Puerto Varas

Map of Chile for reference of Puerto Varas location in the Country

Puerto Varas is situated on the south west margin of lake Llanquihue one of the largest natural lakes in South America, 20 km. from Puerto Montt, and possesses all the poetry of its houses full of roses and the intimacy of the bay. The city is well known for its German traditions, its food, its fish and seafood, the natural environment, its casino and 4 star hotels.

Closer View of Puerto Varas

One can appreciate the evidence of German colonization in their typical constructions and beautiful gardens. The volcanoes Calvuco and Osorno stand out in the horizon. The insertion of different cultures in these desolate difficult territories where nature offers all its beauty but also big difficulties keeps being a strong challenge for man.

The perfect cone of Osorno volcano and the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Calbuco and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront. On the western shore of Llanquihue Lake are the tourist localities of Puerto Octay, Frutillar and Llanquihue.

Lake Llanquihue

The city of Puerto Varas, also known as “the city of roses”, was founded in 1854 by Vicente Pérez Rosales. The city is named after Antonio Varas, minister of the interior during the presidency of Manuel Montt, when the city was founded. The Montt administration offered lands around lake Llanquihue for mostly German speaking Europeans to settle and farm those lands. Puerto Varas was founded as the main port on the lake, connected by road to the nearest seaport, Puerto Montt. This homsteading program continued through the remainder of the 19th century.

The great growth of Puerto Montt (20 km south by highway), has spurred growth of Puerto Varas as a residential town and an important tourist destination. Puerto Varas now has an excellent hotel infrastructure, wide variety of restaurants, cultural events, in addition to being the departure point for fascinating tourist attractions in surroundings of dramatic geography turning it into the tourist capital of the Lakes Region.