We are spending 9 nights in Chile. First 4 nights in Valparaiso and wine country, finishing with 2 nights in Santiago. The question is what to do the 3 other nights. Thinking the lake district, but not sure which town. Patagonia is also a possibility, but probably not worth it since we don't want to just hike. Want to go somewhere with great views and not-too-intense outdoor activities (short hikes, kayaking, basic horseback riding). I guess Pucon and Puerto Varas are the two main choices. How tough is the Villarica climb? I fear it is a bit too intense for us. The Explora-type hotels seem ideal, but are a bit too expensive.

Thanks

Puerto Varas has great views of Volcan Orsorno and offers enough to do for three days. You can drive along the lake to visit other towns like Frutillar. Chiloe is not too far away.

We loved Pucon. Didn't do the climb but did a great bike ride out from Pucon towards Villarica. Amazing and varied scenery. Pucon itself is a nice town with some great restaurants. A link to our photos http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...0060/tpod.html

Three nights is very little time. Would that leave you 3 full days? If going in high season you would want to book everything soon.
For Pucón you would fly into Temuco and for Puerto Varas you would fly into Puerto Montt.
The Villarica climb is quite strenuous but there are plenty of other activities in the area: hot springs, bike rides, horse rides, whitewater rafting.

thanks. we are going in early/mid november, which I gather is a bit before the crazy high season. I guess it really sounds like puerto varas and pucon are both pretty nice...