Lake District
Why go?
The Lake District stretches for 340km south from Temuco until the
land starts to disintegrate into the archipelago of Chiloé
just below Puerto Montt. The scenery is stunning: lush farmland,
dense forests, volcanoes, and of course lots of lakes. At times the
landscape is reminiscent of the south west of England: cows grazing
in a field, green rolling hills - until a flock of parrots rises
squawking out of the trees!
This region was once completely covered in dense forest, the home
of the Mapuche. It was the stronghold from which they fought off
the Incas and then the Spanish. Now the forest remains only in
pockets, as do the Mapuche in their reducciones
(reservations). In their place you will find rolling meadows and
dairy farmland: the legacy of Swiss, Austrian and German settlers.
The Germanic influence remains strong, especially in the buildings
and food around Lago Llanquihue. The Lake District has also become
a beacon for adventure sport addicts, with volcanoes to climb,
snowboarding and skiing, and white-water rafting.
Any Downsides?
The weather in the Lake District is similar to the UK: lots of rain
and a temperamental summer. But while the sun may seem gentle, the
hole in the ozone directly above the south of Chile makes it
very strong.
And a word of warning: look out for furry tarantulas in the woods
around Lago Todos Los Santos.