities.
It's also possible to connect the Chilean Lake District with its neighbour across the border in Argentina. There are several ways to cross the border, not least the spectacular Cruce Andino combined ferry and bus route across the Andes between Puerto Varas and Bariloche, the gateway to the Argentine Lake District.
Accommodation options in the Chilean Lake District range from luxury lodges and working estancias set in beautiful scenery, to hotels and hostels in the region's towns.
The main hubs to base yourself are Puerto Varas and Pucón alongside Chiloé island but wherever you travelling to or whichever lakes, volcanoes or national parks you're looking to explore, we have access to a wide variety of hotels, guesthouses and lodges across the Lakes to suit your budget and interests.
The Chilean Lake District is a year-round destination but being aware of the seasonal variations will help you get the most from your trip. The lush temperate rainforests are the result of a lot of wet weather from the Pacific.
You should always pack for rain, but you'll find clearer skies, with drier and warmer days from December to March, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (70°F). This is the time for the best hiking and clearest mountain views, as well as seasonal activities like penguin-watching on Chiloé.
June to August are the wettest and coolest months, with temperatures averaging around 9°C (50°F). Higher altitudes receive snow, and some walking trails will be inaccessible or muddy.
We also visited Chiloe Island and the lake district as per Swoop. Once again it was very interesting, scenically beautiful. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
David Pincus - Australia
Liked Puerto Varas and hotel. Many food choices. Each day offered unique exceptional activity. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Ira Fishman - USA
We got lucky with the weather and enjoyed the beautiful volcano Osorno for two and a half days before the clouds rolled in. We also saw some nice stars. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Anna Bainton - USA
Too many to fit into one questionnaire. Hospitality and spirit of the Lodge; fly fishing from the Petrohue rapids; hiking up numerous volcanoes and the wonderful understanding, compassion and humility of all of our guides. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Jonathan Goring - UK
It was a full day of beautiful views from the boat tours across the many lakes. It should definitely be part of the trip for anyone planning a Patagonian adventure. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2022
Ralph Turkel - USA
Review:
Impartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.
Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-855-369-7866
Check out our best way to get to know the beautiful regions of Patagonia in one inspirational (and customisable) tour...
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy