Think of this region as the Southern Hemisphere's Switzerland, where snow-capped peaks, dozens of deep mountain lakes and emerald valleys create a fairy-tale landscape. Stretching from the Bio Bio River to the northern edge of Patagonia, it's home to picturesque German-influenced villages like Frutillar, Puerto Octay and Puerto Varas, plus wildlife-rich Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. The culture and handicrafts of the native Mapuche Indians are found in the northern areas around Temuco.