The Lakes District, in the south of Chile, is a perfect destination to enjoy the gastronomic traditions and the wonderful lacustrine landscapes surrounded by mountains and snowy volcanoes. In this article, we tell you about three must-see places in Chilean Patagonia so you can make the most of your vacation.     [caption id="attachment_14037" align="aligncenter" width="675"]We traveled through Frutillar, Osorno and Puerto Varas The Lake Distirict is one of the sixteen regions into which Chile is divided, a destination full of wonderful lake landscapes / photo by Daytours4u[/caption]  

The German tradition is kept alive in Frutillar

Frutillar is a Chilean town located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Its geographical outlay is impressive since the volcanoes Puntiagudo, Osorno and Calbuco, guard it. This city is full of history and culture since it was founded in 1856 by German immigrants who arrived during the presidency of Manuel Montt in search of new opportunities. The Germans settled on the shores of the lake with mills, dairy farms, distilleries, and warehouses and populated the place that at times seems European given its architecture and customs. In the German Colonial Museum, you can find a tribute to these first settlers who were mostly farmers and had escaped the agricultural poverty caused by the industrial revolution in Germany. There are documents, photographs, and objects on exhibit from the era that take you back in time. Frutillar is also known as "the City of Music". The Teatro del Lago (Lake Theater)- one of the most wonderful works of modern architecture in Chile - is home to major musical events, theater plays, ballets and international concerts. It is known for being the southernmost theater in the world and throughout the year you can take guided tours to visit its corners and hear the history of this place. In addition, the famous Musical Weeks, which are the most recognized gatherings of learned music in Latin America, are celebrated here and revolutionized this city as a tourist destination since they began in 1968 during the months of January and February and continue to this day. Every year there are artistic and foreign groups that offer around thirty or forty concerts.     [caption id="attachment_14038" align="aligncenter" width="675"]We traveled through Frutillar, Osorno and Puerto Varas Frutillar is characterized by its beautiful landscapes overlooking Lake Llanquihue / photo by Daytours4u[/caption]   In Frutillar the German traditions are kept alive and gastronomy is proof of this. In a visit to this town, you should not miss the opportunity to taste the famous "kuchen", a sweet baked dough cake with cream and fruits such as apples or blueberries. Any restaurant or cafe serves it, you just have to sit and enjoy it and much better if it is accompanied with a good view of the lake. In the German Club, for example, you can try other local recipes such as the German shrimp pil pil, like a cured ham with French fries and continue the custom of drinking craft beer that is still a current force in this town. If you are visiting during the summer, another unmissable plan is to participate in the Beer Festival, which during the month of February brings together the main craft beer makers in the area in an atmosphere of good music, exquisite cuisine and German traditions. Undoubtedly, Frutillar is a destination to rest and spend a quiet holiday in an environment that combines culture, cuisine and landscape.  

Osorno Volcano, icon from the Chilean Patagonia postcard

One of the most interesting excursions in the area of ​​Frutillar and Puerto Varas is to visit the Osorno volcano for the day. From Puerto Varas, it is accessed from downtown after traveling 60 kilometers. It's at an elevation of 2,661 meters above sea level, making it visible from the cities of the province of Osorno to even some places on the island of Chiloé. From a distance it looks like a perfect cone and always snowy; representing a typical image of the landscape of the Lake District.     [caption id="attachment_14039" align="aligncenter" width="675"]We traveled through Frutillar, Osorno and Puerto Varas The Osorno volcano is the perfect icon of the Lake District and one of the most beautiful volcanoes in southern Chile / photo by Daytours4u[/caption]   When you take a vehicle along the asphalted road, you will cross one of the most beautiful roads in Chile between the greenery of its slopes and the lake landscape. In the first section of the circuit you can find coihue and lenga trees and from 800 meters up you will find the oldest species of the forest that is between 4,000 and 5,000 years old: the Andean larch. The views get better behind each curve until you reach the parking lot. From there you can continue climbing both on foot trails or by the chairlifts. Keep in mind that the best time to make the ascent to the top walking is during the months of November and December when the snowfall is over. The journey can take between 6 and 7 hours and it is advisable to do it in the company of local guides and always bring thermal clothing, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and supplies. Of course, for snow lovers, it is also interesting to pay a visit during the winter because it is when the slopes of the ski center with more than 200 hectares are open for skiing, snowboarding and even tubing.  

Puerto Varas, the "City of Roses"

Llocated only 20 kilometers from Puerto Montt and on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, it is one of the most emblematic cities of Chile and a very touristic destination since from this area you can tour much of the Chilean Patagonia due to its excellent connectivity and closeness to the airport and also for the great hotel capacity and gastronomic offer. Here the German immigrants also left their traces in their homes and gardens, in their gastronomy, traditions and customs. A must-see in the city is to walk along the waterfront that surrounds Llanquihue Lake while you observe the clear German influence on its architectural heritage and if you want to live a unique experience there are walks to make on boats.     [caption id="attachment_14040" align="aligncenter" width="675"]We traveled through Frutillar, Osorno and Puerto Varas Puerto Varas is characterized by a traditional German style architecture that evokes its colonial past / photo by Daytours4u[/caption]   Puerto Varas is known as the "City of Roses and Volcanoes" for its squares full of roses and its natural environment surrounded by volcanoes such as Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo. A short distance away is the Petrohué River and the All Saints Lake where the most adventurous travelers can practice different activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, rafting and sport fishing. This Chilean town also stands out for its lively nightlife with a modern casino and dozens of restaurants, bars and pubs that offer a unique and first-rate cuisine as it combines Mapuche influences with German traditions.  

To take into account

- In the Lake District it is advisable to bring clothes suitable for rain, because the climate changes constantly at any time of the year. - The best time to visit this region is the spring-summer season, which includes the months of October to March. In this period you will have hotter days and less rain, ideal to take advantage of outdoor activities. - The Musical Weeks of Frutillar is the most important event in the Lake District, so during this time, you must book your accommodation in advance.  
By: Gilda Selis, journalist specializing in travel. Author of the blog Mi Bitácora de Viajes and the book On the Move, the internal geography of a girl who travels from here to there.