Chile Zona Sur - Rivers, Lakes, Volcanoes & Chiloe Island
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Zona Sur - Araucania & Chiloe Island: South of the Zona Central, "wine country" gives way to Araucania, the "Zona Sur", a lush area of lakes, rivers, stunning volcanoes and exceptional vistas. For 350 years the frontier between the Spanish and the fiercely proud Mapuche native people, their most famous warrior, Lautaro ("Swift Hawk"), defeated Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia at the battle of Tucapel in 1553. Today, Chileans and foreign visitors alike flock to this area in summer. An iconic destination, it also offers cruises that showcase Earth, Wind, Water & Fire! |
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Accessed by air into Puerto Montt (IATA PMC), or by a long scenic drive down the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5) from Santiago, the favourite spots in the "Rivers & Lakes" region (5) are centred on Lake Villarrica and more southerly Lake Llanquihue. With its snow-topped volcano and bustling resorts, Villarrica and nearby Pucon offer great family adventure, with stunning scenery and welcoming hospitality. At Lake Llanquihue, in similarly lovely towns like Frutillar and Puerto Varas, visitors enjoy tranquil views of the lakes, framed by soaring volcanoes. Active holidays can be enjoyed here too, in an area settled by Germans in the 19th century, ranging from water activities, summer concerts, and German "bier und kuchen"! One tour NOT to be missed, is the "Cruce Andino" cruise, from Puerto Varas in Chile to Bariloche in Argentina!
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Also accessed by air via Puerto Montt, or directly into Castro, an "olde worlde" experience can be enjoyed on Chiloe Island (6). On a full day outing from Puerto Montt, or for a longer stay in the capital, Castro, or in one of the other fishing towns on this quaint island, like colonial Ancud or old Quellon, it oozes with charm, offers warm hospitality and has outstanding seafood cuisine. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls along peaceful shores, may visit a unique penguin colony, and can reflect on the beauty of pastoral scenes with old Jesuit churches that were given a UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
A special holiday for a group would be to charter the Motor Yacht "Alba", and spend a few days here cruising in style! |
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Unique Destinations has a shortlist of great accommodation in Zona Sur. These include high-end 4*+ hotels around Lake Villarrica, particularly in Villarrica town and Pucon. From here, guests can enjoy watersports on the lake itself, or go visit the many national parks and thermal baths that dot the area. Fly-fishing is popular, as are visits to Villarrica volcano, where one can also go skiing in the Austral winter.
Around Lake Llanquihue, the resorts of Frutillar and Puerto Varas offer the best experiences, with elegant Germanic Frutillar being especially popular. Top destinations include a visit to Osorno volcano, to scenic Petrohue Falls, a boat trip on Lago Todos los Santos, or fly-fishing on Maullin or Petrohue rivers. A visit to one of the many national parks is a must, to see endemic flora & fauna, including 4,000 year old Alerce trees! |
PRICING
Hotel Park Lake, Villarrica (4*+) rates start at US$ 180/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season. High-end lodge Antumalal, Pucon (4*+) rates start at US$250/night for two persons sharing a double superior room with breakfast during the high season, in an outstanding location with superb facilities.
Hotel Cumbres & Spa, Puerto Varas (4*+) rates start at US$ 250/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season. An alternative in Puerto Varas might be Hotel Solace, with rates commencing at US$140/night two persons sharing a standard double room with breakfast, depending on the season.
A superb all-inclusive package can be enjoyed in one of two unique TOP END hotels on Chiloe Island; at Tierra Chiloe & Spa (5*) rates would be US$3,020 for two persons on a 3 night stay, sharing a double room, with airport transfers, all meals, open bar, use of spa and other facilities including kayak and riding, plus daily guided excursions; at the Ocio Territorial Hotel & Spa (4*+) rates are from US$1,500 to US$1,950 for two persons on a 3 night stay (rates depend on standard of room and time of season), sharing a double room, with transfers, all inclusive meals and bar, plus daily guided tours.
The "Cruce Andino" is a unique cruise experience, involving travel via a mix of comfortable minibuses and associated catamaran cruise vessels that transport guests through the lakes that straddle the Andes between Chile and Argentina. The trip can be done one-way in one or two days, with a hotel stopover overnight in Peulla or Puerto Blest. US$ 560 for two persons, one day travel; US$ 665/710 for two persons, overnight in Puerto Blest (2*)/Peulla (3*), including breakfast. (Return fare 50% discount!)
An all-inclusive cruise around the Chiloe archipelago aboard the exclusive, 10-berth, Motor Yacht "Alba" can be chartered from US$1,600/day (minimum 3 nights/Sept - April/rates vary on cruise duration). Charter of M/Y "Alba" includes experienced captain & crew, chef, cruise itinerary in agreement with guests, all meals (outstanding!), open bar, fishing, and transfers to Castro airport.
Hotel Park Lake, Villarrica (4*+) rates start at US$ 180/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season. High-end lodge Antumalal, Pucon (4*+) rates start at US$250/night for two persons sharing a double superior room with breakfast during the high season, in an outstanding location with superb facilities.
Hotel Cumbres & Spa, Puerto Varas (4*+) rates start at US$ 250/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season. An alternative in Puerto Varas might be Hotel Solace, with rates commencing at US$140/night two persons sharing a standard double room with breakfast, depending on the season.
A superb all-inclusive package can be enjoyed in one of two unique TOP END hotels on Chiloe Island; at Tierra Chiloe & Spa (5*) rates would be US$3,020 for two persons on a 3 night stay, sharing a double room, with airport transfers, all meals, open bar, use of spa and other facilities including kayak and riding, plus daily guided excursions; at the Ocio Territorial Hotel & Spa (4*+) rates are from US$1,500 to US$1,950 for two persons on a 3 night stay (rates depend on standard of room and time of season), sharing a double room, with transfers, all inclusive meals and bar, plus daily guided tours.
The "Cruce Andino" is a unique cruise experience, involving travel via a mix of comfortable minibuses and associated catamaran cruise vessels that transport guests through the lakes that straddle the Andes between Chile and Argentina. The trip can be done one-way in one or two days, with a hotel stopover overnight in Peulla or Puerto Blest. US$ 560 for two persons, one day travel; US$ 665/710 for two persons, overnight in Puerto Blest (2*)/Peulla (3*), including breakfast. (Return fare 50% discount!)
An all-inclusive cruise around the Chiloe archipelago aboard the exclusive, 10-berth, Motor Yacht "Alba" can be chartered from US$1,600/day (minimum 3 nights/Sept - April/rates vary on cruise duration). Charter of M/Y "Alba" includes experienced captain & crew, chef, cruise itinerary in agreement with guests, all meals (outstanding!), open bar, fishing, and transfers to Castro airport.