South America’s most beautiful route: 5 days through southern Chile
Updated on 26 de February, 2026
5 DAYS
An ideal route for those seeking nature and stunning landscapes while traveling through South America.
From Pucón, through Puerto Varas, Chiloé, and the Carretera Austral, this itinerary combines volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and the vastness of Chilean Patagonia, all in an unforgettable summer experience.
It’s not for nothing that it’s known as one of the most beautiful routes in South America.
DISTANCE
1,115 kilometers
DAYS
5 days
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
From Santiago to Pucón: arriving at the lake district
Our 5-day trip through southern Chile begins in Santiago, where we’ll catch a flight to La Araucanía Airport. From there, a ground transfer of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes takes us to Pucón, one of the most popular destinations in southern Chile.
During the afternoon, explore the Villarrica Lake waterfront, an ideal spot for walking, relaxing, or enjoying views of the Villarrica volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in South America. If the weather is nice, you can head to Playa Grande, perfect for your first encounter with the southern landscape.
End the day with dinner in the city center, where there are plenty of restaurants featuring local products and Chilean wines.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
From Santiago to Pucón: arriving at the lake district
Our 5-day trip through southern Chile begins in Santiago, where we’ll catch a flight to La Araucanía Airport. From there, a ground transfer of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes takes us to Pucón, one of the most popular destinations in southern Chile.
During the afternoon, explore the Villarrica Lake waterfront, an ideal spot for walking, relaxing, or enjoying views of the Villarrica volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in South America. If the weather is nice, you can head to Playa Grande, perfect for your first encounter with the southern landscape.
End the day with dinner in the city center, where there are plenty of restaurants featuring local products and Chilean wines.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Huerquehue National Park: Los Lagos Trail
With Pucón as our starting point, we’ll travel 35 kilometers by bus, private car, or tour to reach Huerquehue National Park. The plan for the day is to hike the Los Lagos Trail, one of its most famous treks.
The trekking begins with a steady climb offering views of the Villarrica volcano, passing by the Nido de Águila and Truful waterfalls. Later, the trail winds through araucarias (monkey puzzle trees), connecting a series of crystal-clear lagoons: Lago Chico, Lago Verde, and Lago El Toro, which are ideal for a break.
The full circuit takes about 6 to 7 hours. After finishing the hike, we’ll return to Pucón to rest and end the day with a restorative dinner.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Huerquehue National Park: Los Lagos Trail
With Pucón as our starting point, we’ll travel 35 kilometers by bus, private car, or tour to reach Huerquehue National Park. The plan for the day is to hike the Los Lagos Trail, one of its most famous treks.
The trekking begins with a steady climb offering views of the Villarrica volcano, passing by the Nido de Águila and Truful waterfalls. Later, the trail winds through araucarias (monkey puzzle trees), connecting a series of crystal-clear lagoons: Lago Chico, Lago Verde, and Lago El Toro, which are ideal for a break.
The full circuit takes about 6 to 7 hours. After finishing the hike, we’ll return to Pucón to rest and end the day with a restorative dinner.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
From Pucón to Puerto Varas: Southern lakes and volcanoes
Photography: @andres_briones_c
We’ll leave Pucón and continue to Puerto Varas after a drive of about 4 hours through the lake district. On the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the city charms visitors with panoramic views of some of Chile’s most iconic volcanoes.
Once settled in, we’ll head to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest in the country. We’ll drive about 60 kilometers along the lake until we reach the Petrohué Falls, one of the most photographed spots in the Los Lagos Region.
From there, we continue to Todos los Santos Lake, known for its intense emerald hue. This area is ideal for boat trips or walks along the water. Back in Puerto Varas, the afternoon is perfect for a stroll along the Lake Llanquihue waterfront.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
From Pucón to Puerto Varas: Southern lakes and volcanoes
Photography: @andres_briones_c
We’ll leave Pucón and continue to Puerto Varas after a drive of about 4 hours through the lake district. On the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the city charms visitors with panoramic views of some of Chile’s most iconic volcanoes.
Once settled in, we’ll head to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest in the country. We’ll drive about 60 kilometers along the lake until we reach the Petrohué Falls, one of the most photographed spots in the Los Lagos Region.
From there, we continue to Todos los Santos Lake, known for its intense emerald hue. This area is ideal for boat trips or walks along the water. Back in Puerto Varas, the afternoon is perfect for a stroll along the Lake Llanquihue waterfront.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Chiloé: Pargua, Dalcahue, and Castro
From Puerto Varas, we’ll start the journey to Chiloé Island, a one-hour trip to Pargua, where we’ll take the ferry to cross the Chacao Channel. During the crossing, you can spot sea lions and coastal birds.
We’ll continue toward Dalcahue to visit the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, featuring typical dishes like curanto, we’ll head toward Castro.
From the Gamboa Viewpoint, we’ll get one of the most iconic views of the day, overlooking the traditional palafitos (stilt houses). The day ends with a visit to the San Francisco de Castro Church and a tour of the craft market, the largest on the island, before returning to Puerto Montt.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Chiloé: Pargua, Dalcahue, and Castro
From Puerto Varas, we’ll start the journey to Chiloé Island, a one-hour trip to Pargua, where we’ll take the ferry to cross the Chacao Channel. During the crossing, you can spot sea lions and coastal birds.
We’ll continue toward Dalcahue to visit the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, featuring typical dishes like curanto, we’ll head toward Castro.
From the Gamboa Viewpoint, we’ll get one of the most iconic views of the day, overlooking the traditional palafitos (stilt houses). The day ends with a visit to the San Francisco de Castro Church and a tour of the craft market, the largest on the island, before returning to Puerto Montt.
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Discovering Chilean Patagonia: Carretera Austral and Coyhaique
We continue our itinerary through southern Chile. On the final day, we head into Chilean Patagonia. From Puerto Montt, we’ll take a one hour and 10 minute flight to Balmaceda Airport in the Aysén Region.
From there, we’ll start traveling along a section of the Carretera Austral to reach Coyhaique. The first stop will be the Río Simpson National Reserve. In this area, you can hike the Los Pioneros trail, an easy 3-kilometer route along the river. During the walk, you can spot birds like the chucao tapaculo and the kingfisher.
Back in Coyhaique, we’ll visit the Shepherd’s Monument on General Baquedano Avenue. To wrap up the trip, a Patagonian dinner is a must, featuring typical local ingredients like lamb and southern hake. The perfect end to say goodbye to your 5-day trip through southern Chile.
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Discovering Chilean Patagonia: Carretera Austral and Coyhaique
We continue our itinerary through southern Chile. On the final day, we head into Chilean Patagonia. From Puerto Montt, we’ll take a one hour and 10 minute flight to Balmaceda Airport in the Aysén Region.
From there, we’ll start traveling along a section of the Carretera Austral to reach Coyhaique. The first stop will be the Río Simpson National Reserve. In this area, you can hike the Los Pioneros trail, an easy 3-kilometer route along the river. During the walk, you can spot birds like the chucao tapaculo and the kingfisher.
Back in Coyhaique, we’ll visit the Shepherd’s Monument on General Baquedano Avenue. To wrap up the trip, a Patagonian dinner is a must, featuring typical local ingredients like lamb and southern hake. The perfect end to say goodbye to your 5-day trip through southern Chile.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To optimize time on a southern Chile itinerary, flying is key for connecting long stretches. It’s recommended to fly from Santiago to La Araucanía or Puerto Montt to start the lake route, and then take another flight to the Aysén Region. This avoids long hours on the road and makes the most of your days. Book in advance during high season (November to March) and bring suitable gear for outdoor activities.
How to get there by land
Road trips allow you to enjoy the essence of the journey: changing landscapes, natural viewpoints, and spontaneous stops. Renting a car is recommended for greater flexibility, especially in the lake district and for accessing national parks. In the south, distances aren’t always measured in kilometers, but in time, due to winding roads or gravel sections. Drive carefully, refuel whenever possible, and check ferry schedules in advance.
Climate and clothing
The weather in the south is variable year-round, even in summer. You can experience sun, rain, and wind all in the same day, so the key is to dress in layers: waterproof clothing, a light jacket, and trekking shoes.
Must-Know Tips
Spring and summer offer more daylight hours and better access to routes. Essential tip: always carry cash in small towns and be prepared to disconnect; many areas have limited signal, which is part of the charm.
