Qué hacer en Puerto Varas
Descubre Puerto Varas, conocida como la “ciudad de las rosas”, en la Región de Los Lagos, a sus orillas se encuentra el lago LLanquihue, que otorga una vista magnífica a los volcanes Calbuco y Osorno. El centro cívico destaca por su arquitectura de influencia alemana, rodeada de naturaleza. Visita la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y el cerro Philippi en la ciudad, mientras que en sus alrededores, los Saltos del Petrohué y el Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Actividades favoritas en Puerto Varas
Best season
La mejor época para viajar a Puerto Varas es entre diciembre y marzo, con temperaturas frescas ideales para el senderismo, navegación y visitas a volcanes y parques.
Weather
Puerto Varas posee un clima oceánico templado lluvioso, con abundantes precipitaciones y veranos frescos de alrededor de 20 °C. Los inviernos tienen mínimas entre 3 °C y 5 °C.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to Puerto Varas?
According to tourists who visited Puerto Varas, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Walk along the waterfront of Lake Llanquihue, the second largest lake in Chile, with iconic views and accessible on foot from the center. 2. Ascend to Osorno Volcano, an inactive stratovolcano with a perfect conical shape, offering panoramic views and access by vehicle or tour. 3. Visit the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an architectural icon of German heritage, accessible on foot from the center. 4. Explore the Pablo Fierro Museum, a cultural space with over 1,200 objects reflecting local identity, accessible on foot. 5. Enjoy local cuisine by trying kuchen at cafes with lake views.
What are the best activities to do in Puerto Varas?
The top-rated activities by tourists in Puerto Varas are: 1. Boating on Lake Llanquihue, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes, lasting approximately 2-3 hours. 2. Climbing Osorno Volcano for stunning views and, in winter, skiing or snowboarding, lasting approximately half a day. 3. Birdwatching in nearby wetlands and forests, home to species like the black-necked swan, lasting approximately 2-4 hours. 4. Tasting local cuisine influenced by German heritage, with dishes like curanto and kuchen. 5. Hiking in nearby parks, surrounded by native forests and volcanic landscapes, with variable duration.
What day trips can be taken from Puerto Varas?
From Puerto Varas, the following day trips can be made: 1. Osorno Volcano: 60 km (1.5 hours by car), with a crater, panoramic views, and a ski center. 2. Petrohué Falls: 70 km (1.5 hours by car), featuring turquoise waterfalls over volcanic lava rocks. 3. Chiloé Island: 100 km (2 hours by car, including ferry), with towns, wooden churches, and Chilotan culture. 4. Puerto Montt: 20 km (30 minutes by car or bus), with the Angelmó Market and the Museum of Art and Crafts.
How many days are recommended to visit Puerto Varas?
It is recommended to spend between 3 and 4 days visiting Puerto Varas. Two days allow you to see the essentials of the city and its immediate surroundings. Three days are ideal for including a full-day excursion to places like Petrohué Falls or Osorno Volcano. Four days or more allow for a more relaxed exploration, visiting Chiloé Island or engaging in adventure activities. The ideal duration is 3 days, allowing you to explore the city, take a trip to Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano, and have time to enjoy the local cuisine.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Varas in terms of prices and weather?
The high season is from December to March, with mild and sunny weather, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Prices are high, potentially doubling compared to the low season, and there is a higher influx of tourists. The low season is from June to August, with cold and rainy weather, temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. Prices are low, with discounts of 30-50%, but the weather is less favorable for outdoor activities. The ideal season is from April to May and from September to November, offering a good balance of pleasant weather (8°C to 18°C), fewer crowds, and moderate prices, which are 15-25% cheaper than in high season.
Is it expensive to travel to Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas has a moderate cost level. The daily budget for a backpacker is USD 40-70, including hostel accommodation, inexpensive meals, and public transportation. For a mid-range budget, the daily cost is USD 80-150, covering a 3-star hotel, meals at average restaurants, and basic tours. For a comfortable trip, the daily budget is USD 160-300, including a 4-5 star hotel, fine dining, and private tours. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal CLP 15-25,000 (USD 16-26), inexpensive meal CLP 7-12,000 (USD 7-13), public transportation CLP 1-2,500 per trip (USD 1-3), average attraction entry CLP 5-15,000 (USD 5-16), budget accommodation per night CLP 30-60,000 (USD 32-63), and mid-range accommodation per night CLP 80-150,000 (USD 84-158). An example budget for 5 days is USD 400-750.
What affordable tours can be done in Puerto Varas?
Free attractions include the waterfront of Lake Llanquihue, the center of Puerto Varas to admire its architecture, and natural viewpoints with panoramic views. A Free Walking Tour of the historic center is offered with voluntary tips. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Minibuses locales a Ensenada o Petrohué from USD 3, Entrada a los Saltos del Petrohué from USD 3.7, Tour de día completo a Chiloé from USD 75, Tour a los Saltos del Petrohué y Lago Todos los Santos from USD 45.
