Quick Summary:
- Overview:
- Where to Stay:
- Point of Interest: Saltos del Rio Petrohué
- Point of Interest: Volcano Casablanca
Overview:
Of all the places we visited in Chile, Puerto Varas is, in my opinion, the most inviting small town. Small, but with a lot to offer, this pretty little town on Lake Llanquihue is a real Chilean gem. Only 20 km from the port of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas offers one thing above all: a vacation feeling! Many good restaurants, outdoor stores, cafes, markets, libraries and stores to browse through promise variety. A well-developed public bus service also allows for many day trips or transfer to Puerto Montt. Local car rental companies are also available if a day trip should take you further afield. The very helpful and hospitable population is as much a part of Puerto Varas as fresh fish and was always a delight. Lake Llanquihue is also the second largest lake in Chile and has a significant influence on the region’s climate. It blooms in all colors in spring, which not only delights people, but also a large number of migratory birds can be observed. However, bathing in the lake is forbidden except in designated areas, but this hardly stopped the local population from enjoying the cool water. Also on the shores of Lake Llanquihue is the Volcano Osorno, which with its 2652 meters above sea level gives you that 4,000-meter feeling. However, only guided tours are permitted.
Where to Stay:
At this point, a small warning for all those who want to stay in the city of Puerto Montt, which is 20km further away. On my trip, I also had to pass through the port city of Puerto Montt to catch my ferry. I met several tourists who stayed in the port city and not one of them had a positive experience, whether it was the accommodation, the food or the general safety for tourists. I therefore recommend everyone to get on the public bus for a mere 3 dollars and travel the 40 minutes by bus to Puerto Varas!
There are many places to stay in Puerto Varas itself, I stayed at the Casa Margouya hostel which I can recommend with a clear conscience. It was cheap, cozy, and they offered great tips about the region. I was even able to buy a limited SIM card for $1! If you prefer more luxury, there are several nice hotels right by the lake or further into the city center.
Point of Interest: Saltos del Rio Petrohué
Incredibly blue water plunges down a stone step here. A real spectacle in great weather! If you like reading, I recommend going there, there are several small benches near the water in so-called rest areas. But what impressed me even more about this place was the small cafeteria Vientos de Petrohue, which probably served the best blueberry tart I have ever eaten.
Point of Interest: Volcano Casablanca
For all those who would like to rent a car, I can highly recommend Patagonia Car Rental in Puerto Varas. You can then head further inland to the second highlight, Volcano Casablanca. Not only do I find its name amusing, but also the fact that there is not a single award for an eruption makes me smile. The 115km journey to the Antillanca ski resort takes a good 2 hours by car. If you are driving on the highway, you should definitely have some coins with you to pay the toll. The road leads through the interior of Chile, which is characterized by lush greenery in this region. What struck me in comparison to other places was the abundance of various bird species, bird lovers will certainly get their money’s worth on this trip! From the Aguas Calientes campground, the road is unpaved and very bumpy and leads past several small hidden lakes to the foot of the volcano. If you decide to climb to the crater of the volcano, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of several volcanoes and Argentina. Plan ahead and bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy the thermals when you’re heading back down!
