Revisiting Southern Chile:

New perspectives from Chiloé and the Lake District

A few weeks ago, our Chile team spent several days in Puerto Varas and Chiloé alongside local partners, revisiting experiences, exploring new developments, and taking a closer look at how Southern Chile continues to evolve as a destination.

What became clear throughout the journey is that the region is entering a particularly interesting moment. In Chiloé especially, there is a noticeable refinement happening within the hospitality landscape. New boutique properties, like Bedford, are emerging inside the traditional palafitos, while several heritage houses are being carefully restored into small-scale hotels that elevate the traveler experience without losing the island’s distinctive identity and atmosphere.

At the same time, Chiloé still feels wonderfully raw in the best possible sense. Its landscapes remain deeply tied to nature, weather, isolation, and local culture; elements that continue to shape the rhythm of everyday life on the island.

One of the strongest impressions from the trip came from Tepuhueico and its temperate rainforests. Dense, humid and ancient, these forests offer a completely different perspective from the Patagonia many travelers imagine. Walking through the trails, surrounded by moss-covered trees and constant birdsong, we encountered flamingos, kingfishers, and even a brief sighting of a pudú disappearing quietly into the woods.

The culinary scene was another highlight. Experiences such as El Cazador continue redefining the way travelers connect with local gastronomy in Southern Chile. Chef Manuel has developed a proposal deeply rooted in local ingredients, seasonality, proximity, and Chilean identity. More than simply a meal, the experience reconnects travelers with the slower ritual of gathering around the table and understanding the territory through its flavors.

Puerto Varas also continues consolidating itself as an ideal gateway into the Lake District, balancing strong infrastructure with immediate access to volcanoes, lakes, national parks, and outdoor experiences. Combined with Chiloé, the region offers an increasingly diverse combination of nature, culture, gastronomy, and active exploration.

Following this trip, we have begun developing new Puerto Varas and Chiloé modules for travelers interested in spending more time exploring this part of Southern Chile through a more immersive and experience-driven approach.

For more information on any of these experiences, please contact your account executive.