Chilean Lake District (north) holidays
Chilean Lake District (north) holidays at a glance
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Arrive at the airport in Temuco and the snowy cone of Villarrica Volcano is already visible, towering over the lake that shares its name. Nearby, the lively resort town of Pucón makes an ideal base for hiking in the national parks, climbing Villarrica itself, rafting the Rio Trancura or soaking in the region’s hot springs – some of the best Chile volcano holidays begin right here.
Head south from Pucón and scenic roads wind past a necklace of seven lakes, their shores wrapped in temperate rainforest and monkey puzzle trees. West of the region, the university city of Valdivia sits at the meeting point of three rivers before they reach the Pacific, known for its seafood and lively cultural calendar.
This is also Mapuche country, and that heritage runs through the region: traditional crafts, regional cuisine and, each February, Villarrica’s Festival Cultural Mapuche add a cultural layer to what’s otherwise a landscape built for the outdoors. For Chile outdoor adventures, from white-water rafting to alpine hikes, few regions pack in quite as much variety.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Chilean Lake District (north)
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Northern Chile’s Lake District is a captivating landscape of lakes, forests and volcanoes, where outdoor adventure, wildlife and Mapuche culture come together in one of Chile’s most rewarding regions.
When to visit Chilean Lake District (north)
Best time to visit Chilean Lake District? It depends what you’re after – this is a year-round destination, but the seasons bring quite different experiences.
During these peak summer months, you’ll enjoy bright sunny days which are perfect for outdoor adventures. Try hiking through monkey puzzle forests, white-water rafting on the Trancura river and reaching the bubbling summit of Villarrica, an active volcano.
The autumn months bring cooler weather and higher chances of rain, so hiking trails may be a little muddy. However, with fewer visitors and the foliage turning orange and crimson, this is the perfect time to take in the spectacular views in utter peace.
Temperatures during winter are at their lowest, with higher chances of rain and even snowfall. Conditions are ideal for adventurous snow sports in the mountains, while in June local villages celebrate the winter solstice which marks the indigenous new year.
In spring, temperatures begin to warm up while visitor numbers remain fairly low. Conditions are perfect for hiking past glistening blue lakes and scaling volcanoes – in early spring enough snow remains on Villarricca to enjoy tobogganing down its steep slopes.
Top Things to do in Chilean Lake District (north)
From climbing an active volcano to white-water rafting the Rio Trancura, there’s no shortage of things to do in Pucón and the wider region.
Ascend to the summit of one of Chile’s most active volcanoes to see a bubbling lava lake.
Climb through Valdivian rainforest to reach a viewpoint over turquoise lakes.
Ride the foaming rapids of the Trancura river for a real adrenaline rush in spectacular surroundings.
Get behind the wheel on winding country roads with a scenic surprise around every corner.
Bathe in steaming natural pools in a magical setting of Valdivian woodland.
Accommodation in Chilean Lake District (north)
Accommodation options range from lakeside lodges and boutique hotels to characterful countryside retreats surrounded by forests and volcanic scenery.
Many properties are ideally positioned for exploring the lakes, national parks and outdoor activities that define the region.
Set in an idyllic setting, andBeyond Vira Vira is the quintessential lake district retreat.
Antumalal is a small, modern luxury hotel with a lovely garden overlooking Lake Villarrica.
This modern hotel is a solid mid-range option on the waterfront in Valdivia with a good range of facilities.
Homely budget hotel with an alpine aesthetic and a welcoming open plan lounge and dining room.
Naghuilan is a peaceful riverside hotel with a Germanic touch with a summer pool and a decking terrace by the water.
Family-run Landhaus San Sebastian is a homely countryside guest-house- cum-smallholding close to Pucón.
Marina del Fuy is set in a fabulously unspoilt region of Huilo Huilo with a variety of views.
Quirky and unique hotel modelled on a baobab, nestled within fairytale surroundings. The surprisingly wide range of amenities includes a pool, mini-golf, spa and nature trails.
The quirky Reino Fungi Lodge has taken inspiration from the surrounding enchanted forest of Huilo Huilo for the styling and decor.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Chilean Lake District (north)
Browse our selection of unique and memorable holidays that include a visit to the Chilean Lake District. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Group Chilean Lake District (north) Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Nandu: Peaks and plains of Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (north) · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · El Chalten and the Fitz Roy Massif · Tierra del Fuego · Buenos Aires
20 days from £5,526
Tailor-Made Chilean Lake District (north) Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Active Chile: Hiking, cycling and kayaking in the lake district and Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (north) · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
13 days from £4,500
Luxury Chile: Exclusive lodges and untamed landscapes
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Torres del Paine National Park · Atacama Desert · Chilean Lake District (north)
13 days from £14,280
FAQs about visiting Chilean Lake District (north)
Chilean Lake District (north) is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When's the best time to go to the Northern parts of the Chilean Lake District?
The northern lake district has a temperate climate, with plenty of warm sun but also showers in summer, while winters can be cool and very rainy. Dec-Mar is very crowded with local holiday-makers. If you prefer a less lively atmosphere, spring and autumn (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov) are good choices.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Chilean Lake District?
The main language spoken in the Chilean Lake District is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Chilean Lake District?
The Chilean Peso is the main currency used in the Chilean Lake District. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in Pucón and Villarrica using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you can exchange US dollars cash at a lower rate; rates for euros and sterling are harder to find and also frequently poor.
- What is the time difference between the Chilean Lake District and the UK?
The time difference between the Chilean Lake District is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep – Oct to early Mar.
- What places combine well with the Northern parts of the Chilean Lake District?
The southern lake district, centred on Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, 322 km (5-6 hours by car); the Argentine lake district via the Lake Crossing from Bariloche in Argentina’s lake district to Puerto Varas; continue north by road.
- How do I get to the North of the Chilean Lake District?
There are flights from Santiago to Temuco (75mins). Drive north from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas in 5-6 hours (322 km).
- What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in the North of the Chilean Lake District?
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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