A fantastic self drive adventure through one of the most beautiful areas of Chile - the Lake District. Explore the many National Parks of the region with their infinite hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes and of course, lakes.

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

Pick up your car at the airport or downtown office in Temuco. Your destination today will be Pucón, set on the eastern side of Lake Villarrica. This town is a gateway for excursions to Villarica Volcano. It is surrounded by extensive areas of native forests and impressive mountains. It has two black sand beaches, which are popular for swimming and watersports. Nearby one can also go on white-water rafting trips or visit Huerquehue National Park. Overnight in or close to Pucón.

Day 2: Pucón

Today you will have time to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Pucón. Hike in the national parks and reserves, see nearby waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing bath in one of the numerous hot springs. Overnight in or close to Pucón. (B)

Day 3: Pucón - Huilo Huilo Reserve (155 km / 91 mi)

Today you will cross the northern part of the Lake District. You can take your time to visit one of the National Parks or hot springs along the way. In the afternoon you will arrive at the private 60.000 hectare / 148.260 acres reserve of Huilo Huilo. Overnight in Huilo Huilo. (B)

Day 4: Huilo Huilo Reserve

After breakfast you can explore the many interesting and beautiful sites of the reserve. You can hike through the forest and up to Choshuenco Volcano, visit the falls of Huilo Huilo, enjoy a canopy excursion through the native forest or just relax on the beach of Puerto Fuy. Overnight in Huilo Huilo. (B)

Day 5: Huilo Huilo - Petrohué (high season; 240 km / 149 mi)

Low season: Drive from Huilo Huilo to Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Llanquihue Lake; architecture, culture and gastronomy of Puerto Varas all bear witness to the influence of early German settlers. This town provides a good base for your explorations into neighboring villages and national parks. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)

High season: Drive from Huilo Huilo to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest national park in Chile. After entering the park you will reach the falls of Petrohué and the emerald Lake Todos los Santos. Overnight in the National Park at hotel Petrohué. (B)

Day 6: Petrohué

Regardless of whether you are staying in Puerto Varas or Petrohué, you can choose from the same activities. The Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers several attractive hiking trails, whitewater rafting and canoeing. An excursion by catamaran to Peulla on the other side of Lake Todos los Santos, will also be an option. We recommend booking in advance! If you stay in Puerto Varas, you will discover the charming "City of Roses" with its downtown restaurants and Casino. Overnight at a select hotel. (B)

Day 7: Petrohué - Puerto Montt (90 km / 56 mi)

After breakfast you will drive to Puerto Montt where you can return your vehicle either at El Tepual airport or in downtown Puerto Montt. (B)

Please note that all our itineraries can be customized and modified to suit your wishes.

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.

Baobab Lodge This new hotel is located within the Natural Reserve Huilo Huilo about 56 km / 35 miles from Panguipulli, just next to the Lodge Montaña Mágica. It belongs to the same owners as the Montaña Mágica and its name has the same conceptual character. The baobabs or monkey bread trees are native to Africa. They are quite high and their broad trunk is noted for storing water inside it. The shape of this unique hotel is therefore similar to this kind of tree or as some say to a tea cup with native trees sticking out of the cup. The hotel have 55 rooms.

Hotel Petrohué**** Hotel Petrohué is located within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, between the towering silhuette of Volcano Osorno and the blue-green waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. Built entirely of wood and stone, the hotel has the ambiance of an Alpine chalet that found its way to Chilean Patagonia. It features 13 rooms with views of the lake, volcano or river. General facilities include: room service, parking, bar, coffee shop and restaurant, pool, sauna and gym, meeting and conference halls, central heating, storage, laundry service as well as activities such as Trekking, Canyoning, Rafting and Fly Fishing.

during low season:

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.

Lodge La Montaña Magica*** Montaña Mágica Lodge is located within Huilo Huilo Nature Reserve, about 56 km / 35 miles from Panguipulli. The Lodge's name aptly describes its appearance: constructed with local woods it breaks all traditional architectural rules and looks more like a mountain than a house. Its nine very comfortable superior rooms are decorated in a warm, natural and earthy style. Apart from the rooms in the main building, the Lodge also offers 10 rustic log-cabins. General facilities include a cozy restaurant that prepares local specialties, a bar, a natural tree trunk hot tub, a sauna, a mini-golf course and internet access. Activities at and near Montaña Mágica Lodge include: hiking, trekking, horseback-riding, canopy, river rafting and mountain biking among others.

Hotel Petrohué**** Hotel Petrohué is located within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, between the towering silhuette of Volcano Osorno and the blue-green waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. Built entirely of wood and stone, the hotel has the ambiance of an Alpine chalet that found its way to Chilean Patagonia. It features 13 rooms with views of the lake, volcano or river. General facilities include: room service, parking, bar, coffee shop and restaurant, pool, sauna and gym, meeting and conference halls, central heating, storage, laundry service as well as activities such as Trekking, Canyoning, Rafting and Fly Fishing.

during low season:

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.