You're Going to Love Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a picturesque town on the shores of Lago Llanquihue in south central Chile. Overlooked by the snow-capped volcanoes of Calbuco and Osorno, it is a favorite destination for independent travelers and lovers of adventure sports.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Puerto Varas
Watersports
Puerto Varas is a great center for watersports, with lots of opportunities for kayaking, canyoning, rafting, fishing, and sailing in the waters surrounding the town.
2. Adventure Sports
The landscape around Puerto Varas is perfect for hiking, climbing, and skiing.
3. Architecture
The town's German heritage is reflected in its architecture, making for a charming and unique atmosphere much like an Alpine resort.
4. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is a spectacular natural wonder, with highlights such as Lake Todos los Santos and the Petrohué Falls.
5. The Casino
For a change of pace, enjoy a little glamour at the Casino on Del Salvador.
When to Visit Puerto Varas
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Puerto Varas has an oceanic climate with mild summers and cold, wet winters. Most visitors arrive in summer and the town is very quiet in winter.
How to Get to Puerto Varas
Plane
There is no airport in Puerto Varas but El Tepual (PMC) in Puerto Montt is only 20 miles to the south. It has regular services from Santiago and other Chilean cities. A taxi to Puerto Varas will cost around CLP$20,000. Alternatively, you can take the bus into Puerto Montt bus terminal and then change for Puerto Varas for a combined fare of CLP$3,300.
Train
Puerto Varas has train services from cities as far north as Victoria. Fares from Victoria are from CLP$16,000.
Car
Puerto Varas lies on the main route 5, running from Santiago in the north to Puerto Montt and on to Quellon in the south.
Bus
Puerto Varas has regular bus services from other Chilean cities, including an overnight service from Santiago. The fare from Puerto Montt is CLP$800.
Airlines serving Puerto Varas
Where to stay in popular areas of Puerto Varas
Most booked hotels in Puerto Varas
How to Get Around Puerto Varas
Public Transportation
The town is easily walkable but minibuses will take you anywhere in Puerto Varas for around CLP$500.
Taxi
Taxis are less common in Puerto Varas but can be ordered from your hotel. You will pay around CLP$400 for the initial fare and then CLP$1,500 per mile.
Car
Care should be taken if driving into the mountains around Puerto Varas but the main highways and town streets are in good condition. Car rental is available for around CLP$25,000 per day.
Where to Eat in Puerto Varas
La Gringa on Imperial serves good American-style food, with mains from CLP3,500. Casavaldes on Santa Rosa serves Chilean seafood with mains from CLP$5,300.