Renting a car in this remote area is a good idea and allows visitors to travel to different parts of the country at their own convenience. Driving is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the spectacular surrounding scenery. Rental cars are available at the airport and in some locations in town. Renting a car to reach Puerto Varas from the airport in Puerto Montt is a good option as it’s about 12 miles between the cities and there isn’t much opportunity for public transportation.  

There are taxis and collectivos in Puerto Varas. A taxi can be hailed from the street, found outside the bus station, or called and ordered by your hotel. Collectivos regularly depart from the bus station and a trip around town will initially cost CLP400-500 and then CLP1,500 per mile. 

The city is pretty compact and easily accessible on foot. It’s a small town so many of the main attractions as well as dining and entertainment are found in the downtown area which is walkable. There are some pleasant paths to walk around the lakeside with places to stop off such as cafes, restaurants, and shops. Walking along the lakeside paths in town offers a glimpse at the picturesque lakefront promenade which is especially charming all lit up at night. The promenade is dotted with cozy cafes, great restaurants, small bars, and local shops. 

There are some scenic bike rides that can be taken around Puerto Varas. Mountain biking is increasingly more popular, especially through some of the stunning national parks in the area. Riders can take a whole day trip through Vicente Perez Rosales National Park on the Paso Desolacion Trail from Puerto Clocker which is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue to Petrohue on the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos. This magnificent and exhilarating trail takes riders through cross-country descents that travel through verdant forests and old lava fields, the views are absolutely breathtaking. There are many rides around the beautiful lakes in the region also with different bike tours available such as The Bike and Beer ride with unparalleled views of lakes, and volcanoes stopping for refreshments along the way. 

Puerto Varas is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years crimes against tourists are becoming more common with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

Visitors can enjoy some of the best shopping opportunities when staying in Puerto Varas. There is a shopping mall, vibrant outdoor markets, and many independent shops selling everything from outdoor gear and equipment to handmade Chilean handicrafts. The lakeside town offers some unique local shops like Wild Lama a clothing store that is known for its unique collections which blend traditional Chilean designs with contemporary fashion. Shoppers will find some great stores located on the scenic lake shores along with many culinary delights. Del Salvador is one of the main shopping streets in town with many shops selling outerwear, sporting goods, local fashion, and crafts. The Feria Artesanal can be found along Del Salvador with several different shops selling local handmade items like wool, wood carvings, jewelry, and all things llama, and alpaca. The Mall Paseo Varas is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub reflecting the spirit of the city. Set in the scenic area of Los Lagos the mall boasts a wide variety of shops with local and international brands, souvenirs, and unique gifts. There are plenty of dining opportunities at the mall as well as special events held there frequently. Puerto Varas features its own popular Patagonia store in the scenic area it fits in perfectly and offers a diverse range of products for the maximum enjoyment of the outdoor lifestyle. 

Spanish is the official language of Chile. You will most likely find English speakers in Santiago, the Lake District, Patagonia, and other tourist-centered enclaves across the country. There is not a high percentage of English speakers in Chile, but if you are to find someone who does speak English, they are most likely younger and/or work in the service industry. Take some time to learn key phrases in Spanish, like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom?, and numbers from 1-10. To ask someone if they speak English, say `¿Habla inglés?`

The city of Puerto Varas features an oceanic climate with mild summers and wet, chilly winters. The summertime is the most popular time to visit, the winter months are pretty quiet due to cold and unpredictable weather conditions. The summer months in Puerto Varas are from December to February when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the national parks. The warmest months are January through March. The winter months from April to June, and July through September are great for visiting the region for skiing and snowboarding trips with little to no crowds. 

The currency of Puerto Varas is the Chilean Peso. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

The gastronomy of Puerto Varas features a strong German influence due to the German history and ancestry of the town. Traditional German baking can be found throughout the town and is recognized for its kuchen, pies, cakes, cookies, handmade chocolates, and marmalades made with local fruits like strawberries and myrtle. The cafes found in the downtown area are worth a visit for their German pastries.  German influences are also found in craft beers in town which are of excellent quality. European-style hams and sausages are also found on many menus, as well as cheeses. Kuchen Day is celebrated annually in town on the first Sunday of February. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in town especially dotted around the waterfront with spectacular views. A lot of menus in the area feature fresh fish and seafood, with delicious salmon brought in from nearby Puerto Montt. There are plenty of wonderful waterfront restaurants that offer a sensational dining experience. These restaurants provide diners with stunning lake views and serve delicious local cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, making a perfect end to the day. A lovely dinner out in Puerto Varas should be accompanied by a glass of wine from Chile’s wine region. Wine lovers will rejoice at the many charming wine bars in town where they can enjoy the renowned wines from the region and experience the rich history and culture of the country. Beer enthusiasts will also love Puerto Varas’s local breweries that offer unique experiences in fun, vibrant atmospheres. These craft breweries are charming spots dotted around town where visitors can enjoy a variety of local brews on tasting flights. 

Some authentic Chilean dishes include caldillo de congrio (fish stew with tomatoes and potatoes), and ceviche using fresh bass and scallops. Locally sourced fresh ingredients are used to make Chilean specialties such as machas a la parmesana (razor clams layered with cheese, white wine, and lemon juice), along with seafood stews using freshly caught fish from the Pacific. Other classic popular dishes include Empanadas which are typically filled with meat, cheese, or seafood and then baked or fried. Completo is a Chilean-style hot dog loaded with toppings like sauerkraut, diced tomatoes, pebre (spicy salsa), and generously adorned with mayonnaise. Pastel de Choclo is a traditional hearty casserole dish made with ground corn, seasoned meat, onions, and olives, and topped with a golden crust made from cornmeal. Alfajores is a sweet dessert of soft, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche. 

Puerto Varas offers a vibrant and enchanting nightlife experience with a great selection of bars, pubs, clubs, and a popular casino. The picturesque lake town in Chile offers a good blend of culture, music, and flavor and boasts stunning views of the Osorno Volcano. There are various fun activities in town ranging from cozy restaurants, lively bars, trendy wine bars, and entertaining clubs. Sip on signature cocktails like the Chilean classic Pisco Sour made by expert mixologists. Catch an evening of entertainment with live music at local establishments that feature talented musicians playing everything from traditional Chilean folk music to modern-day rock. Puerto Varas is home to a surprising selection of exciting nightclubs where visitors can go for a night full of drinks and dancing. Enjoy a sunset over the city along the colorful Perez Rosales waterfront in Puerto Varas to take in the lake breeze and take in the city lit up at night with the incredible street lights illuminating the town. The spectacular waterfront is also home to the exciting Dreams Casino in a state-of-the-art building where guests can take in live shows, try their luck at slots, and play games like roulette, poker, and blackjack. The casino also boasts several great restaurants and bars where you can relax over dinner and a few drinks to soak in the festivities. 

In case of an emergency dial 911 or 107

Hospital:

Fundacion Hospital San Jose De Puerto Varas tel. 56-65-223-0752