Description of the attraction
Lake Villarrica, or Malyalafguen in Mapuche language, is located in a mountainous region in the southeast of the province of Cautin north of the Villarrica volcano and is one of Chile's popular tourist destinations. The lake was formed during the Ice Age. The first European to discover the lake was the conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1551. The name of the lake comes from the belief that there were rich deposits of gold and silver - Villarrica.
In summer, near the shores of the lake, the average temperature is 19-22 ° C. In winter, 9-10 ° C. Recently, however, the average winter temperature has been 13-14 ° C.
The lake spreads over 176 sq. Km in the form of an irregular ellipse, the main axes are 22 km and 11 km, the depth reaches 170 m. Its transparent waters are filled with the rivers Pucon, Trankura and Minetue. Oak, beech, hazel and other types of trees and shrubs grow on the shores of the lake. Woodpeckers, mallards, swallows, hummingbirds, owls and parrots live in its wooded slopes.
The water temperature of Lake Villarrica is ideal for water sports and outdoor activities: swimming, kayaking and canoeing, water skiing, boat trips or sailing. You can also go hiking or horseback riding. Villarrica and Pucon are located on the coast with stunning beaches.
The Tolten River originates from Lake Villarrica. The river is navigable for small boats and boats. There are ideal conditions for sport fishing, as there are many species of salmon.
