3 Best Sights in The Lake District, Chile

On the Pacific coast, about a three-hour drive from Osorno, is a network of indigenous parks spread over nine Huilliche communities amid 50,000 hectares (124,000 acres) of pristine temperate rain forest. Overnight trips include a sail up the coast to visit a Huilliche settlement and the beautiful, white sand and turquoise waters of Condor Beach (www.caletacondorexpediciones.cl). The eight-person boat leaves from Bahía Mansa, but keep an eye on the weather as the boat won’t run if it’s really windy. Exploring the indigenous parks by land is a more intrepid trip. The Agencia de Turismo Mapu Lahual, which represents the Huilliche communities, offers three- to six-day programs that include trekking, horseback rides, and homestays (simple, basic accommodations) with descendants of the Huilliche. Nature lovers will appreciate the native alerce forest as you cross the Chilean Coastal Range, home to 30 different bird species and an equal number of mammals, including the Molina’s hog-nosed skunk, mountain monkeys, and pumas. 

A private nature preserve about 40 km from Futrono, the 13,500-hectare Futangue Nature Park has a fantastic variety of outdoor recreational activities to offer. There is a network of more than 100 km of trails for hiking and mountain biking through lush, Valdivian temperate rain forest. The scenery is breathtaking, and always unique: sometimes you are deep in virgin forest then occasionally find yourself among rock formations so visually unusual as to seem extraterrestrial. Views of mountains and volcanoes peak around the corner. Hike about three to four hours in and there are natural hot springs. Kayakers and fly fishermen can spend countless hours on one of the several lakes or rivers. There are also opportunities for horseback riding. From May to October you must reserve your park entrance ticket ahead of time on their website, where you can also book a variety of excursions with bilingual guides. There is no camping permitted, but they have a highly regarded upscale lodge with 16 rooms, fine dining restaurant, pool and sauna room (two-night minimum, 550,000 pesos). 

Chile's first private nature preserve, this park hosts one of the last remaining, extensive araucaria forests, a magnificent tree species that can live up to 2,000 years and that is oft nicknamed "monkey puzzle" because of its tangled branches that swirl around its treetop. With about 500 hectares (1,235 acres) altogether, this is simply one of the best treks in southern Chile. The hike to El Cañi's highest ground (1,600 meters), called Mirador Melidekiñ, is a three- to four-hour steep climb but rewards you with an awesome view of four volcanoes. Guides are not necessary for the trails, and there are camping sites and a refugio for overnight stays (4,000 pesos). Located about 20 km (12 miles) east of Pucón, the park is accessible via the road to Lago Caburgua (take the turnoff at Km 14). Then turn on the paved road with the sign "Termas Huife" and drive until you reach El Cañi. It is also possible to arrive by bus.