Puerto Varas Travel Guide: Lakeside Charm in Southern Chile

¡Hola! I’m your local guide, and today I’m taking you to the beautiful lakeside town of Puerto Varas, located in the heart of Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Known for its charming German-inspired architecture, stunning views of Osorno Volcano, and access to outdoor adventures, Puerto Varas is one of the top destinations in southern Chile.
 

Whether you’re here to admire nature, explore national parks, indulge in traditional German-Chilean cuisine, or set off toward Patagonia, Puerto Varas is a must-visit spot.

📍 Where Is Puerto Varas?

Puerto Vara

 lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Llanquihue, one of Chile’s largest lakes. It's just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Montt Airport and sits at the northern gateway to Patagonia.

From Puerto Varas, you can easily explore:

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Osorno Volcano

Chiloé Island

Frutillar and Ensenada towns

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Puerto Varas

☀️ Summer (December to March):

Ideal for outdoor activities, kayaking, volcano hikes, and scenic drives.

🍁 Autumn (April to May):

Fewer tourists, vibrant fall colors, and peaceful lake views.

❄️ Winter (June to August):

Great for snow on Osorno Volcano and hot springs.

🌼 Spring (September to November):

Pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and shoulder-season deals.

✈️ How to Get to Puerto Varas

By Air:

Fly into El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt, then take a 30-minute transfer to Puerto Varas.

By Bus:

Frequent buses run from Santiago (~12 hours) or nearby cities like Valdivia and Osorno.

By Car:

Renting a car is ideal for day trips to parks, volcanoes, and remote towns.

🏞️ Top Things to Do in Puerto Varas

1. Lake Llanquihue Promenade

Begin your adventure with a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy views of Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, relax on the beach, and watch the sunset.

✅ Pro Tip: Walk to the pier for the best panoramic views and photo spots.

2. Osorno Volcano

This iconic, snow-capped volcano rises above the town and is easily accessible for hiking, photography, or winter sports.

What to Do:

Ride the ski lift to mid-volcano for incredible lake views.

Hike short trails or climb higher with a guide.

Visit the Volcano Visitor Center for geology insights.

3. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Chile’s oldest national park lies just 60 minutes from Puerto Varas and includes lush forests, waterfalls, and emerald lakes.

Must-See Spots:

Petrohué Waterfalls – powerful cascades of turquoise water.

Todos Los Santos Lake – boat trips and kayaking.

Ensenada village – gateway to the park with food and lodging.

4. Sacred Heart Church (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón)

This iconic red-and-white church dominates the town’s skyline and reflects Bavarian influence from the 19th-century German settlers.

✅ Don’t Miss: Climb the hill behind the church for city views.

5. Museo Pablo Fierro

An eclectic, quirky museum and gallery showcasing local history, architecture, and art. The building itself is a creative attraction.

6. Frutillar Day Trip

Just 30 minutes north along the lake, Frutillar is another lakeside gem known for:

The Teatro del Lago (Lake Theater)

German Colonial Museum

Music festivals and artisan bakeries

🎶 Festivals and Events

Frutillar Musical Weeks (January/February) – Classical and contemporary concerts on the lakeside.

Puerto Varas Anniversary (February) – Parades, food stalls, and performances.

Oktoberfest-style events – Celebrating the region’s German roots.

🧖‍♀️ Relax in Hot Springs

Volcanic activity in the region means natural thermal spas are never far away.

Termas de Ralún – Remote and riverside

Termas del Sol – Modern pools in nature (1.5 hrs from Puerto Varas)

Aguas Calientes – Tucked in Puyehue National Park, ideal on rainy days

🚴 Outdoor Adventures

Puerto Varas is a paradise for eco-tourism and active travelers:

🚣‍♂️ Water Activities:

Kayaking on Lake Llanquihue

Stand-up paddleboarding and sailing

🚴 Biking:

Scenic bike route along the lake from Puerto Varas to Frutillar (~30 km)

🥾 Hiking:

Paso Desolación Trail (in Vicente Pérez Rosales NP)

La Picada Trail – With lake and volcano views

🌽 Food & Drink in Puerto Varas

This region is a culinary delight blending German, Chilean, and Mapuche traditions.

Must-Try Dishes:

Kuchen – German-style fruit cakes

Curanto – A traditional Chilote dish made with seafood, meat, and potatoes cooked in a pit

Salmon and trout – Fresh from nearby rivers and lakes

Empanadas de queso – A local favorite snack

Recommended Restaurants:

La Marca – Steakhouse and Patagonian cuisine

Café Danes – German cakes, local coffee

Casa Valdés – Upscale dining on the lakefront

Las Buenas Brasas – Cozy Chilean grill

🛏️ Where to Stay in Puerto Varas

Budget:

Compass del Sur Hostel – Friendly vibe and great location

Hostal Klein – Charming and family-run

Mid-Range:

Hotel Cabaña del Lago – Lakeside views and a pool

Hotel Bellavista – Centrally located with classic decor

Luxury:

Hotel Awa – Upscale design hotel on the lake

Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas – Elegant with volcano views

🛍️ Local Markets & Souvenirs

Mercado Artesanal – For wool goods, wood carvings, and Mapuche jewelry

Feria de Frutillar – Weekly artisan and farmers’ market

Look for: lapis lazuli jewelry, alpaca scarves, and handmade ceramics

🗺️ Sample 3-Day Itinerary for Puerto Varas

Day 1:

Walk along the Lake Llanquihue promenade

Visit Museo Pablo Fierro and Sacred Heart Church

Dinner with local wine and lake views

Day 2:

Full-day tour to Vicente Pérez Rosales NP

Visit Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano

Optional: Boat ride on Todos Los Santos Lake

Day 3:

Morning trip to Frutillar

Explore Teatro del Lago and museums

Afternoon shopping and coffee in Puerto Varas

🌿 Sustainable Travel Tips

Respect indigenous culture and local communities

Use reusable bottles and reduce plastic

Support local artisans and eat at family-run restaurants

Follow park rules to protect nature and wildlife

🧳 Final Thoughts from Your Guide

Puerto Varas is more than just a stopover — it’s a destination that blends nature, culture, and history in a way that’s hard to forget. With its scenic landscapes, active adventures, and warm hospitality, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this lakeside treasure.

From a quiet coffee by the lake to adrenaline-filled volcano hikes, Puerto Varas welcomes you with open arms. Come visit, and let this magical corner of southern Chile leave a lasting impression on your heart.