Experience Puerto Varas

Overview

Puerto Varas is a picturesque lake town on the shores of Lago Llanquihue in southern Chile, in the Los Lagos Region. Varas is known as the “La Ciudad De Las Rosas” or “The City of Roses” for the plentiful and fragrant roses that bloom all over the town from December to March. It was founded by German colonists, strong German traditions can be seen in the German colonial-inspired architecture and the cuisine, especially the pastries and craft beer. The quaint town is overlooked by the snow-capped volcanoes of Calbuco and Osorno, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love adventurous sports. The area is filled with verdant forests brimming with wildlife, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking national parks. Endless outdoor adventure awaits with kayaking, white water rafting, fly fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking through the striking scenic countryside.

Things to see and do

Explore the lovely, quaint town of Puerto Varas on foot or rent a bicycle. The charming German heritage town features wooden colonial architecture in its buildings, which were built by German immigrants in the early 1900s, several of which are declared national monuments.

Varas is nestled on the shores of Lago Llanquihue which is the second-largest lake in the country, another magical place to wander around is along the scenic lake shores. Visitors can take in the pure scenic beauty of the town with well-manicured gardens, and views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Head to Parque Philippi a lush, verdant park that offers a variety of bike trails through the park's beautiful scenery and up the peak of Cerro Philippi. There are also hiking trails the Mirador Cerro Philippi trail up the mountain to soak in the stunning volcano views.

There are a few great churches worth viewing in town, including the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon Catholic Church which was built in 1915 and overlooks the downtown area. Iglesia Lueterana Church was built in 1924 and sits on the lake shores. A few other interesting buildings to check out in town include Casa Kuschel which is one of the oldest houses in Puerto Varas featuring some interesting Gothic architecture. Casa Gotschlich a historic German home built in the early 1900s, there are many German-inspired buildings dotted around the lovely lake.

Visit the picturesque Petrohue Falls (Saltas de Petrohue) a must-do activity when visiting Puerto Varas. You can rent a bike and cycle to the epic falls passing by beautiful beaches along the way. The striking chute-style falls are fed from the Petrohue River, which comes from Lake Todo Los Santos and creates the thunderous Petrohue Falls. On a clear day, you can see the magnificent snow-capped Osorno volcano rising in the background. Take a walk along the trails to the area surrounding the falls which can be seen from different viewpoints, take a picnic to enjoy in the natural scenic area, or grab something to eat at the cafe nearby.

Head to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park which is Chile’s oldest national park and home to the famous Petrohue Falls, the verdant green Lake Todos los Santos, and the snow-capped Osorno Volcano! Beauty and adventure await in this epic park, there are several ways to explore, you can take guided hiking tours, mountain biking tours, or simply explore the park on your own.

The park and surroundings are a good destination for hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, sailing, boating, kayaking, and flyfishing to name a few. Visitors to the park will be treated some some spectacular views over the area’s soaring staggering peaks of the volcanoes, and the clear sparkling sapphire waters of the lakes. There is a chairlift ride up Mt. Osorno which is open year-round, it's popular in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, and for sightseeing in the summer.

Take a catamaran ride across the eye-catching Todos Los Santos Lake to the lakeside town of Puella where you can enjoy a lakeside lunch followed by an activity of your choice such as horseback riding, fishing, or hiking.

Alerce Andino National Park is another massive park in the area filled with a huge mountain, deep verdant valleys blanketed by thick larch forests of ancient alerce trees as well as breathtaking views from the Chapo Lake, and the Valleys of the Chaicas, and Lenca Rivers. This park can easily be explored on a day’s hike, it covers about 10 miles (5 hours) along the coast to the beginning of Carretera Austral.

Shopping

Visitors can enjoy some of the best shopping opportunities when staying in Puerto Varas. There is a shopping mall, vibrant outdoor markets, and many independent shops selling everything from outdoor gear and equipment to handmade Chilean handicrafts. The lakeside town offers some unique local shops like Wild Lama a clothing store that is known for its unique collections that blend traditional Chilean designs with contemporary fashion. Shoppers will find some great stores located on the scenic lake shores along with many culinary delights. Del Salvador is one of the main shopping streets in town with many shops selling outerwear, sporting goods, local fashion, and crafts. The Feria Artesanal can be found along Del Salvador with several different shops selling local handmade items like wool, wood carvings, jewelry, and all things llama, and alpaca. The Mall Paseo Varas is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub reflecting the spirit of the city. Set in the scenic area of Los Lagos the mall boasts a wide variety of shops with local and international brands, souvenirs, and unique gifts. There are plenty of dining opportunities at the mall as well as special events held there frequently. Puerto Varas features its own popular Patagonia store in the scenic area it fits in perfectly and offers a diverse range of products for the maximum enjoyment of the outdoor lifestyle.

Dining

The gastronomy of Puerto Varas features a strong German influence due to the German history and ancestry of the town. Traditional German baking can be found throughout the town which is recognized for its kuchen, pies, cakes, cookies, handmade chocolates, and marmalades made with local fruits like strawberries and myrtle. The cafes found in the downtown area are worth a visit for their delicious German pastries. German influences are also found in craft beers in town which are of excellent quality. European-style hams and sausages are also found on many menus, as well as cheeses. Kuchen Day is celebrated annually in town on the first Sunday of February. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in town especially dotted around the waterfront with spectacular views. A lot of menus in the area feature fresh fish and seafood, with delicious salmon brought in from nearby Puerto Montt.

There are plenty of wonderful waterfront restaurants that offer a sensational dining experience with amazing views. Many of these popular restaurants provide diners with stunning lake views and dish up delicious local cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, making a perfect end to the day. A lovely dinner out in Puerto Varas should be accompanied by a glass of wine from Chile’s wine region. Wine lovers will rejoice at the many charming wine bars in town where they can enjoy the renowned wines from the region and experience the rich history and culture of the country. Beer enthusiasts will also love Puerto Varas’s local craft breweries that offer unique experiences in fun, vibrant atmospheres. These craft breweriesare charming spots dotted around town where visitors can enjoy a variety of local brews on tasting flights.

Some authentic Chilean dishes include caldillo de congrio (fish stew with tomatoes and potatoes), and ceviche using fresh bass and scallops. Locally sourced fresh ingredients are used to make Chilean specialties such as machas a la parmesan (razor clams layered with cheese, white wine, and lemon juice), along with seafood stews using freshly caught fish from the Pacific. Other classic popular dishes include Empanadas typically filled with meat, cheese, or seafood and then baked or fried. Completo is a Chilean-style hot dog loaded with toppings like sauerkraut, diced tomatoes, pebre (spicy salsa), and generously adorned with mayonnaise. Pastel de Choclo is a traditional hearty casserole dish made with ground corn, seasoned meat, onions, and olives, then topped with a golden crust made from cornmeal. Alfajores is a sweet dessert of soft, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche.

Nightlife

Puerto Varas offers a vibrant and enchanting nightlife experience with a great selection of bars, pubs, clubs, and a popular casino. The picturesque lake town in Chile offers a good blend of culture, music, and flavor and boasts stunning views of the Osorno Volcano. There are various fun activities in town ranging from cozy restaurants, lively bars, trendy wine bars, and entertaining clubs. Sip on signature cocktails like the Chilean classic Pisco Sour made by expert mixologists. Catch an evening of entertainment with live music at local establishments that feature talented musicians playing everything from traditional Chilean folk music to modern-day rock.

Puerto Varas is home to a surprising selection of exciting nightclubswhere visitors can go for a night full of drinks and dancing. Enjoy a sunset over the city along the colorful Perez Rosales waterfront in Puerto Varas to take in the lake breeze and take in the city lit up at night with the incredible street lights illuminating the town. The spectacular waterfront is also home to the exciting Dreams Casino in a state-of-the-art building where guests can take in live shows, try their luck at slots, and play games like roulette, poker, and blackjack. The casino also boasts several great restaurants and bars where you can relax over dinner and a few drinks to soak in the festivities.