Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Varas.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Varas – Los Lagos Destination Lakes and Volcanoes about 22 km from Puerto Montt

How to get there

Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC) Puerto Montt · 30 km
Terminal Cruz del Sur de Puerto Varas 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

El Tepual airport, in Puerto Montt, is about 30 km away; from the terminal there are shared transfers and taxis. Overnight buses arrive from Santiago, and minibuses run the short route to Puerto Montt and Frutillar all day. Those coming from Bariloche can cross the Andes via the lakes or via the Osorno road.

How many days

Three days let you see the center and the waterfront, take the trip to Osorno, to the Saltos del Petrohué and Lago Todos los Santos, and reserve half a day for Frutillar. With four days you can include Puerto Montt with Caleta Angelmó.

When to go

December to March usually has drier, longer days, ideal for trips to the volcanoes. In April and May the trees take on autumn colours and the town becomes quieter. Winter is rainy and cold, with snow on the slopes of Osorno.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The centre is walkable. For the volcanoes and lakes there are buses and tour operators, but a rental car gives the freedom to stop at the viewpoints on Ruta 225 and to drive around Lago Llanquihue, passing through Frutillar. Roads are good and paved.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Varas

Morning
Lago Llanquihue waterfront and Muelle Piedraplén
Start at the Costanera, walk to Muelle Piedraplén and look at Osorno across the lake. Stop by the Casa del Turista to pick up maps.
Afternoon
Church and settlers' houses
Climb up to the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús and walk among the wooden houses of the historic area.
Late afternoon
Kuchen with a view of the lake
Try a kuchen with red berries at one of the cafés in town and return to the waterfront to see the low light on the volcanoes.
Evening
Dinner in the center
Restaurants near the Plaza de Armas serve lake fish, salmon and meats. Dinner starts late, and in summer it's still light when the tables fill up.

3 days in Puerto Varas

Day 1

Morning
Center and Costanera
Walk along the waterfront and Muelle Piedraplén and climb to the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón to see the town from above.
Afternoon
Frutillar
Go by minibús or car to Frutillar, visit the Museo Colonial Alemán and the Teatro del Lago, and walk along the bay's waterfront.

Day 2

Morning
Saltos del Petrohué
Leave early on Ruta 225, pass Ensenada and arrive at the Saltos del Petrohué soon after the park opens.
Afternoon
Lago Todos los Santos and Volcán Osorno
Take a short boat trip in Petrohué and, on the way back, drive up the Osorno road to the cable cars if the weather is clear.

Day 3

Morning
Puerto Montt and Angelmó
Head to Puerto Montt and spend the morning at the craft fair and the market of Caleta Angelmó.
Afternoon
Plaza de Armas de Puerto Montt
Visit the wooden cathedral and walk along the waterfront of the regional capital before returning to Puerto Varas.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas?

El Tepual is about 30 km from Puerto Varas. There are shared transfers, taxis and rental agencies at the airport; the trip takes about 40 minutes.

How many days to stay in Puerto Varas?

Three days cover the town, Osorno, the Saltos del Petrohué and Frutillar. With four days you can include Puerto Montt and a longer boat trip on Lago Todos los Santos.

What is the best time to go to Puerto Varas?

Summer, from December to March, usually has less rain and long days. To ski on Osorno, the season typically runs from June to September.

Do you need a car in Puerto Varas?

It is not mandatory: buses and tour operators take you to the main excursions. A car helps to stop at the lake viewpoints and do the route at your own pace.

Back to Puerto Varas