Puerto Varas is the classic base for exploring the Los Lagos region. The town is in Llanquihue province, 22 kilometers north of Puerto Montt, on the shore of Lake Llanquihue and facing the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. It was born of German colonization: between 1852 and 1853, German-speaking immigrants settled on the lakeshore, and their mark can still be seen in the wooden architecture and the local pastries, according to Wikipedia.
Puerto Varas in figures
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Distance to Puerto Montt | 22 km to the south |
| Area of Lake Llanquihue | 860 km², Chile's second-largest lake |
| Lake altitude | 70 m above sea level |
| Lake depth | Over 350 m in some soundings |
| German colonization | 1852-1853 |
The waterfront and town center
The Puerto Varas waterfront is the best place to see Osorno volcano on clear days, its almost perfect snowy cone across the lake. The center is walkable: it has cafés, restaurants, craft shops and wooden houses from the settlers' era, several of them protected as heritage.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus church, on the high part of town, is the most representative temple of southern Chilean architecture thanks to its location and style, in red and white wood with two towers. There is a good view of the lake from around it.
Osorno volcano and Petrohué Falls
Osorno volcano is a stratovolcano east of Lake Llanquihue and the most recognizable natural icon of the region. A paved road climbs its slope to the area of the mountain lodges, with viewpoints over the lake and, in winter, a ski area. From Puerto Varas it is about an hour via Ensenada.
A few kilometers from Ensenada are the Petrohué Falls, waterfalls over volcanic rock inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest in Chile. Further on is Lake Todos los Santos. We cover it in detail in our guide to Petrohué Falls.
Does your hotel, restaurant or tour in Puerto Varas want to reach travelers planning their stay in the Los Lagos region?
See advertising formatsFrutillar and the Teatro del Lago
Frutillar, on the same lake north of Puerto Varas, is known for its founders' German traditions and for the Frutillar Musical Weeks, a classical music festival. It is home to the Teatro del Lago, built on the shore of Llanquihue: one of the most important cultural centers in South America and the southernmost international theater in the world. It's worth checking its program before you go.
Other activities from Puerto Varas
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Llanquihue: in summer the water is cold but calm in the mornings.
- Rafting on the Petrohué River: one of the classic runs in the south, with views of Osorno volcano.
- Cycling around the lake: the circuit passes Frutillar, Puerto Octay and Ensenada; it can be done in sections.
- Food: küchen and pastries of German heritage, plus craft breweries, like the ones in our craft beer route of southern Chile.
- Chiloé: from Puerto Montt you can take the ferry to the island; see our guide to Chiloé.
How to get there and when to go
| From | How | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Flight to Puerto Montt | Daily flights; transfers run from El Tepual airport to Puerto Varas |
| Santiago | Overnight bus | Daily departures on Route 5 South |
| Puerto Montt | Bus or car | 22 km on Route 5 |
The best time is December to March, with more daylight and more clear days to see the volcanoes. In autumn and spring there are fewer people and lower prices, but it rains more often. Our guide to when to visit Chile compares the seasons by region.
Three-day itinerary
| Day | Route | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Varas center, waterfront and Sacred Heart church | Sunset on the waterfront with a view of Osorno |
| 2 | Ensenada, Petrohué Falls and Osorno volcano | Leave early; clouds often cover the volcano in the afternoon |
| 3 | Frutillar and the Teatro del Lago | Check the program and have küchen on the waterfront |
With a fourth day, a good option is to head down to Puerto Montt to see the Angelmó market and continue to Chiloé, or take the lakeshore road to Puerto Octay, a small town with settler-era houses and a different view of the volcanoes.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Puerto Varas?
Three days are enough to see the town, Osorno volcano, Petrohué Falls and Frutillar. With more time you can add Chiloé or the lake crossing to Argentina.
Which lake is in Puerto Varas?
Lake Llanquihue, Chile's second-largest after General Carrera, at 860 km².
How far is Puerto Varas from Puerto Montt?
22 kilometers, about 25 minutes by car.
