Chile
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas and the Chilean Lake District
Puerto Varas is the jewel of Chile’s Lake District, a charming town of German-influenced architecture perched on the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue, South America’s second-largest lake.
Last Update
Nov 19, 2025
Puerto Varas is the jewel of Chile’s Lake District, a charming town of German-influenced architecture perched on the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue, South America’s second-largest lake. The town’s defining feature is its spectacular setting: perfectly conical Osorno Volcano (2,652m) rises directly across the lake, its snow-capped summit reflecting in the water. Founded by German immigrants in the 1850s, Puerto Varas retains European character with gabled houses, rose gardens, kuchen (German cake) shops, and a relaxed, civilized atmosphere. Yet wilderness beckons just beyond town: Osorno’s slopes for skiing and hiking, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with Petrohué waterfalls and emerald river, Chiloé Island’s mystical culture, and the start of the Carretera Austral adventure south.
Reasons to visit Puerto Varas
Iconic volcanic landscapes — The view of Osorno from Puerto Varas lakefront is one of South America’s most photographed scenes, especially at sunrise when alpenglow turns the peak pink-gold. Nearby Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes add to the dramatic skyline.
Explore Petrohué Falls and River — This aquamarine river carved through ancient lava flows creates stunning Saltos de Petrohué: waterfalls crashing through volcanic rock channels. The color—caused by suspended glacial sediment—is surreal. Hiking trails follow the river through temperate rainforest.
German cultural immersion — The German heritage is tangible: traditional kuchen at cafés, German-style breweries, Deutsche Schule (German school), even German-language theater. The architectural mix of Chilean fishing village and Alpine chalets is unique.
Use as a base for diverse excursions — Day trips reach Osorno Volcano (1 hr), Chiloé Island (2.5 hrs), Frutillar (30 min), Puyehue National Park (2 hrs), and Alerce Andino National Park. Multi-day trips access Hornopirén and Carretera Austral start.
Enjoy resort amenities — Puerto Varas offers boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants (German, Chilean, international), craft breweries, spa services, and a walkable downtown with lake promenade. Comfortable base after rugged Patagonia adventures.
Volcan Osorno
Petrohue Waterfalls
Lago Llanquihue
Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales
Volcan Osorno from Petrohue
Adventure Activities around Puerto Varas
Osorno Volcano Skiing (Winter)
Chile’s scenic ski resort:
12 runs across volcanic slopes and native forest
6 lifts accessing 2,240m summit
Views of Llanquihue Lake while skiing
On-mountain restaurant and lodge
Season: June-October
Smaller than major resorts but stunning setting
Equipment rental available
Volcano Mountaineering
Technical alpine climbing:
Osorno summit: 6-8 hour climb, crampons required
Calbuco ascent: Dormant volcano, challenging
Puntiagudo: Technical rock and ice climbing
Hire certified AGMTCH guides
Season: November-March
Requires mountaineering experience
Kayaking & SUP
Paddle pristine waters:
Lago Llanquihue: Multi-day circumnavigation possible
Protected bays: Half-day paddles with volcano views
Río Petrohué: Whitewater sections for experienced
Stand-up paddleboarding: Calm morning sessions
Equipment rentals available
Guided tours for all levels
Mountain Biking
Trails and roads:
Lakeside circuits: Easy scenic routes
Volcano access roads: Challenging climbs
Forest singletrack: Technical trails in national parks
Bike rentals in Puerto Varas
Guided tours available
Canyoning
Descend waterfalls and gorges:
Petrohué area canyons: Rappel waterfalls, jump pools
Half-day or full-day trips
All equipment provided (wetsuits, harnesses)
No experience necessary
Season: December-March
Operators: Ko’kayak, others
Fly Fishing
Trophy trout waters:
Río Petrohué: Rainbow and brown trout
Lago Llanquihue: Trolling for large fish
Mountain streams: Wade fishing in pristine settings
Guided full-day trips
Equipment provided or BYOD
Season: November-April
Horseback Riding
Explore valleys and volcanoes:
Half-day rides: Through forests and farmland
Full-day expeditions: To volcano viewpoints
Multi-day pack trips: Cochamo Valley wilderness
Suitable for all levels
Traditional Chilean saddles
Operators in Cochamo, Ralún areas
Rafting
Whitewater adventures:
Río Petrohué: Class III-IV rapids, full-day
Río Maullín: Gentler Class II-III, family-friendly
All equipment and wetsuits provided
Season: November-April
Operators: Ko’kayak, Sur Rafting
Hiking & Trekking
Beyond day hikes:
Alerce Andino circuits: Multi-day through ancient forests
Cochamo Valley: 3-5 day treks to granite domes
Volcano traverses: Osorno to Calbuco routes
Refugio-to-refugio: Mountain hut trekking
Backcountry camping options
Paragliding
Soar with volcano views:
Tandem flights: From hills above Puerto Varas
20-40 minute flights over lake
Weather-dependent
Spectacular scenery
Operators: Parapente Mirador
Plan Your Trip
