While Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine are already well-known Chilean destinations for U.S. adventure travelers, the more recently established Lakes & Volcanoes Route is an up-and-coming circuit distinct for its breathtaking fusion of landscapes shaped by active volcanoes and glacial lakes.

Spanning several national parks, the area features near-constant views of snow-capped peaks like Villarrica, Osorno and Llaima, surrounded by lush, temperate rainforests and crystal-clear lakes. The region is part of the Ring of Fire, one of the most volcanically active areas in the world, and is also home to ancient araucaria forests — a visually distinctive species native to the Andes and dating back millions of years, once food for dinosaurs.

© Ruta Lagos & Volcanes

Adventure seekers flock here for a variety of outdoor activities, from trekking and volcano climbing to skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling and all manners of winter adrenaline rushes in the winter months. Unique to the region are UNESCO-designated Kütralkura Geopark and the vast biosphere reserves that preserve its rich biodiversity. These natural elements, alongside the influence of indigenous Mapuche culture, provide a one-of-a-kind experience unlike anywhere else in Chile.

Because the region is vast and available activities are many, you’ll want to customize your own journey to the route destinations that appeal to you most. While infrastructure along the route dramatically improved in recent years, it’s still best to hire a guide for both driving and adventures rather than deal with sometimes less-developed roads and weather conditions involved in self-driving, or the safety risks and equipment limitations of self-guiding. Tour operators and adventure curators like Mawida Adventures are available throughout the region to customize your experience. Global Traveler recently took a highlights tour of some of the route’s top draws. Here’s a sample itinerary of Lakes & Volcanoes Route highlights we recommend for your own experience.

From the United States, you’ll likely fly into Santiago before kicking off your Route adventure. To say there’s a lot to explore is an understatement, so the key is to strike a good balance between exploration and relaxation as you work your way from the bustling capital down into some of the country’s most stunning, lesser-known areas. Spend a day casually exploring the historic center of Santiago after your long flight south before venturing deeper to explore the route. Give your body some time to catch up before diving into the adventures to come. While there’s plenty to see here, try to limit your stay to one day and night — this is just the prologue.

© Sernatur Los Ríos

After an early departure from Santiago, head south along Ruta 5, which forms the backbone of the Lakes & Volcanoes Route. Your first major stop should be Araucanía Andina, a region steeped in indigenous Mapuche culture and home to Conguillío National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Llaima Volcano, one of the most active in the country. Here, hiking trails lead through ancient forests dominated by iconic Araucaria trees. Sometimes referred to as living fossils, these trees have existed for more than 200 million years and are considered sacred to the Mapuche. Consider trekking Sendero de las Araucarias, a well-marked trail that immerses you in this prehistoric landscape. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife like the elusive puma, Andean fox and Andean condor. In Conguillío, you can also find emerald lakes and lava flows, reminders you’re walking through a land forged by fire and ice.

Continuing south, your next destination is Pucón, a charming village that has become the heart of Chile’s adventure tourism scene. Nestled at the base of the smoking Villarrica Volcano, Pucón offers nearly every outdoor activity you could imagine. If you’re up for a challenge, book a guided ascent of Villarrica —safety gear is mandatory, as the climb is demanding and the volcano is still very much active. For something less strenuous, consider a day of white-water rafting on Trancura River, which offers Class III and IV rapids. Horseback riding, kayaking and mountain biking are also available if you want to diversify your outdoor activities.

In Pucón, stay at Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique, an architectural masterpiece blending modern design with traditional Mapuche elements. Its cozy, minimalist rooms and spa facilities make it the perfect base after a day of adventure. In the evening, treat yourself to a meal at one of the village’s many restaurants like Trawen, which focuses on farm-to-table dishes using local ingredients.

Next, head to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, an ecological marvel tucked within the Patagonian rainforest. This UNESCO-recognized biosphere is home to a network of trails that snake through lush forests, waterfalls and diverse ecosystems. The star attraction here is Huilo Huilo Waterfall, which cascades dramatically into the Fuy River, but there’s plenty more to see. Explore the reserve on foot or opt for one of the more specialized tours like canopy zip lining or guided wildlife hikes, where you may spot endangered species like the Darwin frog or the pudú, the world’s smallest deer.

© Sernatur Los Ríos

On your way to Huilo Huilo, be sure to stop at Termas Geométricas, a unique hot springs complex hidden in the forest near Coñaripe. Dozens of natural thermal pools weave through dense greenery. With temperatures varying from mild to piping hot, these picturesque pools provide an ideal place to relax between days of trekking and climbing.

Continue your journey toward the breathtaking Llanquihue Lake area, where towering Osorno Volcano dominates the skyline. Stay at Hotel AWA, a luxurious yet environmentally conscious property perched on the lake’s shore. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of Osorno Volcano and the shimmering waters between, AWA provides both comfort and a front-row seat to the area’s landscapes.

Take advantage of numerous outdoor activities available in the area. Hiking trails around Osorno Volcano, like the challenging trail to the summit, will reward you with unforgettable views of the region, but feel free to take a boat ride on Lake Llanquihue or go kayaking to explore its tranquil bays for a more leisurely adventure. In the winter months, Osorno becomes a popular skiing destination with slopes catering to both beginners and experts.

© Hotel AWA

The town of Puerto Varas, known for its German-influenced architecture and cuisine, is a great spot to spend a day before heading home. It’s also only 10 miles from Puerto Montt El Tepual airport, where you can hop a flight back north to Santiago to save a few days of return driving. Distances between these stops are quite long, often requiring four or more hours of travel time to reach each unique destination. From snow-capped volcanoes to glassy lakes and ancient forests, landscapes here constantly remind you of Chile’s geological power and diversity. Whether you’re trekking through Araucaria forests, bathing in natural hot springs or admiring a fiery volcano, every stop reveals something uniquely Chilean, and it’s well worth the effort to reach and explore this less-touched region.