The northern section of Chile’s Lakes District is known by the locals as La Araucania. This is the homeland of the indigenous Mapuche peoples, who are credited with putting up the greatest resistance to the Spanish inquisition and after that, the Chilean powers. This battle lasted for almost 300 years. The Spanish called them the Araucanos, roughly translated to mean “brave and valiant warriors.”

Although still a part of the Chilean culture, the Mapuche have been pushed deeper and deeper into the countryside. With a bit of research, you can visit several Mapuche villages in the area.

While there are numerous area lakes in La Araucania, the towns of Pucon and Villarrica, situated on the southern shore of Lago Villarrica are the magnet and the primary source of tourism for the northern Lakes District. Although minutes apart, they each have their own distinct personality. This area of Chile has a strong European influence, as evidenced by its architecture, lodging, meals, and work ethic.

Although founded in 1552, Villarrica’s extensive settlement began to occur in the early 20th century, thanks to the fierce resistance of the Mapuche. Today, Villarrica gets credit as one of the prettiest and least-spoiled towns in the southern Andes. While offering stunning views of Volcan Villarrica and Volcan Llaima, the town is often overlooked and bypassed for tourists in a rush to see who can get to Pucon first.

Although a resort town, Villarrica tends to be a bit more laid back than Pucon. Slightly larger than Pucon, it’s daily hustle and bustle tends to die down by evening Grain and dairy farming, forestry and tourism are the driving economic factors of the area. Access throughout the area is relatively easy thanks to the well-maintained road system.

Because of the numerous volcanoes throughout the region, this area offers great opportunities for luxurious soaks in the thermal springs. The Lakes District offers some of Chile’s more popular thermal spring facilities, and are a great way to unwind after a full day of outdoor adventure.

Many of the tour operators based in Pucon have also set up shop in here. Volcano climibing, rafting and fly fishing are just a portion of the many outdoor activities available. Rio Tolten gets credit for being one of the better fishing areas near town. Fishing season runs from mid-November until mid-May and a license is available from the Municipalidad.

During the summer months one has the opportunity, thanks to classic mountain weather, to go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, canopying, and rafting. At the end of the day, relax in one of the town’s numerous hotels or hostels. Villarrica hotels tend to be a bit less expensive than Pucon’s and almost all come with the standard European breakfast.

If Villarrica gets credit for being laid back, Pucon gets all the credit for flash. So they say. During the summer months of December, January and February, this town is packed with both national and international tourists. If you plan to visit during this time, you’ll need to book your rooms months in advance.

All of the activities offered by tour operators in Villarrica are also available in Pucon. For good measure, throw in the popular volcano excursions and you’ll understand the area’s popularity. Volcan Villarrica’s last major eruptions were in 1948 and 1971. It still smokes and smolders on a daily basis, a constant reminder of the power of nature.

This region of Chile is a photographer’s dream come true. An abundance of rain during the rainy winter months translates into year ‘round river flow fed by both intimate and powerful waterfalls.

One of the best maps for this area is the Pucon trekking map, #07. In addition to being a great topo map, it lists many of the area’s geological points of interest that most maps do not. It’s available at bookstores in Villarrica and Pucon and is an indispensable tool for those interested in landscape photography.