A fascinating trail of discovery through some of Chile's most enchanting landscape - the Lake District. Witness the change of scenery from the lush forests clad mountains and lakes to pampa and dry grassland as you cross the watershed line and pass into Argentina. Explore some of the many National Parks and protected areas along the way for fabulous hikes and to gain a deeper insight into the varied ecosystems in this watershed region.

Day 1: Temuco - Pucón (112 km / 70 mi)

Pick up your car at the airport or city rental office. Your destination for today will be the town of Pucón, beautifully situated below volcano Villarrica. At the eastern end of Villarrica Lake, and surrounded by extensive areas of native forests, this town will be a good base for visits to the nearby national parks, hot springs, waterfalls and lakes. Overnight in or close to Pucón.

Day 2: Pucón

For today we recommend a combination of hiking (5-6 hrs.) in the Huerquehue National Park, which will give you the opportunity to see the famous Araucaria trees close up, with a visit to one of the many relaxing thermal springs. Overnight in or near Pucón. (B)

Day 3: Pucón - San Martín de los Andes (192 km / 120 mi)

For today's border crossing to Argentina you will be able to choose from two very interesting options: You can cross the Andes by taking the Mamuil Malal Pass at 1200 m / 3937 ft above sea level, where the scenery changes abruptly from farmland to the lush vegetation of native coigüe and araucaria forests to the dry Argentinean Pampa. A second option would be to drive to San Martín, which will lead you to the Huahum Pass. Follow the road south of Pucón to Panguipulli and then board the small ferry on Lake Piriheuico for a 2 hour crossing of the quiet and peaceful lake. Upon arrival continue your trip to the Argentinian border and nearby San Martín (prior reservations are recommended to guarantee space on the ferry. This can be arranged by phone). Overnight in San Martin de los Andes. (B)

Day 4: San Martín - Bariloche (163 km / 101 mi)

Explore the beautiful 'Seven Lakes' route to San Carlos de Bariloche and pass through two National Parks, first Lanin and then Nahuel Huapi. The 'Seven Lake' Route will take you to the tranquil village of Villa Angostura from there you will drive along Nahuel Huapi Lake to Bariloche. Overnight in or close to Bariloche. (B)

Day 5: Bariloche - Puerto Varas (310 km / 194 mi)

Today you will drive back to Chile over the Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass at an altitude of 1,308 m /4,291 ft above sea level. Here you will cross from Nahuel Huapi National Park into the Chilean Puyehue National Park. At the Hotel & Hot Springs Puyehue you can rest, have lunch or enjoy a soothing bath in the thermal pools. Continue southbound on the Panamerican Highway to Puerto Varas, located on the shores of the enormous Lake Llanquihue. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)

Day 6: Puerto Varas and Surroundings

Puerto Varas is a good starting point for excursions to the nearby national parks like Alerce Andino or Vicente Pérez Rosales. Both offer interesting hiking trails. Choose from a wide variety of activities, including the crossing of Lake Todos los Santos to Peulla in a catamaran. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)

Day 7: Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt (20 km / 12 mi)

Return your car at Puerto Montt Airport or the downtown rental office. (B)

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

Hotels used with this itinerary

Option 1:

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.

Hotel Le Chatelet*** Le Chatelet is one of the best hotels in San Martin. Centrally located and built in the local style of this part of Patagonia, it is a homely family run hotel with good services. The hotel features 32 rooms, all of which are well equipped with cable TV, stereo, telephone, room service and central heating. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, library, internet access and private parking.

Hotel Sol de Nahuel

Comfortable 4 star hotel on the lake. No further information available

Hotel Cabañas del Lago**** Hotel Cabañas del Lago is located in the upper part of the city of Puerto Varas, just 5 blocks away from the main square and downtown area. This hotel combines local Patagonian style with a modern flair. The 125 rooms, divided in executive rooms, junior suites and suites, are all equipped with electronic door locks, cable TV, telephone, hairdryer and safe deposit box. Additional services include: heated swimming pool, Spa, barbecue area, Internet access, bar, restaurant and conference halls, ideal for groups or business conventions.

Option 2)

Hotel Landhaus San Sebastián*** This small Inn, or "Landhaus" in German, is located 30-minutes by car from Pucón. It is close to the Lake and Waterfalls of Caburga and Huerquehue National Park. The setting is beautiful – with 56 acre / 23 ha of pristine nature on the doorstep. The Landhaus, owned by a young German family, provides personal service and homemade food. They have standard bedrooms and two suites available for guests, all with private bath and central heating. The surrounding countryside invites guests to explore the park's trails on horseback, or hiking. Rafting is aanother available option.

Hotel Le Chatelet*** Le Chatelet is one of the best hotels in San Martin. Centrally located and built in the local style of this part of Patagonia, it is a homely family run hotel with good services. The hotel features 32 rooms, all of which are well equipped with cable TV, stereo, telephone, room service and central heating. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, library, internet access and private parking.

Ayres de Nahuel*** Hotel Ayres de Nahuel is located only a few steps from Nahuel Huapi lake, yet also just a few meters away from Mitre, the main street of Bariloche. The hotel has only 12 exclusive rooms, but each is spacious and comfortable and offers either lake or mountain view. All the rooms are equipped with digital safety box, minibar, TV, telephone, internet access. General services and facilities include a café, snack bar, mini library, laundry service, parking, among others.

Hotel Bellavista**** Originally inaugurated in 1908, it was rebuilt in 1986 by the present owners. It has a privileged location on the Costanera (coastal road) of Puerto Varas, a short walking distance from downtown. The hotel features 50 rooms and 1 apartment. All rooms include cable TV, safe deposit box, central heating, maid service, hair dryer, ambient music, mini bar, telephone, Internet access, room service. General services include: maid-service, private parking, elevators, two convention halls, sauna, rent a car, and a business center.