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Puyehue and Cordón Caulle are two coalesced volcanic edifices that form a major mountain massif in Puyehue National Park in the Andes of Ranco Province. Cinder cones, lava domes, calderas and craters can be found in the area. Geothermal activity is manifested on the surface of Puyehue and Cordón Caulle as several boiling springs, solfataras and fumaroles. An eruption started in 2011, with an ash cloud reaching 12,000 metres (39,000 ft) blew toward the city of Bariloche, Argentina.
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Lago Llanquihue is the granddaddy of all the Chilean lakes. The lake has an oceanic feel, with breakers that churn higher in winds. The lake offer spectacular views of the Mount Fuji-like Volcán Osorno (2,660m), in all its stunning, symmetrical perfection, surrounded by gently rolling pastures. The little towns and villages around Lago Llanquihue have a shared German heritage.
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Routes of the park Parque Nacional Conguillío skirt the snow-covered Volcán Llaima, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Chile, and lead through virgin forests of araucaria, some of them are 1,200 year-old, and other Chilean species such as coigüe and raulí, as well as oak and cypress. Three tiny Conguillío lakes were formed by lava flows that blocked several rivers. The trees that once grew on their beds can still be seen below the water.
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Famed for its incredible rafting condition, the river sports amazing waves all through its course. In fact, the water body has both tumultuous wild waters and calm and mild sections, offering experienced and novice rafters’ ample options to raft on.
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Villarrica (2,860m elevation) is one of Chile's most active volcanoes, rising above the lake and town of the same name. Villarrica, with its lava of basaltic-andesitic composition, is one of only five volcanoes worldwide known to have an active lava lake within its crater.
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The area around Pucón forms one of the most popular holiday resorts in Chile. Many flock to the area in the summer months, sunbathe on the beach, take part in noisy water sports on Lago Villarrica by day, and crowd the casino in the Gran Hotel Pucón by night.
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At Villarrica you will have the unique experience of skiing at the foot of the most active volcano in Chile in the heart of the Lake District. The Volcan Villarrica steams surreptitiously from 9,000 ft. (2,840 m) high above the slopes. Ski Pucon is just a small ski area with only 17 runs that cover a vertical drop of 900 metres (3,000 feet) between 2,100 and 1,200 metres of elevation. The 6-7 lifts are a combination of chair lifts and surface lifts.
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The region is peppered with hot springs. There are termas to suit most tastes, from rustic to Asian-inspired, family-friendly and boutique. One notable spa is Termas Geometricas near Pucon. Asian-inspired, red-planked maze of 17 beautiful slate hot springs set upon a verdant canyon over a rushing stream. It’s simply gorgeous. There are two waterfalls and three cold plunge pools.
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How to get there
None of the Lake District's airports—Osorno, Puerto Montt, Temuco, and Valdivia—receives international flights; flying here from another country means connecting in Santiago. Puerto Montt has the greatest frequency of domestic flights. It's easier to see more of the Lake District if you have your own vehicle.