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| Illustration of the pier in Frutillar overlooking Lake Llanquihue |
The regional capital is Puerto Montt, and Los Lagos is composed of four provinces, listed from north to south: Osorno, Llanquihue, Chiloé, and Palena. According to the 2024 national census, the region has a population of 890,284 inhabitants, representing a 7.4% increase since 2017. Improved connectivity and transportation options now make Los Lagos more accessible than ever, allowing travelers to explore its diverse landscapes, towns, and cultural highlights with greater ease.
The local economy is driven by agriculture, forestry, livestock, fishing, salmon farming, the dairy industry, services, and tourism. These activities thrive amid breathtaking natural scenery, traditional cuisine, folk music, and a rich cultural heritage— particularly in the province of Chiloé. German immigration, which took place mainly between 1850 and 1910, also left a lasting imprint on local architecture, gastronomy, and customs throughout much of the region.
How to Get There
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| Image: verticetv |
The best way to reach Chile’s Los Lagos Region is by air, landing at El Tepual Airport, just 16 km northwest of Puerto Montt. Daily flights connect the city with Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital, and Punta Arenas, deep in the south.
In recent years, a commuter train has added a new way to explore the heart of the region, linking Puerto Montt with Alerce, Puerto Varas and the town of Llanquihue. Running along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue, this short rail journey offers a practical and scenic alternative for moving between key destinations, with views of the lake, native forests and surrounding volcanoes along the way.
Below are the must-see highlights of Chile’s Tenth Region, Los Lagos:
The Isla Grande de Chiloé (Greater Island of Chiloé) and its surrounding islets are among Chile’s most iconic destinations. This enchanting archipelago in the Los Lagos Region is famous for its unique culture, lively music, rich cuisine, and serene, captivating landscapes.
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| Iglesias de Chiloé |
Key towns to visit are Ancud, the historic gateway founded in 1768; Castro, the provincial capital known for its colorful palafitos (stilt houses) and the UNESCO-listed San Francisco Church; Dalcahue, a charming town north of Castro; and Chonchi, nicknamed “The City of Three Floors” for its tiered layout.
Chiloé’s historic wooden churches, 16 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase the island’s distinctive craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Discover more about Chiloé’s attractions here: Tourist places in Chiloé
City of Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt, the capital of the Los Lagos Region, is located on the scenic Reloncaví Gulf, 1,033 km south of Santiago. Founded in 1853 by Vicente Pérez Rosales with German and Chilean settlers, the city grew in a region rich in fishing resources and surrounded by lush, cold rainforest featuring ancient Larch trees.
Known for its charming waterfront, Puerto Montt is the main gateway to Northern Patagonia and a key business hub of southern Chile. Its economy thrives on tourism, salmon farming, aquaculture, agriculture, livestock, transportation, and telecommunications. From December to March, thousands of tourists visit to enjoy its lively streets, restaurants, and natural attractions.
The city offers excellent infrastructure for travelers and events, including a seaport, airport, bus terminal, well-connected roads, hotels, restaurants, and conference facilities, making it a top destination in southern Chile."Angelmó" Fishermen's Market and Tourist Center
Just 3 km from downtown Puerto Montt, the picturesque bay of Angelmó is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This vibrant area features the Maritime Terminal, offering boat connections to Chiloé Province and the Aysén and Magallanes regions.
Visitors can stroll through a bustling craft fair, watch local fishermen at the fishing terminal selling their fresh catch, and enjoy a lively seafood market with small restaurants serving authentic regional dishes.
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
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| Image: Villa Peulla |
Established on August 17, 1926, Vicente Pérez Rosales is Chile’s oldest national park. Spanning approximately 253,780 hectares, it is located in the Los Lagos Region, nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Chilean Lake District. This protected area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped volcanoes, lush temperate rainforests, and pristine turquoise lakes.
Key Highlights:
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Osorno Volcano: An iconic conical volcano standing at 2,652 meters (8,701 feet) above sea level, offering opportunities for hiking and skiing.
Lake Todos los Santos: A picturesque lake known for its emerald-green waters, ideal for kayaking and boat tours.
Petrohué Waterfalls: A series of cascading waterfalls formed by the Petrohué River, renowned for their dramatic beauty and basaltic rock formations.
Monte Tronador: A dormant volcano reaching 3,491 meters (11,453 feet), marking the border between Chile and Argentina.
- Laguna Verde: A serene lake characterized by its greenish hue, caused by suspended microalgae, located near the park's entrance.
The park is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, recognized for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Managed by Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF), it offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural attractions, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park remains a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Saltos del Petrohué: A Stunning Waterfall
Located in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Saltos del Petrohué is a striking group of waterfalls formed by the Petrohué River as it flows from Lake Todos los Santos over dark volcanic rock. Set against the backdrop of Osorno Volcano, the turquoise cascades are one of the most photographed sights in southern Chile.
Well-marked trails and viewing platforms make the falls easy to explore, while boat trips on Lake Todos los Santos provide unique views of the surrounding volcanoes and rainforest. The site is also part of the Andean Lakes Crossing, the scenic route that links Puerto Varas in Chile with Bariloche in Argentina through the Pérez Rosales Pass at Peulla.
Easily reached from Puerto Varas (about 50 km away), Saltos del Petrohué is one of the most visited attractions in the Los Lagos Region and a must-see stop for anyone traveling through Patagonia’s lake district.
Lago Llanquihue and Surroundings
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| Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue |
Lake Llanquihue, situated about 22 km northeast of Puerto Montt, is Chile’s second-largest lake after Lake General Carrera, with a surface area of 860 km². Its name comes from Mapudungun and is usually interpreted as “sunken place.” Surrounded by lush landscapes, the lake is framed by several iconic volcanoes: Osorno, Puntiagudo, Calbuco, and, in the distance, Tronador.
The lakeshore is dotted with charming towns and villages that attract visitors year-round. Puerto Varas, often called the “City of Roses,” stands out with its German-influenced architecture and the striking Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, visible from many parts of the city. Farther north, Frutillar Bajo enchants travelers with its lakeside promenade, traditional kuchen cafés, and the renowned Teatro del Lago, home to the prestigious Semanas Musicales de Frutillar music festival each summer.
On the eastern shore, Ensenada serves as a gateway to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, offering breathtaking scenery and excellent tourist services. To the south, the town of Cochamó, nestled between the Reloncaví Estuary and the Andes, has become a favorite spot for ecotourism and adventure sports, particularly trekking and climbing in the so-called “Yosemite of Chile.”
Together, Lake Llanquihue, Lake Todos los Santos, and the surrounding national parks provide a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, rafting, water skiing, sport fishing, hiking, mountaineering, and even skiing in winter at the Osorno Volcano ski center. Learn more about tours around Lake Llanquihue
Puerto Varas: A Scenic Gateway to Southern Chile's Natural Beauty
Puerto Varas sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Llanquihue, just 20 km north of Puerto Montt. Known for its German-influenced architecture and stunning natural scenery, the town offers breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
Visitors can explore charming streets, enjoy local cuisine, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. With its blend of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty, Puerto Varas is one of southern Chile’s most captivating destinations.
Frutillar: Lakeside Charm and Cultural Traditions
Frutillar, located in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, lies about 45 km north of Puerto Montt on the western shore of Lake Llanquihue. This charming tourist town is known for its German heritage, traditional architecture, and delicious kuchen (German-style cake). It is home to the renowned Teatro del Lago, a cultural hub hosting concerts and events.
Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Osorno Volcano, explore local museums, and relax by the waterfront. Frutillar’s blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery makes it a must-visit destination in southern Chile.
Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
Alerce Andino National Park, just 40 km southeast of Puerto Montt in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, is a living time capsule, home to ancient Alerce trees that can be over 3,000 years old. Spanning around 393 km², this park is a paradise of emerald forests, shimmering lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Hikers can wander scenic trails, encounter a rich variety of wildlife, and soak in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in southern Chile. As part of the UNESCO-designated Temperate Rainforests of the Southern Andes, it offers an unforgettable window into Chile’s natural wonders.
Created in 1982 to protect these remarkable trees, Alerce Andino also shelters native species like Coigüe de Magallanes, Coigüe de Chiloé, Lenga, Tenio, Mañío, and Canelo. The park welcomes visitors year-round, with spring and summer offering the most pleasant conditions. Trails are well-marked, but don’t forget your rain gear—this lush rainforest loves a little drizzle!
Carretera Austral (Chile's Southern Road)
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| A view of the Carretera Austral Image: vialidad.cl |
The Carretera Austral, or Route 7, is undeniably one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. The rugged landscapes of this part of Chile offer a series of postcard-perfect views. Stretching nearly 1,300 kilometers from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, the road is still being expanded. While some sections are paved, many remain gravel, and certain stretches require ferry crossings. The following highlights some must-see destinations in the XI Aysén Region.
Notable stops include Hornopirén, the northern gateway to the Carretera Austral; Parque Pumalín, one of Chile’s largest and most important private nature reserves, renowned for its stunning scenery; La Junta, the entry point to the Aysén Region; Parque Nacional Queulat, a favorite among travelers on Route 7; Laguna San Rafael National Park, the largest in the Aysén Region, home to the striking Northern Ice Field and its ancient glaciers; and La Catedral de Mármol (The Marble Cathedral), a captivating calcium carbonate formation in the deep blue waters of General Carrera Lake, with a series of awe-inspiring caves accessible by small boats.
The Futaleufú River basin, located in the Los Lagos region, is a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts worldwide. Famous for its challenging Class V rapids, it's also a popular spot for rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Although remote and close to the Argentine border, the area boasts excellent infrastructure, offering a range of dining options and accommodations. Nearby Lake Espolón, a paradise for recreational fishing, features many scenic spots. Futaleufú also provides access to Argentina via the Trevelin International Pass.
✅ Quick Answers for Curious Travelers
Los Lagos Region, also known as the Tenth Region, is in southern Chile, bordered by Los Ríos Region to the north, Aysén Region to the south, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The regional capital is Puerto Montt, a vibrant city on the Reloncaví Gulf and a gateway to Northern Patagonia.
The fastest way is by air via El Tepual Airport near Puerto Montt, with daily flights from Santiago and Punta Arenas. Alternatively, scenic bus routes connect the region to other cities in southern Chile.
Highlights include the Island of Chiloé, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Lake Llanquihue and its surrounding towns like Puerto Varas and Frutillar, Alerce Andino National Park, and the Carretera Austral.
Yes! Chiloé has a unique culture, colorful palafitos, UNESCO-listed churches, and charming towns. Learn more in our dedicated post: Tourist Places in Chiloé.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, trekking, skiing at Osorno Volcano, exploring cultural towns, and experiencing local cuisine and festivals.
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