I went to the Chile Lake Districts in February so don't have experience of what it would be like in April. But if you specially want to go then I'd go anyway - it's a beautiful area, although BEWARE - it does have a high rainfall!

Here are 2 recommendations for places to stay. Both are very reasonably priced and have a variety of accommodation. In Villarica La Torre Suiza, http://www.torresuiza.com/index.htm run by a Swiss couple, is very comfortable, serves great (for Chile) breakfasts and is only 5 mins walk from the bus station.

For something different visit the Huerqueque (pronounced OOERKAYWAY) National Park and stay at Refugio Tinquilco http://tinyurl.com/f4mkr Run by Patricio Lanfranco a Chilean environmentalist/TV producer, mainly frequented by friendly Chileans, delicious food and great walks in the NP. You get there by bus (Buses JAC) from Pucon and then walk the last 40 mins from the bus terminus, which is the NP entrance - easy if you take a backpack not a suitcase - Torre Suiza will let you leave luggage in Villarica if you are staying there.

There's a good review of Tinquilco at http://tinyurl.com/mpgh8

Have a good trip, whether you go north or south.

Michael Sydney, Australia