Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and was established by predominantly German and Austrian settlers who arrived in 1850’s. Today it is one of the leading tourist centres in Chile, luring outdoor activities participants, nature lovers and ardent photographers from all over the world. Puerto Varas is noted for its welcoming locals, glorious boutique lodge and small intimate hotel accommodation, where its capacity is tested and bulges under the demands of international visitors from October to late March. Here lurk delicious traditional European style cuisine, of kuchenes, cakes, artisanal jams and handmade chocolates.
Known as the "City of Roses and Volcanoes" for its beautiful town squares full of spring and summer flowering roses, with close by volcanoes such as towering Cerro Osorno and mountain style traditional architecture with an ambiance of central Europe. Puerto Varas with its clear air, natural environment and sensational landscapes, buzzes with a pulse unlike most everywhere else in the central Andes, save for San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina, with which is connected by the much sought after daily operated `Southern Lakes Crossing`.
Within easy striking distance, Puerto Varas is close to the volcanic cones of Calbuco, Puntiagudo and the towering Cerro Tronador. Puerto Varas is also noted for its cultural events held throughout the year, such as musical festivals, craft fairs, book fairs and the Dia del Kuchen (many different home-baked cakes day).
Other attractions in the area Puerto Varas region include Saltos del Río Petrohue (Petrohue Falls) within the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Lake Todos los Santos, the Osorno Volcano outdoor recreation area for trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, trout and landlocked salmon fishing, fabulous territory for guided horseback riding and July - September in the winter, the ski resort on this volcano. Lake Todos Los Santos is characterized by its deep turquoise waters, fed by melting glaciers. It is here the dock where the Southern Lakes Crossing commences, with a lake cruise vessel headed for Peulla, that connects Chile, with Argentina.
