The ideal way to experience the city of Puerto Varas is to stroll from one end to the other; observing its German-inspired architecture, modern residential areas and lush, colourful gardens. A highlight of your tour is a stop at the impressive Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This neo-Romanesque and Baroque-style structure was founded in 1853 by German and Swiss settlers who came to populate southern Chile.
Puerto Varas is known as “La ciudad de las rosas” or “The city of roses”, and its central streets and boulevards are decorated with these gentle, fragrant rosettes. Vibrant snack bars, tea houses and restaurants offer an array of mouth-watering delights. Be sure to set some time aside to dine on the region’s spectacular seafood. In the company of a guide, peruse through the quaint stores for locally-crafted Mapuche artefacts.
Head downtown where you can discover historical treasures that are declared cultural heritage sites. The Kuschel House and the Niklitschek House are just a couple of these that reveal the true essence of the German culture of the early twentieth century.
Taking in the inspiring scenery, Puerto Varas boasts a magnificent natural environment, embodying mountains, lakes, forests and national parks that make this destination a drawcard of Chile. Standing proudly, the Phillipi and Calvario hills, can be viewed from the city and, for an experience of the waterways, board a boat and navigate the blue waters of Llanquihue Lake, admiring the magnificent backdrop of the Bay of Puerto Varas. If the weather permits, you will be able to take in the views of the Osorno Volcano which, with its daily snowmelt, feeds Llanquihue lake.