Based on our experience we recommend this itinerary to visit Puerto Varas in 3 days and get to know the city and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
If there is one city that attracts tourists because of its proximity to the emblematic natural sites of Chilean Patagonia, it is Puerto Varas. Located in the Los Lagos region, there are many activities to do in the surrounding area, although the mythical destination is to visit the Osorno volcano and the Petrohué waterfalls.
We were amazed by two aspects of the city: one is the aforementioned and the infinite number of sites that can be visited while based in the city. Another is its beautiful waterfront, views and the buildings that remain from the time of the German settlers.
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How many days are necessary to visit Puerto Varas?
Although it is a city that can take up to 7 days, the minimum we recommend is to visit Puerto Varas in 3 days. If you want to stay longer than 3 days see our article with all the things to do in Puerto Varas.
We have designed this itinerary based on our experience with the essentials of Puerto Varas in 3 days, so you won’t miss the essential.
Recommended itinerary Puerto Varas in 3 days
- Day 1: Waterfront, viewpoints and buildings of the German settlers
- Day 2: Tour to the Osorno volcano and the Petrohué waterfalls,
- Day 3: Excursion to Termas del Sol or Chiloé Island
Day 1: Touring the waterfront, the German legacy the city centre
Puerto Varas is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, and walking along its waterfront, you will have permanent views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
It is best to start walking along the Puerto Varas waterfront from Philippi Park, passing by the sculpture of Princess Licarayén and the viewpoint. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the waterfront to eat with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
It is worth a stop at the Pablo Fierro Museum, run by the artist himself, which has exhibits of antique objects from the region and its façade is a real marvel.
In the afternoon, it is time to get to know what the legacy of the German settlers left in Puerto Varas through construction. The main landmark is the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with its distinctly South German style. In addition, there are several large houses built by the settlers, such as the Kuschel or Yunge houses.
Finally, you have to get to see the sunset on Mount Calvario, for us the best viewpoint in Puerto Varas to see the church, the waterfront and in the background the Llanquihue Lake and the Osorno volcano.
To get to know the history of the city and the nearby Puerto Montt, we recommend this tour that visits Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas in one day.
For dinner on the first day we recommend Casa Valdes for seafood overlooking the lake, their caldillo de congrio is one of the best in the area. If you want a bakery to try an authentic kuchen, we recommend Cassis Café, on the waterfront and with a beautifully decorated wooden interior.
Day 2: Excursion to Osorno volcano and Petrohué falls
It is, without a doubt, the best excursion in Puerto Varas to do, which will take you the whole day.
The Osorno volcano is an icon of the Chilean Patagonia with its 2650 metres. It is easily accessible by car or by excursion to its ski centre, from where the chairlifts leave, allowing you to climb up to 1650 metres and enjoy the views of the Calbuco volcano, the Llanquihue lake and the surrounding mountains.
There is also the option of trekking around the area or simply having a drink or a bite to eat in the panoramic restaurant that operates in the ski centre. In any case, we recommend that you take warm and waterproof clothing because of the wind and the change in temperature as you climb in altitude.
We have written an article with the tour to the Osorno volcano that we recommend.
The other major attraction close to the Osorno volcano is the Petrohué waterfalls, a series of small waterfalls that flow over the river of the same name. There are three possible trails to do, of low physical difficulty and places to picnic and spend the day.
From the Petrohué falls there are fabulous views of the Osorno volcano and even the best panoramic photos are taken from here. However, the entrance fee to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park must be paid.
It is best to visit both attractions on the same day, so we recommend this excursion to the Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls from Puerto Varas.
On the second day we recommend eating at Bravo Cabrera, on the waterfront and with specialities of local dishes.
Day 3: Excursions in the surroundings, Chiloe Island or Reloncavi estuary
On the last day of Puerto Varas in 3 days there are two alternatives that we recommend, although for us the visit to Chiloé is the best.
The island of Chiloé deserves several days, but if you want to visit Chiloé in one day, this excursion through Castro, Cachao and Dalcahue is highly recommended.
Among its main attractions are the churches built with local wood, the colourful houses on the estuary supported by pillars called palafitos, mainly visible in the city of Castro, and Dalcahue with its kitchens where you can try homemade Chilean and local food.
There are also other activities to do in Chiloé, such as visiting the penguin colony of Puñihuil or visiting the famous “muelle de las Almas” in the Chiloé National Park, although this requires more time.
If you want a relaxing plan and not so much adventure, then we recommend this excursion that visits the hot springs of El Sol and the village of Cochamó, on the banks of the Reloncaví estuary.
The thermal baths are nestled in the middle of the Patagonian forest and have several open-air pools with different temperatures. The village of Cochamó is for us one of the most beautiful in the Lake District, so it is really worth a visit.
On the last day we recommend you to eat at Cambalache, oriented to typical Patagonian meats such as deer or lamb.
Where to stay in Puerto Varas
If you are looking for accommodation in Puerto Varas we recommend three options:
- Hotel Puerta del Lago: without any luxury, but extremely clean, ideal for those who want to spend little.
- ApartHotel Kintumay: on the waterfront and surrounded by a lot of parkland, it is an ideal place to relax in the centre of Puerto Varas.
- Casa Molino: for those looking for charming hotels away from the city centre. On the shore of Lake Llanquihue, it is an old mansion converted into a hotel.
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