Chile with kids: lake district road trip from Pucon to Puerto Varas

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights in Pucon
• 2 nights in Huilo Huilo
• 2 nights in Puerto Varas

Day 1: Arrive in Temuco and drive to Pucon

On arrival at Temuco airport, you will make your way to the rental car offices and pick up your rental vehicle for the next seven days, before driving to your hotel in Pucon in for a 2-night stay. The journey is just under 90 km so should take around 1.5 hours – you’ll be provided with a self-drive map.

This northern part of Chile’s Lake District offers spectacular landscapes with good roads, so driving around here is easy and a fantastic way to explore the area at your own pace. 

Day 2: Pucon    

Pucon lies on the shores of Villarrica Lake, overlooked by a volcano. Here you have a full day to spend in Chile’s adventure and recreational capital - so you can choose between zip-lining, kayaking, horseback riding and many more (at an extra cost).

Day 3: Drive to Huilo Huilo        

Today you will drive 120km to Huilo Huilo, through picturesque mountain landscapes, lush forest and past deep blue lakes. There are several routes you can pick, but we suggest to take the scenic route that follows the shores of lakes Calafquen and Panguipulli.          

Day 4: Huilo Huilo    

Huilo Huilo is a private reserve of native forest dedicated to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. The cabins we’ve picked are convenient for a family; they are beside the Fuy River in the midst of a lush forest where oak and lenga trees predominate. They each have a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious terrace with a barbecue area, so there is plenty of room to unwind and enjoy each other’s company - why not treat the whole family to an al fresco dinner in the evening?

You can spend today relaxing an enjoying the forest or go for a wildlife walk with naturalist guides.

Day 5: Drive to Puerto Varas       

Today, you’ll drive to Puerto Varas, your last destination in the Lake District. This journey is a little longer, at around 300km, so we suggest a few stops to appreciate the stunning scenery. You could detour from the main road and take the route along Lago Ranco or even better, visit Lago Puyehue and nearby Lago Rupanco and Laguna Bonita a bit further south.   

Day 6: Puerto Varas   

Amongst this lake region, Puerto Varas is one of the most popular resorts, on the southwest banks of Lake Llanquihue with amazing views of Osorno volcano. The hotel we’ve chosen for your family sits on the shores of the lake, and has a delicious breakfast buffet included – the perfect spot for relaxing on your last day. If you’d like one more half-day excursion, we suggest driving 55km east along the lake to visit the beautiful Petrohue falls.

Day 7: Depart Puerto Varas

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and drive to Puerto Montt airport, around 25 km away. Once you arrive, drop your rental car off and connect with your onward travel plans.