Puerto Varas is also referred to as "The City of Roses" thanks to its manicured gardens.
For many, the idea of Chilean Patagonia conjures up images of pristine landscapes with sweeping jagged peaks and vast lakes largely untouched by humanity. For the most part, this perception of the region is accurate - however, one particular community offers a wealth of dining, drinking, and cultural experiences nestled against the shores of Chile’s second-largest lake. For any visitors seeking the best of both worlds, Puerto Varas is the ideal destination.
Those familiar with Chile’s northern cities may be surprised upon arriving in Puerto Varas - the intricate colonial Spanish architecture common in Santiago is nowhere to be found. Instead, the city’s buildings are tinged by an entirely different European culture: Germany. In the mid-1800s, German-born Chilean Bernhard Eunom Philippi prodded the government to open the region to German colonization, and eventually got his wish in the late 1840s. Hundreds of German families set sail for the region, many of which were fleeing a violent revolution sweeping through the country. Today, the legacy of these voyagers lives on in the city’s traditional German architecture, as well as their cuisine - Kunstmann beer and Kuchen, a local pastry that translates to “cake” in German, are local favorites.
Puerto Varas is home to a wealth of accommodations, ranging from casual hostels to opulent hotels.
The city is rife with luxurious hotels, Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas and Hotel Cumbres being two popular beachside inns, yet there’s also a large number of charming hostels scattered throughout the area. For a vibrant, centrally-located place to rest your head, consider Hostel Vermont. Friendliness is one of the principal facets of this hostel, with a multitude of group activities including bar crawls, movie nights, and themed dinners taking place throughout the month. Guests are free to make use of the shared kitchen space and meet fellow travelers on the idyllic outdoor patio, and for any potential visitors wishing to rough it in the great outdoors, a section of the backyard is reserved as a miniature campground.
While Chile’s sprawling coastline makes it a haven for fresh seafood, Puerto Varas also has access to Lake Llanquihue, a popular destination for fishing. This abundance of aquatic life has fostered top-quality seafood restaurants throughout the city, one popular destination being Chamaca Inn. This colorful diner is adorned with a mass of national and regional flags from all across the world, and offers both Chilean and international fare for hungry visitors. Be sure to sample the paila marina, a traditional seafood stew, along with the paella.
Chile is home to an abundance of seafood thanks to its sprawling coastline.
Though seafood is abundant in Puerto Varas, it’s not the only dining option available. One of the city’s newest pubs, Nosé, is a prime destination for burgers and beers. The venue doubles as a brewery, with eight different beers brewed on-site. As the sun sets, it’s time to consider the city’s nightlife options - Baretto is a popular destination featuring a bustling dance floor and Italian cuisine, while Club Orquidea is the city’s most popular club, a multi-level venue that blasts pulsing reggaetón jams until the early morning. Be sure to sample Träkál at some point in the night - this purely-Patagonian distillate is derived from local apples, pears, and herbs, and has become a staple spirit within Chile’s cocktail scene.
A short distance from the towering Volcán Osorno and Parque Nacional Puyehue, Puerto Varas serves as an ideal destination for those exploring the natural wonders of Chile. However, those visiting the city before heading out into the wilderness should take special precautions – after a few days of fine dining and exploring the picturesque streets, it might be tempting to toss out the hiking boots and spend the entire trip lounging around the city instead.
