Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is located at 12.4 miles to the north of Puerto Montt, on the southwest bank of the Llanquihue lake (lago Llanquihue). The city of Puerto Varas has a population of about 28,000.

Puerto Varas grew from the arrival of the German colonists brought by Vicente Pérez Rosales, who settled on the bank of the Llanquihue lake by the middle of the XIX century.

The city of Puerto Varas was a center for lake sailing and an exit port for the commerce from the Llanquihue lake to Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas from its beginnings was characterized by its tourist focus, having travel agencies since 1913. The circuits to the nearby areas include excursions to the Petrohué Waterfalls (Saltos de Petrohué), the Osorno volcano (volcán Osorno) and to the crossing of the Andean lakes. Famous is the trip along the route 225 to Ensenada, which takes you to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales) and to the waterfalls of the Petrohué river.

The big growth of the city of Puerto Montt, has transformed Puerto Varas in a residential place, increasing its population and enriching its urban life.

The main economical activity of the city of Puerto Varas is milk production, and also it stands out the cured meat production and other agriculture labors. Another activity that is growing is the tourism, which can be noticed just by looking at the great number of hotels built in the area, which also take advantage of their proximity to the lake and its beautiful landscapes.

In your visit to Puerto Varas you will get to see the Church of Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús), declared National Monument, which was built on oak in 1915 by Edmundo Niklitschek; it has large proportions. Another great attraction is the Gambling Casino of Puerto Varas (Casino de Juegos de Puerto Varas), which is a modern building of about nineteen thousand square feet, located at the Promenade (Costanera) and Del Salvador street. It counts with games of roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, 21 Real, bingo and 300 slot machines of ultimate generation, among others. Also there’s a VIP Room, two pleasant bars and the Aqua Bar Restaurant.

In Puerto Varas you will also be able to see, the Chico Port (Puerto Chico) that has constructions form the beginning of the XX century, dating to the time when it was an important port, and the area was implemented for swimming. At that time, the main night clubs of the city were located here. The Calvary Mount (Monte Calvario) is located in the higher area of Puerto Varas and there the passion and death of Jesús Christ is depicted through small chapels and a high altar lying at the top of the hill. On Good Friday, a representation of The Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) is performed at this place.

In Puerto Varas is recommended to visit the Phillipi Park (Parque Phillipi), since from its summit it’s possible to appreciate Puerto Varas and the surrounding areas. With a variety of vegetation, it has many trails and roads that can be accessed by car. There is the monumental cross that lights up during the night, providing an impressive spectacle.

It’s also interesting to walk on the Promenade (Avenida Costanera), which borders part of the Llanquihue Lake and connects Puerto Varas with Puerto Chico. During your trip, you will be able to appreciate the lake and volcanoes. On the other hand, the Antonio Felmer Museum (Museo Antonio Felmer), whose origin dates to 1975, when Antonio Felmer Niklischek decided to organize an exhibit of objects related to the colonization. Niklischek recollected historical material house by house, picking up from agricultural machinery to photographs reflecting the period of the second half of the XIX century in the south of Chile. The museum counts with trilingual personnel who speak English, Spanish and German and wearing traditional outfits, guide each group or delegation.

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