Puerto Varas is a city founded on February 12, 1854. Characterized by having a single commune, which bears the same name: Commune of Puerto Varas, which in turn is subdivided into a total of 10 neighborhoods and has a population of 20,183 inhabitants.
This metropolis of tall buildings has the El Tepual International Airport (PMC), located in the city of Puerto Montt, about 20 kilometers south of Puerto Varas, if you wish to travel by plane. There are 5 bus terminals located to the north and south of the city if you wish to arrive by bus to Puerto Varas.
There are also 4 transportation systems for getting around the city, namely buses, taxis, colectivos (shared taxis), and public bicycles (Bicipuertos). Finally, there are 15 kilometers of bike lanes for cycling around the city.
Puerto Varas is a city to live in Chile because, in addition to offering essential places to see, it is known for its natural and cultural beauty. Discover the natural and cultural beauty of Puerto Varas, a charming city in Chile with stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and a rich German heritage.
Also, for its traditions like the International Song Festival of Puerto Varas in January, the Fiesta Costumbrista of Ensenada in February, and the FAMFEST International Theater Festival in November. But especially for its welcoming climate, as the climate in Puerto Varas for most of the year is rainy and temperate, with an average annual temperature of about 11°C.
Now, regarding the beautiful places in Puerto Varas, they are diverse, as different types of tourism can be enjoyed. For example, a very attractive aspect of historical tourism is visiting picturesque places in Puerto Varas where you can easily take photos. Some of the main ones are the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Costanera of Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue, Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls, Tenglo Island, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Philippi Viewpoint, Teatro del Lago, and the Municipal Market of Puerto Varas.
Another great plan in Puerto Varas to do in a day is to stroll through landscapes or parks like Lake Llanquihue, Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and Tenglo Island. Most of these tourist sites in Puerto Varas require little money to explore.
Other attractions in Puerto Varas that you should visit for a day are the museums. Some of the most important ones are the Pablo Fierro Museum, the Antonio Felmer Museum, and the German Colonial Museum.
Also, if you are more into nighttime plans in Puerto Varas and enjoy traveling alone or as a couple, you should visit some iconic places in Puerto Varas for the night. Some recommended options are Casino Dreams Puerto Varas, the City Viewpoint, and Teatro del Lago.
But if you prefer to travel with family, among the beautiful places in Puerto Varas for children are Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the Pablo Fierro Museum, and the Alerce Andino Educational Farm.
Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing some of the tourist spots in Puerto Varas, we recommend getting to know the customs of the locals and some interesting facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:
- Puerto Varas is known as the "City of Roses" due to its beautiful gardens and parks full of these flowers.
- The city is located in the Los Lagos region, surrounded by Lake Llanquihue, the second largest lake in Chile.
- Puerto Varas annually celebrates the Beer Week, a festival that brings together craft breweries from across the country.
- The Teatro del Lago, located in Puerto Varas, is one of the most modern and largest theaters in Latin America.
- The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1915, is one of the main architectural icons of the city.
- In Puerto Varas, numerous houses in German style can be found, as many German settlers established themselves in the area during the 19th century.
- The city offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and sailing on Lake Llanquihue.
- Osorno Volcano, one of the main tourist attractions in the area, offers the opportunity for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Being one of the important cities in Chile, Puerto Varas serves as a center of commerce for gastronomy. Therefore, one of the essential things to do is to eat in areas like the Costanera of Puerto Varas, San Pedro Street, Puerto Varas Municipal Market, Vicente Pérez Rosales Avenue, Del Salvador Street, Klenner Street, Imperial Street, and Santa Rosa Street, which are favorites among foodies.
You will find the best restaurants and bars for all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some of the local specialties such as Curanto, Cazuela de ave, Empanadas de mariscos, Sopaipillas with pebre, Caldillo de congrio, Pastel de choclo, Asado de cordero, Paila marina, Chochoca, and Milcao. Some recommended restaurants are La Casa Valdés, El Mercado, La Marca, Club de la Unión, and Café Danes.
As for accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Puerto Varas, we recommend the Center of Puerto Varas, Costanera of Puerto Varas, Playa Venado, Ensenada, Puerto Chico, Ralún, and Nueva Braunau. This is where the most recommended famous hotels in Puerto Varas are located, such as Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas, Hotel Patagonico Puerto Varas, Hotel Awa Puerto Varas, and Hotel Dreams de los Volcanes.
What to Do in Puerto Varas on a Budget
Puerto Varas is undoubtedly a city in Chile with a wide range of beautiful and picturesque sites both within the city and in its surroundings. The Los Lagos region also offers a lot of nature, history, gastronomy, and buildings worth visiting.
So, if you're looking for things to do today in Puerto Varas or if you want to stay more days to explore the culture and enjoy this beautiful destination, here's a list of more things to see and do in Puerto Varas:
- Visit Lake Llanquihue
- Explore the center of Puerto Varas
- Take an excursion to Osorno Volcano
- Stroll along the Costanera of Puerto Varas
- Explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
- Go hiking in Alerce Andino National Park
- Enjoy the lake beaches
- Practice water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding
- Visit the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Explore the Pablo Fierro Museum
- Take a bike tour around the surroundings
- Take a ferry to visit Tenglo Island
- Explore the craft market in Puerto Varas
- Taste local cuisine at downtown restaurants
- Experience a wine tasting at a nearby vineyard
- Visit Petrohué Falls
- Take a boat tour on the lake
- Go sport fishing on the lake
- Visit the city of Frutillar and its famous theater on the lake
- Hike along the Sendero de Chile trail
- Enjoy the hot springs in the Ralún area
- Take a helicopter tour for aerial views
- Visit Llanquihue National Reserve
- Take an excursion to Maillen Island
- Try paragliding on nearby hills
- Explore Philippi Park
- Hike along the Solitario Trail
- Visit the Antonio Felmer Museum
- Enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoint in Puerto Varas
- Take an excursion to the Grey Glacier
- Bike along the lakeside route
- Visit Venado Beach
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