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.
Hiking in Chile
The best treks and hikes in Chile
A country to which superlatives can do no justice, Chile is probably my favourite place on earth for hiking and trekking. With virtually all the world's landscapes packed into one slender stretch of land, the scenery oscillates between arid desert, tropical islands, and piercing mountains, volcanoes and glacial lakes; of which a whopping 21% is protected by law. And, with much of Chile’s natural areas unspoiled by roads or heavy infrastructure, the best way to explore – the only way, in my view – is by foot...read more
The Lakes District Travel Guides
The Lakes District Tours

Lakes & Patagonia escape
A grand tour of Chile's stunning landscapes
9 daysFrom $1,999
The complete Patagonia
Experience Patagonia in all its true glory
18 daysFrom $4,885
Biking for Cakes and Beers
1 daysFrom $60
Mapu Lahual Guided Hiking Tour
Trekking Chile's epic Pacific Coastal Trail
7 daysFrom $1,700
Road Cycling Tour - Lake and Volcano District
8 daysFrom $4,125
Multisport Tour Route of Parks
Spectacular adventure to Patagonia's national parks
14 daysFrom $7,870The Lakes District Travel Companies


South American Vacations
Custom tours to Latin America since 2002


Patagonia Trails
Guided adventures in Chilean Patagonia


Amity Tours
Chile adventure travel specialists


HF Holidays
UK walking holidays since 1913


Walk Patagonia
Walking holidays in South America


Rainforest Cruises
Exotic Riverboat & Small Ship Cruises


The Adventure People
The Most Inspiring & Exciting Adventure Holidays On Earth.

