Against the backdrop of whitewashed residential buildings, a cathedral made of redwood stands out, built on the main square. The wooden port is as neat as a saucer from the same service set. But nothing is as impressive as the unique natural phenomenon: ancient colossal glaciers melted over time into lakes, which dot the surrounding area.
Thus, to the north of Puerto Montt lies the Seven Lakes region, a vast system of large and small lakes: Panguipulli, Pellaifa, Neltume, Puyehueico, Lacar, Rupanco, Ranco, Riñihue, Calafquén, Villarrica, and others. Most of the city’s visitors try to see the lakes of Riñco, Villarrica, and Llañquihue, where the picturesque resorts of Puerto Varas and Frutillar are located-places where you can not only relax, but also visit a historic museum.
At the very foot of the Villarrica volcano is the village of Pucón, lined with villas owned by well-to-do Chileans. This is the best place for yachting in the country. The towns of Licán-Ray and Panguipulli also attract large numbers of tourists.
Nearby national parks will offer plenty of opportunities to capture amazing landscapes of mountains, forests, and lakes: Villarrica, for example, is famous for Lake Calbuco with hot springs, while Hornoirén features a volcano of the same name and thermal springs around it. Equally intriguing are the reserves in Alerce, Conguillo, and Tolhuaca.
