The Lake Region in Chile
Lakes, Volcanoes, and Hot Springs Guard the Land of the Poets.
Apr 27, 2008
One of the best times to visit the Lake Region is towards the end of December, the first few days of summer in the southern hemisphere. The schools are still in operation and the crowds from Santiago do not empty out until January and February. The Pan American Highway is not crowded at all and the drive is pleasant and filled with beautiful scenery after stopping off at the various lakeside towns.
The sublime scenery of Chile’s Lake Region equals that of Switzerland yet yet offers the distinctive advantage its short access to the Pacific Ocean. Some 450 miles south of the metropolitan capital of Santiago lies the northernmost lake city of Temuco with a population of 260,878 (2002 census). Temuco is the second largest city south of Santiago after Concepcion and the sixth largest in Chile. The presence of the Mapuche Indians who make up 13% of the population gives Temuco a distinctive flavor.
Heading South
Temuco can be reached by plane from Santiago and renting a car cannot be much easier. Once you arrive in the airport you simply cross the narrow street and walk into one of the small car rental offices to pick up your car. Make sure to book the car well in advance. The drive south to the other towns on the lakes can be done comfortably in only a few days since the distance from Temuco in the north to Puerto Varas in the south is only about 250 miles on the Pan American Highway, in excellent condition along the lakes.
Two Lovely Hotels on the Way to Puerto Varas
The Villarica Park Lake Hotel located between the lakeside towns of Villarica and Pucon is a 5 star deluxe hotel. The hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens, sits on a cliff with panoramic views of Lake Villarica. The rates are reduced towards the end of December and then get more expensive during the crowded summer months of late January and February. The Villarica region is famous for snow capped volcanoes, clear lakes, rivers, mineral springs, and national parks. The spa is excellent and offers a tepidarium sauna, Finnish sauna, and steam bath. After the total relaxation of the spa the lounge area with comfortable lounge chairs overlooking the lake and volcanoes is most appropriate.
The other unique hotel is the Hotel Antumalal, just twenty minutes or so on the road towards the resort of Pucon. The hotel was built in 1945 and each room is built with local wood and stone featuring a private fireplace. The rooms overlook Lake Villarica and the 13 acres of park and gardens. The views from the outside dining area are spectacular. The owners are very friendly and the atmosphere is quite intimate. The ride into Pucon is only five minutes or so. Watching the sunset over the lower Andes while sampling Chile’s famous Pisco Sour will be memorable.
Los Pozones Hot Springs
Numerous hot springs, perhaps twenty, abound in Pucon and surroundings. A favorite is Los Pozones, about 22 km (15miles) out of Pucon. Prepare a lunch of smoked salmon and Chilean wine. Take the road called Camino Internacional, and go straight. Make sure not to take a right turn to Argentina. When the road stops going straight, you continue up a freshly paved narrow road that says to Huife/ Menetue. Keep on going, and pay attention to the road as it gets narrow and is unpaved at some points. Eventually you will pass a sign for Huife hot springs and then the next stop is Pozones. Walk down to the stone pools. The bottom of the largest pool is smooth sand but water temperature is well over 100 degrees. Stay in for a few minutes then lie on the boulders underneath the thousands of stars overhead feeling the coolness of the Andean air. The experience is unforgettable.
 |
 |
