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Puerto Varas, Chile is a charming city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and is one of most popular tourist destinations in the country. Spectacular views across the lake at majestic snow-capped volcanoes surrounded in native forest abound as well as countless options for exploring the surrounding countryside with picture-perfect German-settled farms. Only 15 minutes from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas is popular because it is quieter than the busy port city to the south. It has fantastic adventure opportunities nearby including: several national parks, Class II to IV white water rafting, horseback day trips and multi-day horse treks, volcano ascents, countless fly fishing rivers, sea kayaking, boat trips to Argentina.

At the foot of Chile's most active volcano, 490 mi/789 km southeast of Santiago, Pucon is the lakes district's main adventure travel destination. You can go hiking at Huerquehue National Park, raft and kayak on the Trancura River, and climb the snowy slopes of Villarrica Volcano for a view of its smoking crater.

Huerquehue and Villarrica national parks are the southernmost outposts of the Araucaria, or monkey puzzle, tree. There are also numerous hot springs in the area.