Chilean Lake District (south) holidays
Chilean Lake District (south) holidays at a glance
 "Our customer Feefo rating")
We think of the southern Chilean Lake District as one of the most picturesque parts of the country: ancient forests, rolling hills, crystalline streams and flower-filled meadows, all beneath snow-capped volcanoes. It’s the kind of scenery that makes outdoor exploration here so rewarding.
At the heart of it all sits Puerto Varas, a Bavarian-influenced lakeside town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with unforgettable views of Osorno Volcano’s near-perfect cone, one of Chile’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Nearby, Petrohué Falls make a popular stop for travellers crossing between Chile and Argentina, while Puerto Montt serves as the main gateway to the region, with access to the traditional island of Chiloé and the wilderness further south.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Chilean Lake District (south)
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.
A Tolkienesque landscape of monkey puzzle forests, soaring snow-capped volcanoes and lakes of the deepest blue.
When to visit Chilean Lake District (south)
The southern Lake District can be visited year-round, although weather conditions vary considerably with the seasons.
While weather conditions fluctuate constantly here, these summer months are when you can expect the warmest temperatures and the least rainfall. On a visit to Chiloé island, you’ll see colonies of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins nesting alongside one another. There are local festivities with live music, dancing and traditional food in January and February.
The weather begins to cool off and heavier rains creep in. You’ll still be able to enjoy stunning natural scenery while hiking, but do remember to bring sturdy footwear for paths slippery with mud.
During these months, temperatures are cool and it rains on most days. If you don’t mind the wet weather, this could be a good time to visit the wooden churches and palafito stilt houses of Chiloé island with fewer visitors.
Springtime temperatures begin to warm up, though there is still a fair amount of rainfall. The landscapes burst into bloom with vibrant wildflowers, and at Puñihuíl the colonies of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins begin nesting.
Top Things to do in Chilean Lake District (south)
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Chilean Lake District, from climbing Osorno Volcano to cycling out to Frutillar or cruising the fjords along the Austral Road. It’s as much about the journey between places as the destinations themselves.
Take the road less travelled on one of the most scenic and unspoilt journeys Chile has to offer, skirting fjords and timeless villages at the starting point of the remote Carretera Austral.
Admire volcanoes, wild flower meadows and forests on a circuit of Chile’s second largest lake.
A day trek in the foothills of Osorno volcano offering a variety of terrain and spectacular views.
Take the scenic route between Argentina and Chile by floating along the waterways of the northern Patagonian lake district.
Wander amongst 3,000-year-old trees in the Alerce Andino National Park.
Take a day trip to unspoilt Chiloé island to see its colourful villages and visit a unique penguin colony.
Take a day trip from Puerto Varas to enjoy sweeping views and crisp mountain air from the slopes of an active volcano.
Take an unforgettable voyage across the full spectrum of Patagonian landscapes.
Mingle with everyone’s favourite bird at the Isla Magdalena rookery on the Strait of Magellan.
Accommodation in Chilean Lake District (south)
Accommodation throughout the region ranges from lakeside lodges and boutique hotels to properties overlooking volcanoes and forests, among them Casa Kalfu, Hotel AWA, Hotel Cabaña del Lago and Pettra Puerto Varas by Wyndham.
Many visitors choose to stay around Puerto Varas, where easy access to the surrounding national parks, lakes and volcanoes makes it an ideal base.
Large, modern hotel with magnificent views from its hillside location overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano.
Lake district hotel in Chile built in typical Patagonian style with glorious panoramic views and a wonderfully cosy lounge.
Palafito 1326 is an unusual hotel-on-stilts offers the opportunity to experience life above the water in Chiloe’s capital, Castro.
Bright and contemporary lakeside hotel with an impressive lookout room housed within its gabled roof.
Petrohue Lodge offers traditional Patagonian rustic accommodation in a scenic spot close to the shores of Lake Todos los Santos.
Solace Hotel is is a modern mid-range, medium-sized hotel in the centre of Puerto Varas in Chile’s lake district.
Patagonian expedition vessel with wood panelled cabins and relaxation areas, offering all-inclusive cruises that combine adventure with home comforts.
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 (south)
We have a selection of unique and memorable holidays in the Chilean Lake District. Find out more and book now with Journey Latin America.
Group Chilean Lake District (south) 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.
Charito: Pure Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Buenos Aires
12 days from £3,685
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
Penguin: Extremes of Chile
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Atacama Desert · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
14 days from £5,022
Sandpiper: Atlantic to Pacific in style
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Buenos Aires · Argentinian lake district · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · Santiago and the vineyards
19 days from £7,062
Tangara: Blue lakes and emerald coasts
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Argentinian lake district · Buenos Aires · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Rio de Janeiro · Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
15 days from £3,892
Tailor-Made Chilean Lake District (south) 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
Active Chile: Trek in Torres Del Paine
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
13 days from £4,070
Luxury Chile: Patagonia, Chiloe and Maipo valley vineyards
Places visited: Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · Santiago and the vineyards
13 days from £11,350
Self-drive Chile: Off the beaten track
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Aysen and the Carretera Austral
14 days from £4,600
Signature Chile: Atacama Desert to Patagonian glaciers
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Atacama Desert · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
12 days from £6,050
Signature Patagonia: Glaciers of Chile and Argentina
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Tierra del Fuego · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Torres del Paine National Park · Argentinian lake district · Chilean Lake District (south)
17 days from £8,250
Signature Patagonia: Highlights of Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Valparaiso and Vina del Mar · Chilean Lake District (south) · Argentinian lake district · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Torres del Paine National Park
13 days from £7,700
Value Patagonia: Journey to the glaciers
Places visited: Torres del Paine National Park · Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south)
14 days from £4,000
FAQs about visiting Chilean Lake District (south)
Chilean Lake District (south) 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 Southern parts of the Chilean Lake District?
The southern lake district has a temperate climate, with plenty of warm sun but also showers in summer, while winters (May-Aug/Sep) 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 Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt 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 Southern parts of the Chilean Lake District?
The northern lake district, centred on Pucón or Villarrica (5-6 hours by car); the Argentine lake district via the Lake Crossing from Bariloche in Argentina’s lake district to Puerto Varas; the wilderness Aisén region of glaciers, fjords and islands to the south (drive from Puerto Montt down the Carretera Austral or fly to Coyhaique from Puerto Montt (1 hour 47mins); Torres del Paine in Patagonia (fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas, 2 hours 12mins).
- How do I get to the South of the Chilean Lake District?
There are flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt (1 hour 40mins). Drive south from Pucón or Villarrica in 5-6 hours (322km).
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.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
