|
The "Chilean Switzerland" offers countless attractions that enchant visitors to this region: a string of lakes, in which the proud volcanoes that flank them are being reflected, thick primeval forests of the Andes and the green lush hills of the island Chiloé, subject of many a mythical story.
South of the Bío-Bío river begins Araucania, an Indian region and home of the war-faring Mapuche, who are upholding ancient customs and traditional attire to this day around the district of Temuco.
From Temuco several of the most beautiful Nature Parks in Chile are within easy travelling distance, first and foremost the Parque Nacional Conguillío. Chile's most active volcano, the 3,124 m high Llaima, towers in the centre of this park, flanked by umbrella-shaped Araucarian trees, which flourish on the fertile volcanic soil.
A little further south begins the Lake District. Two paradisiacal national parks are located near the tourist resort Pucón, at the feet of a forever smoking and snow-capped volcano Villarrica and at the shores of a lake by the same name. Here mountain hikers, mountain bikers, kayaking enthusiasts and horse lovers find everything their hearts could possibly desire.
The charming river-side town Valdivia with its old Spanish forts used to be the gateway for German immigrants, who came to Chile from the mid 19th century onwards and left their indelible traces everywhere: characteristic wooden houses and street names as well as the delicious "kuchenes" (cakes).
 The traces of their influence can also be found in the cosy towns of Frutillar and Puerto Varas at the Lake Llanquihue. Four majestic volcanoes tower over the lake's immense mass of water. A combined boat-bus trip takes you right across the Andes and through the rainforests of the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales across to Bariloche in Argentina. A postcard image presents the thermal hotel Termas de Puyehue, which is a tranquil hotel and spa with rich local traditions situated pictorially in the Andes.
Tour offers Small South
Top
|
|
