4 Best Sights in The Lake District, Chile

About 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Puerto Montt, at this small town near Pargua—the ferry crossing to Chiloé—the Maullín River merges with the Pacific Ocean in spectacular fashion. Be sure to visit the expansive Pangal Beach, with large sand dunes teeming with birds. If staying overnight, there are cabins and a campground.

This smaller of the beaches near Lican Ray is south of town and a good place to go with kids. There's space for sunbathing on the beach and parking for boats. Amenities:  food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking

Packed with crowds in summer, the gray-sand Playa Frutillar stretches for 15 blocks along Avenida Philippi. From this point along Lago Llanquihue you have a spectacular view due east of the conical Volcán Osorno, as well as the lopsided Volcán Puntiagudo. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking 

This beach stretches a few blocks on the west side of Lican Ray and is the place to go for swimming and soaking up the sun. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking