The Lake District in Chile is one of the most beautiful regions in the country with snow-capped volcanoes, pristine lakes, waterfalls and virgin forests. The prettiest spot to stay and one of the best bases for exploring the area is the small town of Puerto Varas overlooking Lake Llanquihue and in the shadow of the Osorno and Calbuuco Volcanoes. This charming German-influenced town is the starting point for the spectacular Andean lake crossing into Argentina. Visitors to the Lake District will discover many scenic national parks and forests. Reached by ferry is the somewhat mysterious island of Chiloé, an island full of myths and legend, it is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water.
Lake Crossing - to Argentina
Puerto Varas is the starting point for the spectacular lake crossing into Argentina. This beautiful journey takes travellers through the Andes and across a series of picture perfect lakes into Argentina, arriving at the town of Bariloche with its pretty wooden alpine buildings and overlooking the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Chiloé is Chile’s second largest island but has, until recently, remained relatively unknown except to Chileans. The country’s government has started pouring money into the island, resulting in new roads, a ferry terminal and an airport, offering regular flights to/from the capital, Santiago. Located just off Chile’s southern coast, Chiloé (‘the Place of Seagulls’) is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water, yet crossing to the island is like stepping back in time. The wild, western side of the island is mostly uninhabited and is home to one of the world’s few temperate rainforests. By contrast the northern and eastern sides are warmer, sheltered by the inland mountains, and are home to all of the island’s towns and agriculture.
This green, fertile island was originally settled by Spanish colonists in the 1500s, but by the end of the century the Spanish had been driven out of southern Chile, leaving the island cut off. The remaining Spaniards intermarried with the local population and created a distinctive society with a vibrant folklore.
Chiloé Island is best known for its charming wooden churches, many of which are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the ‘palafitos’ – stilt houses built out over the water, originally to avoid paying rent. The island’s capital Castro is the third oldest town in Chile, although sadly many of the historic remains were destroyed in a great fire in 1934.
The north west of the island is home to the Parque Nacional Chiloé, famed for its dense rainforest, beaches and spectacular coastal views. The region is also home to a fascinating array of marine life – blue whale, sei whale, Chilean dolphin, Peale’s dolphin, sea lion and marine otter – as well as Magellanic and Humbolt penguins.
Chile - Lakes, Desert & Easter Island
Itinerary Highlights
- Iconic Moai of Easter Island
- Bohemian Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago
- Dramatic Atacama Desert
- Scenic Lake District
Hotel Enjoy Puerto Varas
Located in a tranquil part of Puerto Varas town, Hotel Enjoy Puerto Varas has magnificent views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano.This contemporary hotel offers 91 comfortable rooms featuring hand-dyed textiles and local natural materials.There is an indoor heated pool, Spa Kalul and a restaurant offering Chilean specialities with a diverse array of seafood, all complimented by local wines...
Tierra Chiloe
Tierra Chiloe is an architectural jaw dropper of a hotel situated on the beautiful island of Chiloé. Considered by us to be an unforgettable place to stay in Latin America, The wooden construction was built on stilts to reflect the style of the island's traditional palafito houses. All 12 stylish and contemporary rooms have floor to ceiling picture windows with gorgeous scenic views of ...
Cabana del Lago
Cabana del Lago overlooks the beautiful Lake Llanquihue and offers spectacular views of Puerto Varas and the volcanoes.Its 157 rooms are furnished with a modern feel and feature a city or lake view. Leisure facilities include bike hire, sauna and indoor heated swimming pool, ideal to relax after a full day of sightseeing during your Chilean adventure.The hotels restaurant serves a variety of inter...
And Beyond Vira Vira
Set in a beautiful national park and on the shore of Liucura River is the luxury hacienda-style and Beyond Vira Vira Hotel.Covering 40 hectares and operating a full working farm, the hacienda provides a wonderful insight into rural farming in this relatively untouched region. The hacienda was designed by the owners and offers 22 spacious and luxurious rooms with local touches such as Chilean rugs ...
Highlights of Chile - Atacama Desert, Lakes & Torres del Paine
Itinerary Highlights
- Spectacular otherworldly landscape of Atacama
- Explore the stunning scenery of Torres del Paine National Park
- Bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in Santiago
- Charming Germanic towns of the Lake District
Splendours of Patagonia
Itinerary Highlights
- Atmospheric Buenos Aires
- Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier
- Peaceful Lake Nahuel Huapi
- Torres del Paine National Park
Cumbres Puerto Varas
Cumbres Puerto Varas Hotel is nestled among lakes and volcanoes and offers top quality service and promises a stay surrounded by nature and comfort.Its panoramic view of Lake Llanquihue is certainly spectacular and the hotel’s perfect natural setting, combined with the quality of its service, ensure a stay that will rival the splendour of its surroundings.All 92 rooms and suites have views o...
AWA Puerto Varas
On the shores of Lake Llanquihue discover the serenity of the region at the AWA design hotel.Contemporary architecture is blended with local materials and modern pieces with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.Spacious rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views over the lake and beyond to Osorno Volcano. Modern features include a cable TV, wi-fi, minibar and a cosy f...
Estancia 440
Blending into the towns architecture is the charming Estancia 440, a small bed and breakfast in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas.This old homestead from the 1930’s has been lovingly restored and features wood-shingle tiles typical of the local Germanic style. Each of the seven rooms is decorated in subdued tones with furniture reflecting a mix of classic and modern style.All rooms have cent...
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