PUERTO VARAS, CHILE, SOUTH AMERICA - TRAVEL & LODGING GUIDE

CHILE TRAVEL GUIDE:

Travel Guide to Chile:

Chile Travel: Visiting the Lake District from Puerto Varas  
by Hortense Soulier

One of the highlights of any trip to Chile, the Lake District is made of wonderful landscapes of shimmering lakes, pristine forest and imposing peaks. The capital of the "Los Lagos" region, Puerto Montt, may not seem like it has much to offer with its chaotic streets and far from beautiful architecture. The city rapidly developed following a salmon fishing boom and the increase in tourism to the region, but without any kind of urban planning involved. However, it boasts excellent tourism infrastructure and is the perfect launching point for expeditions into the stunning Lake District.

Travelers looking for a more peaceful destination can stay in Puerto Varas, a small residential town located on the outskirts of Puerto Montt and which is home to many excellent, comfortable hotels, as well as good restaurants. Situated right on the shore of the striking Lago Llanquihue, Puerto Varas is a great base for tours on and around the lake, and is a charming fishing village which has managed to retain its picturesque charm even as tourism grew.

Puerto Varas is also the gateway to the Parque Nacional Vincente Perez Rosales, a beautiful national reserve protecting the entire area, and home to several beautiful lakes of various sizes. Between the hustle and bustle of Puerto Montt, and the wealthy crowds of Pucon, a nearby lake town, Puerto Varas offers a great alternative to visit the region.

Within the park, the eastern slopes of the awe-inspiring Osorno volcano provide for an excellent day-trip. You can travel to Ensenada, a tiny village located right at the foot of the volcano. With a few lodging and dining options, this is a great base for those who wish to get away from it all and enjoy a full nature experience. 

Most accommodations are equipped with their own kitchen and provide stunning lake views, perfect for independent travelers who just want to enjoy nature at its best and stray away from the regular crowds of tourists.

Puerto Varas itself is a pleasant town which can easily be explored on foot. Settled by the German around 1910-1940, it features many wooden buildings directly inspired by early 20th century German architecture, which makes for a nice, old-fashioned atmosphere. At least 8 former settlers' mansions have been declared national monuments and deserve a visit. You'll find some of these beautiful colonial homes on Purisima street: Gastof Haus, Casa Yunge, Casa Horn, Casa Opitz, and Casa Maldonado. A few of them have been turned into hotels.