Travel Guide to Chile:
5
Fun Facts to Know About Chile
A
Hiking Guide to Easter Island
Chile:
Land of Poets
Chile
Travel: Visiting the Lake District from Puerto Varas
Chile
Travel Destinations & Places To Visit in Chile
Concepcion
Guide
Discover
the beauty of San Pedro de Atacama
History
and Growth of Santiago de Chile
History
of Chile
Sightseeing
in Punta Arenas - Chile
Revealing
the Valleys of Chile
Swept
Away In Santiago De Chile
The
Mythology of Easter Island
Travel
to Valparaiso, 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.
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