Chile's Lakes District is the cultural heart of the South American nation and a major stop on the tourist circuit. Often called a small piece of Switzerland in Chile.
The Chilean Lakes District is the most visited part of the country by national tourists within Chile and from those visiting from abroad. The land is some of South America’s most scenic, as well as some of the most culturally rich and diverse.
The emerald lakes, pine forests, and snow capped volcanoes make this region one of the most spectacular in the Andes. There are several of Chile’s most visited national parks here, as well as outdoor adventures such as skiing, climbing, hiking, and rafting. There’s first class resorts and lakeside lodges, black sand beaches, casinos, and hot spring fed pools.
Lakes District History
Historically, Chile’s Lakes District was the heartland of the Mapuche people. The Mapuches were a fierce group of warriors that stopped the force of Inca expansion to the south and dominated the land even after the Spanish arrived. Although the Spanish built forts along riverbanks in places such as Valdivia, they did very little to set up permanent settlements south of the Bio Bio River in Chile’s Ninth Region. It took not only the modern weapons of the Chilean army, but recruited settlers from Germany’s Black Forest Region to populate the area and Europeanize southern Chile.
Lakes District Culture
While the Mapuche have been pushed to the fringes of the region, the German influence is still strong and is more than evident in the architecture, food, beer, and culture. German style breweries such as the Cerveceria Kuntsmann in Valdivia serve German food and brew several beers under the strict rules of the Reinheitsgebot or Dictation of Purity of 1516. At restaurants and even bus stations throughout the region you can find küchen, a type of German cake.
Lakes District Cities
The lakes District stretches from the Ninth region (La Araucanía) town of Temuco, the birthplace of Pablo Neruda, to Puerto Montt in the tenth region (Los Lagos), near the archipelago of Chiloé.
Temuco - Apart from being the birthplace of Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, Temuco doesn’t offer much for the tourists. The bustling town has a decent market area where Mapuche people hawk their produce, but little else.
Pucón- This pleasant town on Lake Villarica is a major tourist retreat. During the summer, the black sand beach at the edge of town is jam packed with sun bathers. Apart from wind surfing at the lake there’s hiking on the Villarica Volcano, and in Villarrica National and HuerquehueNational Parks. Chile’s adventure capital.
Villarica - Much quieter and less expensive than Pucón, but with much of the same scenery and similar access to the lake and national parks.
Valdivia - The quintessential Chilean University town is a fascinating mix of German culture, colonial history, and vibrant student life. River boat tours depart from the seal infested waters surrounding the market and take you to see the Spanish forts along the Rio Valdivia. There are several good museums here, loads of funky bars and restaurants catering towards the student crowd,
Puerto Montt - A major cruise ship port, the access point to Chiloé and Patagonia, and the center of Chile’s salmon industry, Puerto Montt is a fast growing port town that many travelers stop at whether they want to or not. While the 1960 earthquake destroyed much of the city, the Angelmó fishing village retains its traditional character of red, blue, and yellow tin roofed houses, seafood market stalls (a highlight in Chilean cuisine), rustic eateries, and craft stores.
Puerto Varas - Puerto Varas is nearby to Puerto Montt and a much more pleasant place to stay if you have to choose one. The small town sits on Lake Llanquihue and in view of the perfect cone of the Osorno Volcano.
Frutillar - Bordering Lake Llanquihue, this German town is divided into an upper (Alto) and lower (Bajo) section. Apart from being a favorite resort town, Frutillar is home to the most important classical music festivals in Chile.
