A charming tourist town nestled in the heart of Chile's Lake and Volcano Region, Puerto Varas offers countless opportunities for scenic walks and cruises. Rose-lined streets, colorful wooden houses, and views of conical snow-capped peaks make it an ideal place to unwind. Welcome to the "City of Roses," situated near Llanquihue, the country's second-largest lake.

A bit of history

German colonists founded Puerto Varas in 1853 with support from the Chilean government, aiming to populate lands at the far southern edge of Chile. Hundreds of German settlers who arrived to establish themselves between Valdivia and Puerto Montt benefited from government land grants.

The town's growth accelerated early on, fueled by the development of the tourism sector.

Puerto Varas today

The picturesque town of Puerto Varas stretches along the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Here, traditional Germanic architecture harmoniously coexists with modern neighborhoods adorned by well-maintained gardens.

Puerto Varas boasts exquisite gastronomy, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural scene. Local cuisine bears a strong German influence, and you can savor authentic German pastries throughout the town. In winter, residents celebrate rainfall during the "Traditional Rain Festival."

Puerto Varas also offers an extensive range of outdoor activities and stunning panoramas. It's a perfect destination for adventure seekers, kayakers, mountaineers, and sport fishing enthusiasts. Hike to the Petrohué Falls, attempt to summit the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, enjoy the waterfront and marine activities…

Exploring Puerto Varas

Designated a Chilean Historical Heritage site in 1992, Puerto Varas is characterized by distinctly Germanic colonial architecture. Many homes resemble grand wooden chalets.

Puerto Varas' streets are dotted with magnificent historic buildings, each distinguished by its unique architectural style. The Casa Jüpner-Klenner and Casa Götschilch, built in 1910, showcase Neobaroque and Neoclassical styles. The Casa Kuschel, built between 1915 and 1917, features Baroque design in its tower, a Neo-Gothic canopy, and Neoclassical windows…

Visit the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. This architectural masterpiece stands out for its wooden construction and vibrant colors.

To delve deeper into Puerto Varas' history, don't miss the Antonio Felmer Museum. Founded in 1975 by Antonio Felmer Niklischek, this museum exhibits artifacts from Puerto Varas' early immigrant communities, including period farm equipment and recreated 19th-century domestic scenes.

The beginning of an adventure

Close to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas is an exceptionally pleasant town, positioned on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and facing the Osorno Volcano (standing at 2,660 meters). This Chilean destination is ideal for a relaxing Patagonian vacation.

The town's waterfront is graced by the lovely Costanera avenue, featuring a charming artisanal market filled with stalls, shops, and small cafés serving fresh seafood and fish soups. Nearby stands the Paseo Costanera shopping center, opened in 2001. Spanning 135,000 square meters, it's among Chile's largest.

For one of the finest views over Puerto Varas, ascend to the summit of Philippi Park. Hiking trails wind through the trees to a large cross that illuminates the entire park at night.

The "City of Roses," a name earned from its flower-lined streets, serves as a perfect launching point for countless adventures. Head toward the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, which encircles Lake Llanquihue.

Upon reaching the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos, crystalline turquoise waters invite you to explore forest-lined trails. Pause to admire the majestic Osorno Volcano and the stunning turquoise hue of the Petrohué River.

Lake Llanquihue is undoubtedly one of Puerto Varas' premier attractions. Along its 1.5-kilometer boardwalk, you'll enjoy the most spectacular views of Osorno Volcano.

Climate

Puerto Varas enjoys an oceanic climate characterized by substantial rainfall, particularly during winter and spring. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range between 4° and 20°C.

Summers are warm and partly cloudy. Winters are cold, bringing heavy precipitation and overcast skies. Summer temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C to a maximum of 35°C. Winter sees lows of -5°C and highs around 8°C.

Weather in Puerto Varas can shift dramatically throughout a single day. Violent winds may suddenly sweep away clouds, revealing the snow-capped peaks that typically remain hidden.

By plane

The nearest airport to Puerto Varas is Puerto Montt's airport, 20 kilometers away.

By car/bus

By road, Puerto Varas is accessible via the Pan-American South Highway or Route 5.

Taxi is the best way to get around Puerto Varas. Trips last 5 to 10 minutes and are remarkably affordable.