Spend four nights in Pucón on Lake Villarrica with views of Villarrica Volcano. Afterwards, drive south via Ruta 5 to Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue; allow a full travel day for this journey. Hot springs, lakes, and Osorno Volcano are within day-trip reach from both locations.
9 Days / 8 Nights
November–March
2 stops
Why This Route?
For travelers seeking to combine lakes, volcanoes, and hot springs at a relaxed pace from one base.
Hidden Gems
Termas Geométricas near Coñaripe, about a two-hour drive from Pucón
Ojos del Caburgua, waterfalls northeast of Pucón on the way to Lago Caburgua
Saltos del Petrohué at the foot of Osorno, about 55 kilometers from Puerto Varas
Itinerary
Stop 1 • 4 Nights
Pucón
City
Route highlight
Pucón, a resort town on Lake Villarrica in northern Chile's Lake District, is overlooked by the cone of Villarrica volcano. From here, explore forest hot springs, the Araucaria forests of Huerquehue National Park, and the whitewater of the Río Trancura.Villarrica is one of Chile's most active volcanoes. Guided ascents depend on the current alert level: Before traveling, consult SENAPRED and the German Federal Foreign Office's travel and security advisories.
5 Sights
5 Restaurants
The Culture and History
Land of the MapucheThe area around Pucón is part of the traditional homeland of the Mapuche, Chile's largest indigenous group. Mapudungun is still spoken in the communities surrounding the lake, and many local place names come from this language. In markets and craft shops, you'll find Mapuche textiles, silver jewelry, and wood carvings, and in the local cuisine, the smoked chili powder Merkén.Some communities offer visits where you can learn more about their daily life, agriculture, and ceremonies. It's important to remember: only with an invitation or through a reputable provider, and ask before taking photos.From Fort to Holiday ResortPucón was founded in 1883 when the army established an outpost here during the military occupation of Araucanía. Soon after, merchants and settlers arrived, including German families. For a long time, Pucón remained a small agricultural town. Its development into a holiday resort began with the opening of the Gran Hotel Pucón in 1934; today, tourism and outdoor sports shape the town's character.
Perfect for an exciting city trip. Perfect for unwinding and relaxation and Culinary highlights.
Puerto Varas is a small town on Lago Llanquihue in the south of the Chilean Lake District, characterized by wooden houses from the period of German immigration. On clear days, the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes rise above the lake, and most of the region's attractions can be reached from here as a day trip.
9 Sights
13 Restaurants
Culture in Puerto Varas
The Church on the HillThe Church of Sagrado Corazón de Jesús on the hill above the town is its landmark: a wooden structure built between 1915 and 1918, designed after churches in Baden-Württemberg and a National Monument since 1992. From up there, you also get a good view of the lake and volcanoes.Homes of Immigrant FamiliesAround the center stand several heritage-listed residential buildings of the immigrant families from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, recognizable by their shingle facades, bay windows, and steep roofs. Some today house hotels or restaurants, while others can only be viewed from the outside.In everyday life, the German heritage is more a backdrop than a living tradition: Spanish is spoken, Chilean customs are celebrated. It remains visible in breweries, bakeries, and club names.
