Lake District Overview
This extensive area of southern Chile, beginning approximately 420 miles/675 km south of Santiago, is dotted with large glacial lakes and snow-capped volcanoes (some still active). It stretches roughly from the city of Temuco southward to Puerto Montt. The best time to visit is during the warmer, drier summer months of December to March. With children in tow, it’s most convenient to travel this region by rental car.
Best Towns to Stay in around the Lake District
At the northern end of the Lake District, the nicest towns to overnight in are Pucón and Villarrica; both have plenty of hotels, grocery stores, laundromats and a good range of restaurants. There are also many cabañas (self-catering cottages) for rent along the 16 mile/25 km road between the two towns. Closer to the southern end, the cities of Puerto Montt and Valdivia offer similar amenities.
Exploring Chile's Volcanoes
Although climbing the volcanoes is possible, it’s not an option for most families with younger children. But a driving tour to view them from a distance is impressive enough. The town of Puerto Varas offers wonderful views of Volcán Osorno. For a closer look at the top of a volcano, drive the paved road up Volcán Villarrica to the beginning of the ski area. The rocky beach at Lago Villarrica in Pucón is a fun place for a picnic while watching smoke puffs rising from this active volcano (it last erupted in 1984).
Southern Chile's Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Hot springs resorts comprise a major attraction of this region. Some are no-frills, rustic baths no bigger than bathtubs; others are full-scale spas featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools and Jacuzzis fed by warm thermal waters. All resorts —Termas Huife and Termas Geométricas are two of the nicest--welcome kids, but note that some of the pools may be too hot for small children. Most of the larger places have restaurants and/or snack bars. Access to changing rooms, showers and towels is normally included in the price.
There are some stunning waterfalls accessible by car and short hikes. Near Pucón, visit the China, Leon and Puma falls as well as Los Ojos del Caburga. Further south near Panguipulli is the more impressive Huilo Huilo Waterfall, but the access road is unpaved and slow-going. Near Puerto Varas, the Petrohue Falls are easy to reach.
River Rafting and Mountain Biking in Chile's National Parks
Older kids might enjoy a whitewater rafting trip or renting mountain bikes for a tour in one of the region’s several national parks. Tours can be booked easily ahead of time or just on the fly through the hotel concierge or at one of the innumerable adventure tour operators in the main towns.
Mapuches and Germans of the Lake District
Two different cultures have shaped this part of Chile: the Mapuche, Chile’s largest indigenous population, and the German immigrants who came in large numbers in the 1850s to settle farms in the region. The Museo Mauricio van de Maele in Valdivia contains an excellent collection of Mapuche jewelry and other artifacts. More interesting for children is the Museo Mapuche de Curarrehue near Pucón. This cultural center is interactive and hands-on, features alternating handcraft demonstrations and has a small café that serves traditional Mapuche delicacies such as roasted piñones (similar to chestnuts).
A visit to the town of Frutillar, north of Puerto Montt, offers the best examples of German influence in the region. Families will enjoy the Museo Historico Colonial Alemán, a farm museum featuring a blacksmith shop, water-powered mill, displays of 19th century farming equipment and lovely grounds to relax and run around in. The gray sand beach along the edges of Lago Llanquihue is a great play spot.
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