The Lake District

The Lake District is Chile’s most visited area, and it’s not difficult to see why. Much of the region, which comprises several huge lakes, forests and snow-capped volcanoes is protected in national parks and reserves, including the Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales, the largest in the country.

It is an easy area to visit, with good roads and transport links. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists that pour into the region each year, hiking trails are plentiful, and you could easily walk for days without seeing another person.

Kayaking, rafting and climbing are also becoming increasingly popular as the tourist infrastructure improves, and there are many good bases to choose from. One of the most popular is Pucón, on the shores of Lago Villarrica. It’s a laid-back kind of place, with plenty of opportunities for meeting up with other travellers and taking part in sporting activities.