Villarrica Lake, lake in Chile
Villarrica Lake is a large body of water in southern Chile with clear waters that mirror the sky and surrounding mountains. It stretches about 23 kilometers long and up to 11 kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of about 165 meters, and two main towns sit on its shores: Villarrica on the west side and Pucón on the east.
The lake was discovered in 1551 by Pedro de Valdivia, whose expedition mapped the region and brought attention to its natural beauty. Its long history connects to the Mapuche people, who have inhabited this land for many centuries.
The name comes from the Mapudungun language of the Mapuche people and means "rich town". Local residents use the lake shores year-round for fishing, swimming, and gathering, making it central to daily life in the region.
The water is warm in summer and invites swimming, sailing, kayaking, and water skiing, while winters are much colder. Both lakeside towns offer restaurants, shops, and lodging, making them good bases to stay and explore the area.
The nearby Isla Aillaquillen sits in the middle of the lake and offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers during warmer months. Winter snowfall transforms the surrounding landscape entirely, drawing visitors who seek mountain experiences and snow activities in a different season.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
