Chile's Lake District, located in the south of the country
between Santiago and Chilean Patagonia, is a spectacular region of
glacially formed lakes, snow-capped volcanic mountains and dense
forests: one of pristine beauty and picture-perfect scenery. Home
to the Mapuche people and more recently to waves of European
immigrants in search of a better life, the region is also sprinkled
with picturesque towns that have a distinctly European elegance.
For three centuries the Mapuche defended their land against the
Spanish, but shortly after Chilean Independence they relinquished
their territory and settlers flocked to the area, attracted by the
rich volcanic soil among lush forests and lakes.
Today the area attracts tourists from across the world to marvel
at the scenery, climb the volcanoes, hike trails within stunning
National Parks and fish beside the tranquil lakes, stopping off at
various quaint towns along the way. Temuco is the gateway to the
Lake District in the heart of the Mapuche homeland and is still a
market town for traditional silver and wood crafts. The pretty
lakeside resorts of Pucon and Villarica sit at either end of Lake
Villarica, dominated by the smouldering Villarica Volcano, and
famous as hubs for adventure sports like whitewater rafting.
Situated at the meeting of two rivers, Valdivia is an appealing
town with its Spanish colonial history and subtle German
architecture from the European influx, and also boasts a lively
riverside market. Osorno is another town with a strong German
influence, particularly evident in its dairy farming and
manufacturing culture. It is also the base for exploring one of
Chile's most popular national parks, Parque Nacional Puyehue, which
offers superb volcanic scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfalls and
nature trails. The pastoral landscape, German-style houses and
lakeside hamlets are all attributed to the 19th-century
immigrants.
The capital of the Lake District, Puerto Montt, is the
embarkation point for stunning cruises to the fjords of the glacial
Chilean coastline and is the gateway to the island of Chiloé and
Chilean Patagonia. Its architecture is Middle European consisting
of unique wooden designs with predominantly high-pitched roofs and
ornate balconies. Many of the older, more traditional houses can be
spotted due to their distinct patchwork of weather-resistant
shingles, made from the Alcerce Tree. Puerto Montt has a marvellous
craft market - a good place to buy handicrafts - and the
outstanding seafood is not to be missed. The local cathedral is
also well worth a visit, with its large rosary made from fishnet
floats above the confessional.
Each of the above destinations in the Lake District offers good
accommodation, dining and shopping, and opportunities for both
sport and relaxation are limitless. It is an enticing region
combining outdoor adventure activity with peaceful sunsets and
modern amenities. The Lake District gives travellers a taste of the
dramatically beautiful Patagonian landscapes on its doorstep but is
comparatively easy to get around and offers far more creature
comforts than the rugged lands to the south.
