When to Go

Most Chileans head here during southern Chile's glorious summer, between December and March. For fishermen, the official season commences the second Friday of November and runs through the first Sunday of May. Visiting during the off-season is no hardship, though, and lodging prices drop dramatically. An increasing number of Santiaguinos flee the capital in winter to enjoy the Lake District's brisk, clear air or to ski and snowboard down volcanoes and Andean hills.

Festivals and Events

Summer means festival season in the Lake District. Communities across the region hold their own festivals in January and February, but the Festival Costumbrista in Castro, Chiloé, held the third week of February, is the can’t-miss event. In late January and early February, Semanas Musicales de Frutillar brings together the best in classical music. Verano en Valdivia is a two-month-long celebration centered on the February 9 anniversary of the founding of Valdivia. During the second week of October, Valdivia also hosts a nationally acclaimed international film festival. Puerto Varas hosts an entertaining and fun Rain Festival each June.