Los Lagos Region · Chile
A German-influenced lakeside town facing the twin cones of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
Photo: Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0
Puerto Varas is a lakeside town built by German settlers in the 19th century, and its wooden houses, kuchen cafes and church give it a distinct European feel. It faces the glassy Lake Llanquihue, with the snow-capped cone of Osorno volcano across the water and the smoking Calbuco nearby.
It is a gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the oldest in Chile, includes the Petrohue Falls and Lake Todos los Santos, with its emerald water. Visitors can hike, kayak, raft, ski on Osorno in winter or take a ferry across the Andes to Argentina.
The town is also close to Puerto Montt and Chiloe, making it a good base for a mix of nature and culture. It is quiet, easy and comfortable, and a good place to slow down after the more demanding parts of Chile.
Why visit
Puerto Varas is a gentle introduction to Chilean nature.
Osorno and Calbuco.
Turquoise rapids.
Kuchen and architecture.
Kayak and raft.
Close to the airport.
Main attractions
The main sights are on the lake and in the national park.
A vast lake with beaches and views.
Tip Walk the waterfront.
A cone for hiking and skiing.
Tip Take the chairlift.
Turquoise rapids over black lava.
Tip Visit early.
Emerald lake in the national park.
Tip Take a boat.
Ancient alerce trees.
Tip Hike with a guide.
A lakeside town with a music hall.
Tip Short drive.
Things to do
The area suits outdoor lovers.
Osorno trails.
Tip Go in summer.
Calm morning water.
Tip Bring a jacket.
Grade III rapids.
Tip Book ahead.
German-style cake.
Tip Frutillar cafes.
Music hall and museum.
Tip Concerts in January.
Cross to Argentina.
Tip Plan a day.
Local food
German and Chilean traditions meet.
German cake.
Where to try it Cafes.
Local fish.
Where to try it Waterfront.
Seafood stew.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Local brews.
Where to try it Bars.
Hearty stew.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Accommodation
Stay by the lake.
Transport
Puerto Varas is close to Puerto Montt airport.
A car makes things easy.
When to go
Summer is warm and best for outdoor activities.
Warm and long days.
Spring.
Autumn calm.
Rain and cold.
Worth planning around: Winter rains if you plan to hike.
Itinerary
Volcano and lakes.
Lake
Falls
Osorno
Travel tips
Tips for the Lake District.
FAQ
Two to four days.
Often.
Calbuco is monitored.
By boat and bus.
December to March.
Moderate.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Puerto Varas and the Lake District, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Los Lagos Region, southern Chile, Chile
An island archipelago with 16 UNESCO-listed wooden churches, palafito stilt houses, Chilote cuisine, penguin colonies and folklore.
Don't miss Eating curanto cooked in an earth pit, then watching penguins from a boat.
Explore Destination — ChiloeLa Araucania Region, Lake District, Chile
A lakeside adventure town with a volcano climb, rafting, hot springs, araucaria forests and Mapuche culture.
Don't miss Climbing the active Villarrica volcano at dawn and sliding down on your boots.
Explore Destination — Pucon and VillarricaAysen Region, Patagonia, Chile
One of the world's great road trips, from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, passing Queulat, Marble Caves, Cerro Castillo and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
Don't miss Drifting by boat through blue marble caves on Lake General Carrera.
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