How long is the Chilean Lake District Volcano Loop route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Puerto Varas to Puerto Varas in Lake District, Chile.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is November to April.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Culture.

Chilean Lake District Volcano Loop

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The route · 6 stops

3 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 2 stops on the way

Puerto Varas

2 nights

Colonial German city on the shore of Lago Llanquihue, with the conical Osorno volcano rising behind it. Use two nights to walk the lakefront, kayak on the lake, and drive to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park for the Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls, a series of turquoise channels carved through black lava.Colonial German city on the shore of Lago Llanquihue, with the conical Osorno volcano rising behind it. Use two nights to walk the lakefront, kayak on the lake, and drive to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park for the Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls, a series of turquoise channels carved through black lava.

Recommendations

Day trip from Puerto Varas

2
Frutillar
A day trip from Puerto Varas: Lakeside village settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, 30 km north of Puerto Varas. The wooden pier frames a classic view of Osorno volcano above the water. Visit the Museo Colonial Alemán, stroll the lakefront, and stop for kuchen at one of the heritage cafés before continuing north.A day trip from Puerto Varas: Lakeside village settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, 30 km north of Puerto Varas. The wooden pier frames a classic view of Osorno volcano above the water. Visit the Museo Colonial Alemán, stroll the lakefront, and stop for kuchen at one of the heritage cafés before continuing north.
Recommendations

On the way

Osorno
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: Market town and gateway to Parque Nacional Puyehue. The Mercado Municipal has smoked meats and local produce; browse before lunch. In the afternoon, drive 76 km east on Ruta 215 to Aguas Calientes thermal pools for a soak in volcanic hot springs surrounded by temperate rainforest.Worth a stop on the drive: Market town and gateway to Parque Nacional Puyehue. The Mercado Municipal has smoked meats and local produce; browse before lunch. In the afternoon, drive 76 km east on Ruta 215 to Aguas Calientes thermal pools for a soak in volcanic hot springs surrounded by temperate rainforest.
Recommendations

On to Pucón

Pucón

2 nights

Chile's adventure capital on Lago Villarrica, below the smoking cone of Villarrica volcano (2,847 m). Guided summit hikes run daily in season (mid-November to May) with crampons and ice axe provided. Other highlights: whitewater rafting on Río Trancura, Termas Geométricas thermal pools, and mountain biking through araucaria forest.Chile's adventure capital on Lago Villarrica, below the smoking cone of Villarrica volcano (2,847 m). Guided summit hikes run daily in season (mid-November to May) with crampons and ice axe provided. Other highlights: whitewater rafting on Río Trancura, Termas Geométricas thermal pools, and mountain biking through araucaria forest.

Recommendations

On to Temuco

Temuco

1 night

The Mapuche cultural capital of Chile and the largest city on the route. Spend the morning at Feria Pinto, one of the biggest traditional markets in the south, for fresh produce, smoked meats, and handmade Mapuche textiles and jewellery. The Museo Regional de la Araucanía is a short walk away.The Mapuche cultural capital of Chile and the largest city on the route. Spend the morning at Feria Pinto, one of the biggest traditional markets in the south, for fresh produce, smoked meats, and handmade Mapuche textiles and jewellery. The Museo Regional de la Araucanía is a short walk away.

Recommendations

On the way

Puerto Varas
Quick stop
Return to Puerto Varas via Ruta 5 south (190 km, around 2.5 hours). Drop the hire car at Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport, 20 km south, before your departing flight.Return to Puerto Varas via Ruta 5 south (190 km, around 2.5 hours). Drop the hire car at Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport, 20 km south, before your departing flight.
Recommendations

Chilean Lake District Volcano Loop