This short itinerary offers an excellent introduction to some of the best sites in the Lake District, from famous Pucon and Villarrica volcano to the more hidden world of Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve close to the border to Argentina and finally to Puerto Varas via Lago LLanquihue with the fantastic sight of Osorno volcano looming behind in perfect cone-shaped symmetry.

Day 1: Temuco - Pucón

Today you will be picked up from Temuco and then we will proceed to travel through the beautiful landscapes of Chile's Araucanía region, home of Chile's proud Mapuche nation and the gateway to our famous Lake District. While travelling, you will be able to see typical farms and quaint towns that will finally lead in to some spectacular sights of Volcano Villarrica and the lake of the same name. Then we will finally arrive to the highly touristy town of Pucón. Overnight in Pucón.

Day 2: Pucón and Surroundings

This day you will be picked up from your hotel and we will explore some of Pucon's beautiful surroundings. We will first drive to Villarrica National Park, situated on a lateral branch of the Andean mountain range. This park is famous for its volcano, forests, caves, rivers and lagoons. Dominating the landscape, the Villarrica volcano is its major attraction. With an altitude of 2.847 m / 9.341 ft above sea level and with the reputation of being the most active volcano in South America, Villarrica is the centre of tourist activity in this region. In the Villarrica Park you will find extensive forests of araucarias (monkey puzzle tree)and lenga in the higher parts as well as Raulí and Coigüe in the lower parts. These woods provide environment for a variety of fauna, the puma is probably one of the most interesting. To get to the volcanic caves we will drive up the Northern slope of the volcano through native forest. After about half an hour we will reach the deep caves of the Villarrica Volcano. The caves themselves were formed by extremly hot lava that spilt over, the solid lava rocks inside the caves are of exceptional forms. We will have enough time to explore the caves inside. Then we will return to Pucón. Later on we will be heading towards the Huerquehue National Park. Our destination is the Caburga Lake and its beautiful waterfalls, located about 35 km / 22 miles east of Pucón. It is a nice drive through the native forests of the Araucania region, while you can observe the typical flora and fauna of this area. After about 1 hour we will reach Lake Caburga. Caburga is a quite small mountain lake with a splendid wide beach. We will take an easy walk through the surroundings. Relax on the beautiful beach and take a refreshing swim if you like. We will continue our tour to the nearby 'Ojos de Caburgua', crystal clear waterfalls, formed by underground rivers. Especially on a bright day the colors are impressive, it is a favourite place for picnics or a swim. In the late afternoon return to your hotel in Pucón. Overnight in Pucón.(B)

Day 3: Pucón - Huilo-Huilo

Today we will travel through lush forests and lakes in order to deepen into the core of this region. We will finally arrive to the impressive scenery of the Huilo-Huilo Biological reserve. With over 250 km. of trails inside of it and unmatchable amounts of wildlife and a great variety of trees and plants, this reserve has become a model to look up to in Chilean tourism. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Huilo-Huilo. (B)

Day 4: Huilo - Huilo - Excursions and Activities

After breakfast you will have the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a hike near the hotel or enjoy one of the excursions that are offered. Ask at the front desk about different options and rates. Overnight in Huilo-Huilo. (B)

Day 5: Huilo - Huilo - Puerto Varas

This day we will head South to our final destination in the heart of the Lake District in the beautiful city of Puerto Varas, also called the city of roses, which is located by the always impressive Lago LLanquihue and with an amazing view of the perfectly cone shaped Volc´n Osorno. (Overnight and/or additional services can be added to this itinerary.)

Rates for 2012/2013

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Included:

Program includes: 2 overnights with breakfast in Pucon area, 2 overnights in Huilo Huilo, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees.

Notes:

• During the first weeks of January horse flies proliferate in this region close to the Andes. They cause no harm, but are a nuisance and are attracted to dark clothing.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Accommodations used for this Itinerary:

Hotel Monte Verde*** Hotel & Cabañas Monte Verde are located only 5 minutes away from Pucón. They feature , features 14 comfortable and fully equipped cabins with a spectacular view of the Lake Villarrica. The wooden cabins are set amidst beautiful gardens with lagoons, heated swimming-pool and playground. The hotel provides travel assistance with organizing activities such as climbing the volcano, Skiing and Snow-boarding.

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Hotel Villarrica Park Lake***** Located on the shores of Lake Villarrica, the setting of this five star hotel is fabulous. Surrounded by beautiful gardens great panoramic views can be had from any of the hotel's facilities. It has easy access to the black volcanic beaches, yet is just at a 15-minute drive from Villarrica and at 1 ¼ hour from Temuco airport. Its 70 luxury rooms with private terraces all have a beautiful view across the lake. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, heating, satellite TV, separate bathtub and shower, hair-dryer, mini-bar, safe deposit box, telephone, fax and computer modem connections. Additional services include a complete Spa with saunas, gym, in-door heated swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool and pool for children, beauty center, solarium, Jacuzzi, facial and corporal treatments, library room. Additionally, a complete conference center for meetings and seminars is also available.

For more details about Huilo Huilo and Baobab Hotel click here.