Things to Do in Puerto Varas

Choose from 4 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Varas

Llanquihue Lake

The town of Puerto Varas sits on the banks of Llanquihue Lake in Chile’s magnificent Lakes District. The lake itself, the second-largest lake in the country after General Carrera Lake, sits at the base of the near-perfect conically shaped Osorno Volcano, adding to its already picturesque qualities.

The shores of the 336-square-mile (870-square-kilometer) lake share a German heritage, yet each attracts visitors for a different reason. Puerto Varas is the lake’s adventure capital, while Frutillar on the western banks of the lake appeals to Chilean tourists on summer holiday. The charming Bavarian-style town of Puerto Octay offers remote accommodations on the north shores of the lake, and rustic Ensenada on the eastern banks sits at the entrance to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.

Practical Info

To get a comprehensive feel for Llanquihue Lake, consider renting a car and driving around it, stopping at the various towns along the way.

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile

From $ 34

Calbuco Volcano

The Calbuco Volcano, one of two snow-capped volcanic cones rising above the town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, is also one of Chile’s most active volcanoes with 36 confirmed eruptions — 13 recorded since 1893. In April 2015, Calbuco erupted three times in a period of eight days. While not a perfect cone like neighboring Osorno Volcano, the sight of Calbuco is equally magnificent.

Calbuco Volcano is located within Llanquihue National Reserve. Some of the best views of the peak can be seen while trekking through the park.

Practical Info

While it is usually possible to trek to the peak of the volcano, there is currently a 12-mile (20-kilometer) no-go zone surrounding the crater due to recent volcanic activity.

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile

From $ 161

Vicente P erez Rosales National Park

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park was created in 1926, making it Chile's oldest national park. It covers an area of more than 620,000 acres in the Lakes region of Chile. The park is known for its volcanoes, mountains, forests, and lakes.

Some of the main attractions in the park include Osorno Volcano, Puntiagudo Volcano, and Tronador Volcano, which marks the border with Argentina. From higher areas of the park, you can see the lava flow paths to the rivers, lakes and waterfalls. The most famous waterfalls are the Petrohué Cascades, which flow through a canyon of volcanic rock formed by lava flows. Another big draw is Lago Todos los Santos, one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Chile.

Visitors come to the park for rock climbing, mountain biking, river kayaking, boating, canyoning, fishing, and hiking. Popular hiking trails include Los Enamorados, Velo de la Novia, Rincón de Osorno, and Desolación. Since it is a volcanic area, you can also enjoy thermal baths here. In the winter, it's a popular area for skiing. The park is also a great place to see native animals.

Practical Info

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is located 44 miles from the town of Puerto Varas and connected by bus. The closest airport is Puerto Montt. Park entrance is 1200 Chilean pesos (US$2) for adults. Children ages 12 and under are free. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm in the summer and 9am to 5:30pm in the winter.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Summer 9am-6pm, Winter 9am-5:30pm

Adults $1200 Chilean pesos, Children Free

From $ 34

Petrohu e Waterfalls

Massive cascades of Petrohué Waterfalls pour through the lush, volcanic landscape, flowing across dramatic basalt formations, brought to the surface eons ago by snowcapped Osorno Volcano. Its naked peak rises photogenically above the falls, two fantastic natural attractions protected as part of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

The chill river, which flows between Lago Todos de los Santos and and Lago Llanquihue, doesn't hold much appeal for bathers; most visitors are content to hike around the pastoral countryside. Keep an eye out for "torrent ducks" however, tiny but tough birds who can navigate the rapids with a dozen chicks in tow.

Practical Info

The Petrohué Waterfalls are located close to the Lago de los Todos Santos, on the eastern slopes of Osorno Volcano, just within the borders of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The vast majority of visitors visit on a day trip, as all but the hardiest travelers will need private transportation and a guide.

However, if you're planning to make the incredibly scenic border crossing between Puerto Montt, Chile, and Bariloche, Argentina, you have another option. The bus-boat-bus trip is offered as a package from either city, and can include visits to several scenic, difficult-to-access spots (including the waterfalls) en route.

Chile

Free

From $ 161