"Chile has a Lake District? I never knew" asked a friend. "Shhhh...It's the country's best kept secret" I replied.

The vast Atacama Desert and wilderness of Torres Del Paine National Park are what initially spring to mind when anyone mentions Chile. However in 1997 when I spent 6 weeks travelling from the far north to the far south, the Lake District was my favourite area, and in November when I headed back to Chile, I realised I was still captivated by this special place. Maybe it’s a warm feeling of “being home”.  Chile’s Lake District is a wonderful region of crystal clear lakes, towering peaks, meandering rivers and a temperate climate, which feels very familiar to me living in the British Lake District!

There is nothing more enchanting than sitting on the promenade in Puerto Varas gazing across Lake Llanquihue to the incredibly beautiful volcano of Osorno. The first time I saw this surreal Fuji-shaped giant I couldn’t believe a mountain could be so perfect. What makes Osorno so magical is the contrast to its neighbour, the rugged and active volcano of Calbuco. Both summits are snow-capped throughout the year and catching a magnificent sunset or sunrise of them from Puerto Varas is truly unforgettable.

Puerto Varas is a place to wander whilst taking in the spectacular scenery, none more so than when hiking in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. This protected area was Chile’s first national park, and is a fairy tale landscape land of cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, rich fauna, fragrant forests, and breath-taking views of mountains that could be straight out of a Lord of the Rings epic, complete with eagles soar overhead!

The town itself fondly known as “the Port of Roses,” has a labyrinth of streets dotted with colourful flower-filled gardens and cafes serving delicious “kuchen.” Its historical links to Europe and pretty alpine-architecture plays tricks on your mind and if it wasn’t for the distant hum of Spanish, you could easily forget you were in Latin America. This incredibly colourful region offers a perfect contrast to the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert and the ruggedness of Patagonia. For me Chile’s Lake District will always have a special place in my heart Where else can you sit with a pisco sour in one hand and a piece of apple strudel in the other whilst you look out over some of the world’s most beautiful volcanoes?

>> The Best of Chile - from Atacama to Paine