The Lakes District
Known for its conical volcanoes and its shimmering lakes, this region of central Chile and Argentina offers accessible and easy-going hiking with spectacular views, quiet villages and a laid back pace of life. The region was the former home to the Mapuche people, who managed to fight off both the Incas and Spanish colonialists for 350 years before finally falling to the Chilean Army in the 1880s. Over the following century, Swiss, Austrian and German settlers transformed the area, influencing the architecture and cuisine of towns like Argentina’s Bariloche and Chile’s Puerto Varas, where tourists can visit quaint Swiss-style chocolate shops before enjoying a day of hiking or kayaking on a nearby lake.
Hidden gems in The Lakes District
The Lakes District
El Cañi Sanctuary
The Cañi Sanctuary has 500 hectares of mountain rainforest, 12 volcanic-born lakes, and a wide variety of birdlife to make any nature lover’s heart flutter. Located just 28km east of Pucon along the route to el Huife thermal baths, you can take the bus or drive yourself. Park entrance is 4,000CLP and the guard will hand you a route to follow along with a list of flora and fauna that you can find on the trail. The entire route consists of 8.5km of intermediate hiking, starting with a steep incline through a fantastic forest of native trees until you reach Laguna Negra viewpoint. After that, you’ll be faced with a 45 minute uphill climb and a magnificent view of the region where you’ll be able to spot four volcanoes; Llaima, Villarica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin. You must take a guide with you except during the summer when the trail is more obvious. The region is popular with adventure seekers. Pucon and Villarica have great information centres to help you book side trips. Apart from hiking, the region has great thermal baths, kayaking, rafting, and nature watching.
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Conguillío National Park
Sendero Sierra Nevada day hike
ExperienceThe Sendero Sierra Nevada is a popular day hike within Conguillío National Park and is considered one of Chile’s most beautiful hikes. With a bit of luck, you might spot species such as the Magellanic Woodpecker or even the elusive Pudu, the smallest deer in the world. The main highlight of the hike, however, is the panorama from the Sierra Nevada Lookout: breathtaking views of the park, including the Llaima Volcano, Lake Conguillío, and the surrounding araucaria forest.
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El Cañi Sanctuary
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The Lakes District itineraries
Argentina & Chile Explorer
The best of Patagonia and the Lake District
10 days From $6,569 pp
Classic Chile
Otherworldy scenery, vineyards and lively Santiago
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Lake District hiking itinerary
Hiking the Lakes and Volcanoes of Araucanía
8 daysThe Lakes District travel companies
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