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Puerto Varas is a pretty little town with a lovely feel and a stunning setting.

Experiencing Varas

Curving around the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue, with breathtaking views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Varas has a wonderful range of top restaurants and hotels but is small enough to be a very relaxing and friendly place to stay, as well as being ideally placed for numerous trips and sights. Puerto Varas is also well-known for the plentiful and fragrant roses that bloom all over the town from December to March.

Surrounding area

The town lends itself perfectly to those wishing to explore the pretty little towns, turquoise lakes and acres of national park, as well as the fascinating island of Chiloé, all within a day’s reach.

The Lake District

This picturesque region of Chile that is known as the Lake District is filled with huge snow covered peaks and clear blue lakes, fishing ports and quaint little villages steeped in nationalistic pride and rural traditions. The Lake District has a tranquil landscape created by violent natural forces, as earthquakes, volcanic explosions and melting icebergs from millions of years ago gave life to the fertile valleys, lakes and rivers that you see today.

The fast flowing rivers are enjoyed by fishermen and rafting enthusiasts perhaps the most famous of which is the Biobio, which was once the region's natural frontier and the boundary between the Mapuche territory and the Spanish.

Heritage

The Mapuche Indians are native to the area and still survive there today. Many have been moved onto "reservations" although they do maintain their language and strong cultural heritage. The European settlers established themselves there in the late 19th century. Much of the architecture and ambience reflects the region's past and the prominence of the German settlers in particular.