Southern Chile

If the Lake Region's forests were a challenge and threat to these first settlers, to the modern-day traveler they are a source of wonder. In the northern portion of the Lake Region, La Araucania, national and private parks protect the last tracts of Araucaria trees, an ancient conifer dating from the Jurassic age and now a Chilean natural monument. The towns of Temuco and Pucón, built in the heart of the Mapuche homeland, provide access to the rivers, lakes, forests and volcanoes that make this one of Chile's prime adventure travel destinations.

Further south, the Valdivian Rainforest - the second largest temperate rainforest in the world - blankets the mountains of the coast and the Andes. The cities of Valdivia, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are jumping-off points for excursions among the chain of beautiful lakes which nose into the Andes, in some places straddling the continental divide which marks the Chile-Argentina border.

Where the Central Valley finally sinks into the Pacific and Chilean Patagonia begins, magnificent old-growth Alerce forests are home to the world's second longest-lived tree: examples of this endangered conifer surpass 3500 years of age.

Each of the destination cities in the Lake Region feature excellent hotels, dining, shopping and transportation services, and put you within reach of diverse attractions for all tastes, ages, and levels of fitness. Of particular interest is the chain of National Parks that extends along the Argentine border, protecting habitats ranging from forest to volcanic plateaus.

Visits to these parks, Andean lake cruises to Argentina, and numerous lakeside resorts are excellent great trip ideas for families or the general interest traveler. More adventurous or specialized travelers will find nearly limitless opportunities for hiking and mountaineering, whitewater rafting, birdwatching, mountain biking and horseback riding, among other activities.