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This picturesque region of Chile is filled with huge snow covered peaks and clear blue lakes, fishing ports and quaint little villages steeped in nationalistic pride and rural tradition.

The Lake District has a tranquil landscape created by violent natural forces; earthquakes, volcanic explosions and melting icebergs from millions of years ago gave life to the fertile valleys, lakes and rivers that you see today. The fast flowing rivers are enjoyed by fishermen and rafting enthusiasts, perhaps the most famous of which is the Biobio which was once the region's natural frontier and the boundary between the Mapuche territory and the Spanish.

The Mapuche Indians are native to the area and still survive there today. Many have been moved onto 'reservations', although they do maintain their language and strong cultural heritage. European settlers established themselves there in the late 19th century. Much of the architecture and ambience reflects the region's past, the prominence of the German settlers in particular.