Best of Puerto Varas

Set on the shores of the deep blue waters of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas is famous for its natural beauty and Germanic heritage, evident in its 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Snow-capped Andean peaks are visible from the waterfront, and nearby forests, lakes, rivers and fjords offer a wide range of activities. Lakeshore hotels and B&Bs, along with an appealing restaurant and cafe scene make Puerto Varas a good base for an extended stay.  

Memorable excursions are within easy reach of Puerto Varas, like the shoreline drive to the picturesque village of Ensenada, where you can see three volcanoes. There’s excellent hiking (and skiing in winter) on the slopes of Volcán Osorno, though you can also ascend by chair lift just to take in the magnificent views. The vast national park of Vicente Pérez Rosales makes for another fine outing. Here you can see evergreen forests and a famous waterfall gushing over volcanic rock, and go sailing on Todos Los Santos lake. Southeast of Puerto Varas, the Alerce Andino National Park is home to some of the oldest forests on the planet, and an ideal spot for wildlife watching.