The Lakes District

Chile

South America Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
CHILE - 2016/11/30: The Petrohue Rapids and Osorno Volcano in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park near Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt in the Lake District in southern Chile. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

CHILE - 2016/11/30: The Petrohue Rapids and Osorno Volcano in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park near Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt in the Lake District in southern Chile. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Why visit The Lakes District

The Lakes District – named "Los Lagos" for its myriad glacial lakes that dot a countryside otherwise characterized by looming, snowcapped volcanoes, otherworldly national parks and serene lakeside villages – is one of Chile's most picturesque regions. Outdoor adventurers congregate around pretty Puerto Varas, the region's most touristy town and the jumping-off point for most of the area's attractions, be it horseback riding or rock climbing in the Río Cochamó Valley, lake lingering around Lagos Llanquihue, Puyehue or Todos los Santos, or flashpacking through any number of impressive national parks.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of The Lakes District? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Chile trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Caroline Chambers and George: Beauty and Luxury in Patagonia

highlights

  1. 1 Hiking the most popular trails in the stunning, sprawling Torres del Paine National Park
  2. 2 Horseback riding to Negra Lagoon or trekking across Patagonian glaciers on a guided tour
  3. 3 Staying at a 19th-century Patagonia ranch, where food comes from the land — and landscapes never end
from $9,720

per person

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in The Lakes District

Discover the best attractions in The Lakes District from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in The Lakes District

The Lakes District and beyond