12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Varas, Chile

Puerto Varas is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, near the Osorno Volcano. You will find numerous things to do in Puerto Varas, such as boat trips on the lake, rafting, hiking, and trekking on the region’s volcanoes, thanks to its privileged location between lakes and mountains.

Puerto Varas is situated in the Los Lagos region, about 1,000 kilometers (621.371 miles) south of Santiago. This region is also home to Pucón, a charming town that hosts the Villarrica Volcano, a famous active volcano.

The best Things to Do in Puerto Varas, Chile

Puerto Varas’s natural scenery is its primary draw. The view of the blue lake from the city is breathtaking, and the backdrop of the Osorno Volcano gives the scene the appearance of a painting. In the region, you will also find plenty of adventure tours, hiking trails, and more relaxing activities.

This is a very romantic city, making it a perfect getaway destination for couples, especially during winter. Summer is amazing for adventure activities in Puerto Varas. Check out our list below of things to do in Puerto Varas, with suggestions for the best tours and attractions.

1. Stroll Along the Puerto Varas Waterfront

Walking along the waterfront while enjoying the view of the lake is one of the most beautiful things to do in Puerto Varas. The incredibly blue lake, surrounded by nature with the Osorno Volcano in the background, creates a cinematic landscape.

Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, appreciate the scenery, and capture beautiful photos. Be sure to see the sculpture of Princess Licarayén and visit the Pablo Fierro Museum, located on the lake’s edge. The walk along the city’s entire waterfront is about 3 kilometers (1.86411 miles), but it’s well worth it. Take the opportunity to have a coffee or lunch at a lakeside restaurant.

2. Visit the Pablo Fierro Museum

At the entrance to Puerto Varas, in front of Lake Llanquihue, is the Pablo Fierro Museum. The museum is housed in a wooden building where you will find an exhibition of objects, automobiles, paintings, and photographs, aimed at preserving the history of Puerto Varas and Pablo Fierro, the artist who created the museum. The exhibit is self-directed, and the objects are displayed naturally.

Admission to the museum is free, and the house offers a beautiful view of the lake.

3. Explore the town center of Puerto Varas

The town center of Puerto Varas is very charming, with delightful buildings and a cozy atmosphere. This area is where most of the city’s cafés, restaurants, and bars are located. During your walk through Puerto Varas, take your time to stroll leisurely through the streets, appreciate the city’s architecture, and, of course, explore the bars and restaurants that offer excellent seafood dishes.

While visiting, be sure to see the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Casino Dreams, which has a restaurant and hotel, is also located in the town center.

4. Explore Lake Llanquihue

Lake Llanquihue is the main tourist attraction in Puerto Varas and the largest lake in the region. The lake is so vast that several other towns, such as Frutillar and Puerto Octay, are situated along its shores, as well as six volcanoes: Calbuco, Casablanca, Osorno, Pontiagudo, Puyehue, and Yates.

With such beauty and considerable size, one of the top activities in Puerto Varas is exploring Lake Llanquihue and the towns along its shores. To explore the lake by land, you can rent a car or book a guided tour around its perimeter. Another way to experience the lake is by taking a catamaran tour.

5. Climb of Cerro Monte Calvário

Cerro Monte Calvário is the most popular viewpoint in Puerto Varas. Located in a higher part of the city, it offers a privileged view of Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue, and the Osorno Volcano. The hill offers a breathtaking view, and the town center is just a fifteen-minute walk away.

6. Visit Philippi Park

To drive up the park, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. We rented a regular car to explore the city and, unfortunately, were unable to make the ascent with it.

7. Visit Frutillar

On the shores of Lake Llanquihue, 30 kilometers (18.6411 miles) from Puerto Varas, sits the quaint town of Frutillar. Colonized by Germans, the town retains a strong cultural influence, reflected in its architecture and cuisine.

You can explore the Alemán Museum, the Winkler Forest Reserve, the Phillipi waterfront, and take in the stunning scenery while you are in Frutillar. There are also some beautiful beaches in Frutillar, which are well-liked in the summer.

To visit Frutillar, you can drive there on your own or book a guided tour.

8. Visit Saltos de Petrohué

The Saltos de Petrohué are a series of waterfalls located along the Petrohué River. This tour includes trails, walkways, and viewpoints with stunning views. The trails are easily accessible and can be explored either with a guide or on your own. On the Petrohué River, you can also enjoy adventure sports like rafting, kayaking, and ducky.

This is one of the best things to do in Puerto Varas for those who enjoy adventure and water sports.

9. Climb Osorno Volcano

Osorno Volcano, located just 68 kilometers (42.2532 miles) from Puerto Varas, is a true postcard of the region and one of the most popular attractions for tourists. Its majestic presence can be admired from various viewpoints, not only in Puerto Varas but also in neighboring towns, offering breathtaking views from multiple angles.

For those who want more than a distant view, you can ascend to the top of the volcano by cable car. There are two cable cars to reach the summit, and tickets can be purchased at the Centro de Montaña, located at the volcano’s base. In winter, you can also enjoy skiing at the local ski resort.

10. Sail on Lake Todos los Santos

After Lake Llanquihue, Lake Todos los Santos is the most visited lake in the area and is 18 kilometers (11.1847 miles) from Puerto Varas. The lake is expansive, with turquoise waters, and its surroundings are framed by dense forests and volcanoes. The scenery is breathtaking, and the best way to experience its full beauty and size is by taking a boat trip across the lake to Villa Peulla, a charming little town.

11. Visit Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde is a small green-water lagoon surrounded by dense forest, with its color attributed to the presence of algae. Because the area is clearly marked, the trails are accessible, and admission is free, this is a simple trip from Puerto Varas. The lagoon is situated approximately 50 kilometers (31.0686 miles) from Puerto Varas. Despite not being one of the region’s most popular attractions, the lagoon and its environs are picturesque and accessible.

12. Take the Cruce Andino to Argentina

The Cruce Andino is one of the best tours from Puerto Varas. This boat trip crosses Chilean and Argentine lakes, ultimately reaching the city of Bariloche, Argentina. The journey passes through the Andes Mountains, showcasing unique landscapes where lakes, peaks, volcanoes, and forests blend into a stunning panorama.

In addition to Lago Frías and Lago Nahuel Huapi in Argentina, the cruise passes through Lago de Todos los Santos in Chile. Bus rides connect the lake crossings, and during the day-long trip, there are several stops for activities and lunch. The cruise also visits Villa Peulla, Puerto Blest, and Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Cities to Visit Near Puerto Varas

Near Puerto Varas, there are numerous amazing towns worth visiting. If you have plenty of time during your trip, including other cities in your itinerary is a fantastic option.

Chiloé, Pucón, Puerto Montt, and Bariloche are the principal cities to visit in the vicinity of Puerto Varas.

Chiloé is an island with stunning landscapes, a unique culture, authentic cuisine, and many legends. The island features numerous trails, natural parks, churches, and folklore involving tales of witches. Chiloé is also an excellent destination for wildlife observation, including penguins and various bird species. One of the most unusual and distinctive locations you can go to is this one.

While it’s possible to take a day trip from Puerto Varas to Chiloé, the itinerary can be quite rushed. For the full experience, we therefore advise spending at least two days on the island if you have the time.

For travelers to the Los Lagos area, Puerto Montt frequently acts as a base or entry point. The city may not be as picturesque as its neighbors (Pucón, Puerto Varas, and Chiloé), but it offers affordable accommodations and has a central location that makes it convenient for exploring the surrounding areas.

Pucón serves as the base city for those planning to climb the Villarrica Volcano. In addition to being incredibly charming, the town offers excellent hotels, bars, and restaurants. Pucón also features a wide range of attractions, such as hiking trails with stunning landscapes, volcanic hot springs, boat trips, rafting, and more.

Another city you can visit from Puerto Varas is Bariloche in Argentina. The journey between the two cities is made via the Cruce Andino, a 12-hour cruise that crosses three lakes and showcases the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountains. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Puerto Varas.

Where to stay in Puerto Varas, Chile?

Puerto Varas offers many charming, elegant, and comfortable hotels. I recommend staying at a hotel with a lake view, as this is one of the main attractions of Puerto Varas, and the view is certainly worth it.

If you don’t have a car, it’s best to stay in or near the town center. This way, you can easily access bars, restaurants, book tours, and visit some of Puerto Varas’ attractions on foot.

If you’re traveling by car, staying further from the town center won’t be an issue. In this case, choose hotels that have an on-site restaurant and offer breakfast for added convenience.

Recommended hotels in Puerto Varas:

• Hotel Cumbres
• Radisson Hotel

Did you enjoy our tips on what to do in Puerto Varas, Chile? Check out our must-see tips on where to stay in Santiago de Chile.