Region Overviews: South America Travel Guide: Overview
Bordered by two oceans and spanning two hemispheres, South America is a vibrant, diverse continent comprised of twelve sovereign states.
Snow-blanketed volcanoes towering above shimmering lakes. Fine local wines and inspired cuisine. Untamed stands of dense forest. This is Chile's Lakes and Volcanoes District. A place where old-world charm comes alive in lakeside German villages and ancient indigenous cultures thrive. Discover a region of enchanting beauty that is at once wild and refined.
THIS ITINERARY: 7 days, 6 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start Puerto Varas / End Pucón or Temuco Airport
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Explore a rugged landscape of peaks, lakes and forests | Bike along the shore of Chile's second-largest lake, flanked by snowcapped Calbuco and Osorno Volcanoes | Visit a working dairy farm and sample homemade manjar, Chile's staple sweet.
Savor superb lakefront views from floor-to-ceiling windows at this design hotel featuring contemporary architecture that melds modern style with local materials. (pool, spa)
Pedal through the colonial village of Frutillar, where German culture, cuisine and architecture are well preserved | Quiet lakeside roads lead past bucolic farms, green pastures and grazing cows | Relax at our hotel in Parque Futangue, a remote nature reserve of virgin forests, lava fields and waterfalls.
Surrounded by gardens, meadows and lush forest, this remote lodge is set within the borders of a private reserve. (pool, spa)
Following a river through green fields and fertile farmland, pass the quaint town of Llifen, famous for its hot springs | Ride through the Valdivian rain forest to the magical Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, recognized by National Geographic as a World Legacy award-winner.
From the comfort of your luxury bungalow in the heart of the Huilo-Huilo Reserve, connect with nature while falling asleep to sounds of the rain forest and the rushing Fuy River. (pool, spa)
Villarrica Volcano and its namesake lake create a dramatic backdrop for Pucón, Chile’s adventure capital | Pedal a portion of the stunning Seven Lakes Route | Bike the Ironman route, following the Trancura River and enjoying views of several mighty volcanoes in the distance | A ride into Villarrica National Park offers splendid vistas and first-rate cycling | Unwind at the elegant Relais & Châteaux &Beyond Vira Vira lodge, a 56-acre oasis set among lush trees and a natural lagoon.
Lauded by Travel + Leisure, this luxurious hotel and full-fledged farm is perched above the Liucura River at the foot of a snowcapped volcano. A Relais & Châteaux member. (spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to experience the full grandeur of Chile's Lakes and Volcanoes District, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on a typical Backroads trip. This enables us to explore the incredible variety of ecosystems and scenery this region has to offer. Rest assured, the views from these shuttles are spectacular.
Bordered by two oceans and spanning two hemispheres, South America is a vibrant, diverse continent comprised of twelve sovereign states.
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