As the climate becomes more humid, rainforests and lakes start to appear. This is one of the most heterogenous areas in terms of its landscapes and activities. In this zone you will find the biggest and oldest national parks, with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. The Araucanía comprises the regions of Biobío, Araucanía, Los Ríos, and part of Los Lagos (VIII,IX, XIV and X).
Termas de Chillán Ski Center, the main tourist attraction of the area, is located to the east of Chillán, on the foothills of a volcano bearing the same name. Further south is Concepción, an industrial and timber center, capital of the region, and the second city of the country both in size and importance.
Laja Falls is an outstanding natural beauty, and is also considered the gate to the south of Chile. To the east, in the Laguna del Laja National Park, you will find the Antuco Volcano, a great choice for skiers.
Temuco, one of the fastest-growing cities in the continent, is considered the heart of Araucania, and also is the capital city of the ninth region.
To the northwest is the spectacular Conguillío National Park, with the Llaima volcano crowning its landscape. The park is also called the “Parque de los Paraguas” (the umbrellas), due to its ancient araucaria woods. In the slope of the volcano you will find Las Araucarias Ski Center, and a little further north there is another protected area, the Tolhuaca National Park.
Going southeast you will find Pucón and Villarrica, two of the most attractive tourist centers in the country. The shore of Villarrica lake offers endless options for resting and entertainment. The Villarica-Pucón Ski Center is an excellent choice for winter sport lovers.
Lush vegetation and a number of lakes can be found in Huerquehue National Park. Those who are interested in the therapeutic properties of thermal water will find a nice alternative in Huife Thermal Springs.
While being in Valdivia you can visit the Spanish forts of Niebla and Corral. Towards the mouth of the Calle-Calle river you will find the lakes Riñihue, Ranco, and Maihue.
The city of Osorno is the axis of an agricultural and ranching area. It is also the starting point for going to places like Lake Rupanco, Puyehue National Park, and the Antillanca Ski Center, located in the slope of Casablanca volcano.
Further south you will find beaches like Frutillar and Puerto Varas, both in the shores of Lake Llanquihue. To the east there is the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, with its biggest attractions: the Osorno Volcano and Lake Todos los Santos, and just a few miles from Puerto Varas there is Puerto Montt, capital of the region.