The Chilean Lake District is a breathtaking region in southern Chile, renowned for its stunning lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and ancient forests. As a lakes touring enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to discover the various airports that serve this picturesque area, making it easily accessible for your adventures.
Main Airports Serving the Chilean Lake District
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Puerto Montt Airport (PMC): Located in the city of Puerto Montt, this airport is the primary gateway to the Chilean Lake District. It receives daily flights from Santiago and is a short drive from the charming town of Puerto Varas.
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Temuco Airport (ZCO): Situated in the city of Temuco, this airport serves the northern part of the Lake District, including the adventure sports hub of Pucón.
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Valdivia Airport (ZAL): Located in the city of Valdivia, this airport is another important gateway to the region, particularly for those visiting the southern part of the Lake District.
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Osorno Airport (ZOS): This airport is located in the city of Osorno and serves the northern part of the Lake District.
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Castro Airport (MHC): Located on Chiloé Island, this airport is only accessible by direct flights from Santiago during the months of January, February, and March.
Getting to Puerto Varas from the Airport
As a lakes touring enthusiast, you’ll likely want to make Puerto Varas your base for exploring the Chilean Lake District. Here’s how you can get there from the various airports:
From Puerto Montt Airport (PMC)
- Taxi: Approximately 30 minutes, $20-$30 USD.
- Private Transfer: Book in advance, around 30 minutes, $30-$40 USD.
- Public Bus: Approximately 45 minutes, $2-$3 USD.
From Temuco Airport (ZCO)
- Taxi: Approximately 2 hours, $60-$80 USD.
- Private Transfer: Book in advance, around 2 hours, $80-$100 USD.
- Public Bus: Approximately 3 hours, $10-$15 USD.
Daily Flight Frequencies from Santiago
The Chilean Lake District is well-connected to the capital city of Santiago, with multiple daily flights to the region’s airports:
- LATAM: Multiple daily flights to Puerto Montt, Temuco, and Valdivia.
- Sky Airlines: Multiple daily flights to Puerto Montt and Temuco.
- Jet Smart: Multiple daily flights to Puerto Montt and Valdivia.
Additional Information
- Flight Duration: Flights from Santiago to the Lake District airports take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Airport Transfers: Private transfers can be booked in advance, while taxis are readily available at the airports.
- Public Transportation: Public buses are an affordable option but may take longer due to multiple stops.
As a lakes touring enthusiast, the Chilean Lake District offers a wealth of opportunities to explore stunning natural landscapes, from the serene waters of the region’s lakes to the majestic snow-capped volcanoes that dot the horizon. With the information provided in this guide, you can easily navigate the airports serving this breathtaking destination and make the most of your time in this enchanting corner of Chile.