The Araucanía portion of Chile's Lake District, from the Río Renaico south to to the northern shores of Lago Calafquén offers the main destinations of Villarica and Pucón, (photos plus smaller towns and resort areas, lakes, national parks, hot springs called termas, rivers, seaports and things to do and see.
Named La Araucanía for the Araucanian Indians, also known as
Mapuche, who resisted first Inca encroachment on their territory, then later the Spaniards. There is a large Mapuche population in this region, and their culture, traditions and
handicrafts are of major interest. There is also a group of Mapuche in the Netherlands, who maintain the Rehue Foundation to support
the Mapuche way of life.
Base yourself in the well-known resorts of Villarica on the western in Pucón, at the eastern end of
Lago Villarrica located at the base of the volcano
with the same name. Or choose one of the smaller communities around the lake.
From any location, activities and day excursions to the region are easy.
Places to Stay in the Lake District
Pucón
Villarica
Osorno
Puerto Varas
Puerto Montt
Things to Do
Pucón offers sailing and other water sports, skiing and
horseback riding
Check out the action at Hotel Del Lago Resort and Casino
Sky dive
Ski, fish and
raft at Villarica
volcanos
Browse through the Feria Artesanal in Villarica for Mapuche handicrafts and food
Visit the termas at Huife or Palquín
Visit [link url=http://www.gochile.cl/eng/Guide/ChileNationalParks/Huerquehue/Huerquehue-1.asp]
Huerquehue National Park on Lago Caburga's eastern shore to see the wildlife reserve.
Climb the Lago Verde Trail through forests and past waterfalls for a great view
of Villarica lake and volcano.
See the slide show at CONAF visitor center at Lago Conguillío;, then take a hike or a boat trip
Tour
Conguillio National Park to walk through old growth araucaria forests
Enjoy whitewater rafting on Trancura River
(photo
Tour Licán Rey, on Lago Calafquen, for the nightly craft fairs and to enjoy the
beaches and fashionable restaurants and cafes
Enjoy the black sand beaches at Coñaripe on Calafquen's east shore
Visit Panquipulli on the lake of the same name, near
Mocho-Choshuenco volcano, closer to Valdivia
Spend some time in Valdivia,
called the city of rivers, to absorb the German heritage in cuisine, customs and architecture Take a boat to Isla Teja and tour the Museo Histórico y Arquelógico to see Mapuche cultural artifacts and effects from the early German settlers.
Tour the remaining Spanish forts at Corral, Niebla and Isla Mancera
