Highlights of the Chilean Lake District

Day 1: Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas

Just a 2hr flight south from Santiago is Puerto Montt, the access point to the southern part of the Chilean Lake District.

On arrival at Puerto Montt Airport you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas, right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, under the shadow of the immense Osorno Volcano. This little town of just 24,000 people will be your base for the coming days as you day hike through the neighbouring national parks and nature reserves.

You might like to spend this afternoon walking to nearby viewpoints, visiting the local handicraft markets, or simply exploring this beautiful small town with so many Germanic-stlyed buildings – a legacy from its immigrants over 100 years ago.

Hotel requirements can be tailored to your desires. Please see our Chilean Lakes hotel guide for options.

Accommodation: Boutique guest house, Puerto Varas

Day 2: Trek to Lake Todos Los Santos; Puerto Varas

Today's active trek covers a large and scenic region of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile's first national park which opened in 1926. The route is mostly on a gravel trail and begins with some steady ascents, but we'll be treated to amazing views over the volcanoes and lakes. The Andes emerge on the horizon as we end our hike at the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos.

On our return journey back to Puerto Varas we'll stop at the Petrohué Falls, where waterfalls cascade through channels formed by a combination of lava flows and water erosion.

This hike can also end with a night at the historic Hotel Petrohué on the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos, instead of returning to Puerto Varas.

Length of hike: 6hrs, 12km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Boutique guest house, Puerto Varas

Day 3: Trek in Alerce Andino National Park; Puerto Varas

The Alerce Andino National Park is located between mountains, volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean. This full-day excursion will take us along the coast at the beginning of the Carretera Austral. For those looking for a challenge, an extra 4km loop to the Sargazo Lagoon can be added at the end of the trek.

During the drive to the park you will stop at local villages, to admire the ocean view of the first fjord of Patagonia.

Inside the park, we'll be surrounded by the abundant temperate rainforest, including the old alerce trees (Fitzroya Cupressoides) – South America's equivalent to the giant redwoods of the north. Over millions of years, the transformation of these mountains has created a landscape full of rivers, waterfalls and lagoons.

We'll return to our accommodation in Puerto Varas in the afternoon. 

Length of hike: 5hrs, 16km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Boutique guest house, Puerto Varas

Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport

After breakfast, you'll wave goodbye to the shimmering Lake Llanquihue and transfer to Puerto Montt Airport.

From here you can fly north to Santiago (2hrs) and take an onward flight south to Punta Arenas (2hrs), the access point to Torres del Paine and the wonders of Southern Patagonia

Meals: Breakfast