Villarrica

And of course, don’t forget the black sand beach. The beach is artificial and Chile’s first. It took four years to construct, but the effort is paying off as both locals and tourists enjoy the new public area. Up on the newly constructed costanera (boardwalk) vendors hawk sweet popcorn and mote con huesillo, a sugary drink made from cooked, husked wheat seeds, super-sweet peach juice, and topped off with an entire preserved peach. Give it a try as you meander along the lakeside, enjoying the sand between your toes just as much as the locals are.

The sweet side of Villarrica continues in that you can book every excursion you could ever dream of in Pucón here as well. It is equally convenient, without being nearly as intense. Driving into Villarrica National Forest, climbing the volcano, a drive to Termas Geometricas -- everything is equally accessible from Villarrica. If a more down-to-earth, local vibe is what you crave, than Villarrica is the city for you. If you have been missing some of the conveniences and comforts of home, just keep driving another 40 minutes down the lake and you will reach Pucón, a very different kind of town.