When do the leaves change in Chilean Lake District?
Southern beech forests around Villarrica, Osorno and the lake district volcanoes turn copper and gold from April, autumn light settling over Puerto Varas's lakeside gardens.
Forecast coming soon
Weather data for Chilean Lake District lands with the next model run. Meanwhile, explore the map.
Known for
Things to do in fall in Chilean Lake District
4 iconic stops — scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.
Petrohué Falls, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
National parkBasalt channels carved by the Petrohué River run turquoise below Osorno Volcano, crossed by a short boardwalk loop through coigüe and lenga forest. The lenga turns gold and rust through April, the volcano often catching its first snow as the color peaks.
Don’t miss: Petrohué River rapids · Osorno Volcano backdrop · short boardwalk loop
Villarrica National Park
National parkVillarrica, Quetrupillán and Lanín volcanoes rise in a line above this park's araucaria and lenga forest south of Pucón. The lenga colors first, flaring orange and red on the upper slopes through April while the araucaria canopy stays evergreen above it.
Don’t miss: Villarrica volcano hike · araucaria and lenga forest · Pucón trailheads
Puerto Varas
Historic townGerman families from Hesse and Silesia settled this shore of Lake Llanquihue in 1853, below the volcanic cone of Osorno. Its rosedal fades by autumn, but maple and coigüe plantings along the lakefront promenade color through April as the volcano gathers its first snow.
Don’t miss: Lake Llanquihue promenade · German colonial architecture · Osorno Volcano views
Frutillar
Historic townTimber houses in Bavarian style face Lake Llanquihue at this German-founded town, its lakeside Teatro del Lago hosting a UNESCO-recognized music festival each summer. Orchard and street plantings color through autumn, a quieter counterpart to Puerto Varas 20 kilometers south.
Don’t miss: Teatro del Lago lakefront · German colonial museum · Osorno and Calbuco views
Frequently asked
- What are the best things to do in fall in Chilean Lake District?
- The iconic stops: Petrohué Falls, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Villarrica National Park, Puerto Varas, Frutillar. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.
- What are the best things to do in autumn in Chilean Lake District?
- Autumn — autumn (March–June) — is peak season here. Pair the color with Petrohué Falls, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Villarrica National Park, Puerto Varas, Frutillar; each is on the map above with the window to catch it.