About
Llanquihue Lake lies in Chile's Lake District, in South America, and it is the country's second-largest lake. Its surface covers roughly 330 square miles, so it reads more like an inland sea than a quiet pond. The water is clear, and on a calm day the reflections of the surrounding mountains make the shoreline look twice as tall.
The setting
What gives the lake its character is the ring of volcanoes around it. Osorno and Calbuco are the two names most often mentioned, and both rise snow-capped above the shore. Whether you are looking across the water or climbing into the hills, the volcanic backdrop is present almost everywhere you go.
Towns on the shore
The lake's towns make comfortable bases. Puerto Varas and Frutillar both carry a German influence in their architecture and atmosphere, a reminder of the settlers who arrived in this part of Chile. Staying in one of them lets you return each evening to a small, walkable centre after a day on the water or in the mountains.
What to do
- Kayak on the lake and see the volcanoes from the water.
- Go fishing, a pastime the lake is well suited to.
- Consider climbing one of the volcanoes, an option for those who want to go higher than the shore.
- Spend slow hours simply looking at the water and the peaks.
Is it worth the trip?
If you want open water, clear views and volcanoes close at hand, Llanquihue Lake offers all three in one place. It suits people who enjoy outdoor activity and quieter towns, and it rewards a visit of several days rather than a single afternoon.
