Puerto Varas sits on the south-western shore of Lake Llanquihue, looking straight across the water at the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. It was founded in the 1850s, when the Chilean government, through the colonisation agent Vicente Pérez Rosales, brought German families to clear and farm the forests around the lake. Their timber houses, gardens and churches still give the town its character — and its nickname, “the City of Roses”.
Today it is the natural base for the whole Lake District: small enough to walk, with the best choice of hotels, restaurants and tour operators between Pucón and Patagonia, and twenty-five minutes from Puerto Montt and its airport. Most people stay three or four nights and use it as a hub for the volcano, the national park, Frutillar and Chiloé.
Top things to do at Puerto Varas
Walk the heritage quarter
The streets climbing behind the plaza are a protected Zona Típica of German-era houses with shingles, bay windows and steep roofs. Pick up a heritage-route map from the tourist office and look for Casa Kuschel, Casa Maldonado and the houses along Calle Purísima and Calle San Pedro.
Visit the Sagrado Corazón church
Built between 1915 and 1918 and modelled on a church in Germany’s Black Forest, the white-and-red wooden Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús on its hill is the symbol of the town and a national monument. Step inside for the all-timber interior.
Stroll the Costanera and climb Cerro Philippi
The lakeside promenade runs past the pier and the little beach towards the Osorno view; at sunset it is where the whole town ends up. For the panorama from above, walk or drive up Cerro Philippi, the hill behind the centre with its cross and viewpoint.
Eat and drink well
For its size, Puerto Varas has an unusually good food scene: southern Chilean seafood, lamb and wild mushrooms, German-style kuchen and bakeries, and local craft beer. Book dinner ahead in January and February.
How to get to Puerto Varas
- From El Tepual airport (PMC): around 40 minutes by road. Shared minibuses, taxis and pre-booked transfers meet most flights — see our getting here guide.
- From Puerto Montt: 20 km, about 25 minutes. Frequent minibuses run between the two towns.
- From Santiago: fly to Puerto Montt (about 1 h 45 min) or take an overnight bus (roughly 12–14 hours).
Insider tips
- The volcano view is best early in the morning, before cloud builds. Set an alarm and walk to the Costanera once.
- Carry a waterproof jacket at all times — Puerto Varas has a wet, changeable climate even in summer.
- Many restaurants close one day a week and hours shorten in winter; check before you walk across town.
- Book tours for your clearest forecast day first, and keep the rainy days for Frutillar, museums and hot springs.
Best tours for Puerto Varas
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Puerto Varas:
Half-day tour from US$46 Puerto Varas: Half-Day Tour to Frutillar and Llanquihue
A relaxed, small-group half day along the western shore of the lake, taking in the town of Llanquihue and the heritage waterfront of Frutillar — the best-preserved German colonial town in Chile.
- Frutillar’s lakefront and the Teatro del Lago
- The story of the 19th-century German settlers
- Time for kuchen with a view of the volcanoes
Half-day tour from US$49 Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-Conditioned Van
A shorter, focused trip for people who want the volcano itself without a full day on the road. Good if you only have a morning free, or if you are pairing it with Frutillar or rafting in the afternoon.
- Straight up to the Osorno volcano viewpoints
- Optional chairlift ride when it is operating
- Back in town by mid-afternoon
Adventure from US$45 Puerto Varas: Petrohué River Rafting & River-Kayaking Tour
The Petrohué is one of the most beautiful whitewater rivers in Chile: clear, cold and turquoise, flowing between lava rock and native forest. Guides run it for first-timers and families as well as thrill-seekers.
- Run the glacial-blue rapids of the Petrohué river
- Wetsuits, safety kit and instruction included
- Snack afterwards, with the Osorno volcano overhead
