In the mid-19th century, German immigrants made their way through the thick forest and settled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, previously known by the Huilliche people who had long traveled the area. Today, Puerto Varas is known as one of the most iconic cities in southern Chile and a must-see destination for tourists traveling through the Lake Llanquihue basin.

Also called “The City of Roses,” Puerto Varas is known for its unmistakable German architecture, fine cuisine, beautiful gardens, colorful Sacred Heart of Jesus church, and its waterfront, with stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. It’s the gateway for exploring Patagonia and the far-flung corners of the Los Lagos Region, and offers a wide range of activities for tourists, such as trekking, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, sailing, fishing, ziplining, skiing, and historical tours.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

In Puerto Varas, you can find lodges, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and many different hotels catering to visitors with a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Puerto Varas also has a casino and an ample selection of restaurants. German bakeries are one of the highlights of the local food scene. You’ll also find stores offering a large variety of artisanal products. Find out more at:

http://serviciosturisticos.sernatur.cl/
http://www.ptovaras.cl/secciones-municipales/turismo
http://serviciosturisticos.sernatur.cl/
http://www.ptovaras.cl/secciones-municipales/turismo

Region

Puerto Varas

Province

Llanquihue

Population

44.578

Climate and Rainfall

Rainy and temperate

Nearest National Park(s)

Alerce Andino National Park

Hornopiren National Park

Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Row, boat, or sail on Lake Llanquihue, or drive along its shores, visiting towns including Llanquihue, Frutillar, Puerto Octay, and others.
  • Go to the Antonio Felmer German Museum, located in Nueva Braunau, 3 miles west of Puerto Varas.
  • Hike up the Philippi Hill, a park that features a thick forest and a beautiful view of the town.
  • Walk along the Puerto Varas waterfront and take in the striking views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes.
  • Check out the historical homes walking tour to learn about the German architecture that played an important part in the town’s development, and visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus church, founded in 1853.
  • Hike up the Osorno Volcano to get a panoramic view of the Llanquihue basin. In winter, you can descend the volcano on skis.
  • Visit Petrohué Falls and explore the trails in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which is Chile’s oldest National Park.
  • Fish or raft on the Petrohué River.
  • Sail on Todos Los Santos Lake, crossing to Peulla.
  • Costanera de Puerto Varas

  • Costanera de Puerto Varas

  • Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

  • Costanera de Puerto Varas

  • Saltos del Petrohué

  • Saltos del Petrohué

  • Lago Todos Los Santos

  • Volcán Osorno

How to get

Puerto Varas is located 631 miles from Santiago along Route 5, and 137 miles from Chaitén on the Bimodal Route. From Argentina, you can reach Puerto Varas via the Cardenal Antonio Samoré International Pass, located along Route 215, 47 miles from Puyehue.

Various bus routes are available connecting Puerto Varas and Santiago (a journey of approximately 12 hours), and buses are also available between Puerto Varas and other towns.

El Tepual is the region’s main airport and offers daily flights to Santiago and other cities, including Balmaceda and Punta Arenas. LASA Airlines offers direct flights from Puerto Montt to Bariloche. El Tepual Airport is located 19 miles from Puerto Varas along Route 5, and 14 miles along Route V-590 (Las Lomas).

Tips

Basic Services

  • Gas Station
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hospital
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Bike Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center
  • Chaitén Aerodrome

Visitor’s Center

Address

El Salvador N°320

Email

aboeguel@ptovaras.cl

Phone number

+56 (65) 2 361175

Important Dates

In March, Puerto Varas hosts the «Flavors at the Lake» and «Chocolate Fair» events.

In June, locals hold the «Rain Festival,» which features traditional activities, parade floats, and other festivities.

In September, the community puts on a Chilean Festival.

In October, Puerto Varas hosts its Oktoberfest (Beer Festival).

In January, locals hold a «Coffee Festival,» and on the first Saturday in February, the town hosts its «Day of Kuchen (German cakes and pies).»

Copyright 2018 Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia