We are finalizing our plans for a visit to Chile in November. We have decided to spend a couple of days in the Lake District/Villarica area. I am interested in information about driving in the area. Specifically, the drive from Puerto Varas to Villarica. From my map, it looks like it is about 250km on paved road. I'm trying to estimate the driving time without sightseeing. I think it will be about 3 hours. Is this about right? Any other tips for driving in this region?

We are going to be flying in and out of Puerto Montt but spending most of the time in Villarica. We're interested in seeing the Araucaria forests but we need to leave from Puerto Montt to make it to Punta Arenas by noon/1pm so we aren't flying via Temuco.

John Rule, you mentioned driving this route. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Marta Washington State USA