Puerto Varas, nestled along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, quickly became one of my favorite towns in Chile. With snow-capped volcanoes as a backdrop, German-influenced architecture lining the streets, and easy access to nearby villages and nature, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the culture and scenery. Here’s how we explored the area, mostly on foot and by hopping on local minibuses.
Getting to Puerto Varas
By Air: The nearest airport is El Tepual International Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt, located about 30 km away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Puerto Varas.
By Bus: We took a JAC Bus from Pucón to Puerto Varas, which left around 4:00 p.m. and took about 4 hours. The bus was clean and very comfortable with assigned seats, footrests, and an onboard bathroom. Tickets cost around $15–20 USD. The bus stop is just outside the town center but easily walkable. We arrived after dark and had no issues walking to our Airbnb less than a mile away—felt totally safe.
First Impressions of Puerto Varas
The town has a relaxed, welcoming vibe with gorgeous views of Volcán Osorno and Volcán Calbuco rising beyond the lake. The German colonial architecture and abundance of cozy bakeries and lakeside restaurants give it a distinct personality.
You’ll find everything you need here—grocery stores, restaurants of all styles, great bakeries, and even some solid takeout options if you’re having a chill night in. The town is very walkable and filled with small details that make you want to stay longer.
Getting Around: Public minibuses (called “colectivos”) are a super convenient way to explore nearby towns. You’ll see their destinations posted on the front window. It might seem chaotic at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
Walking the Old Railroad Tracks to Llanquihue
One of our favorite spontaneous adventures was walking along the old railroad tracks from Puerto Varas to Llanquihue. We accessed the trail from the north end of town, just off Bellavista Road. It was quiet and scenic, offering a slower and more intimate way to experience the landscape.
We walked the tracks all the way into Llanquihue, a more local, working-class town with a very different vibe than Puerto Varas. We grabbed coffee at a sleepy café and explored a bit. While I was on alert at first in an unfamiliar place, the town felt friendly and mellow once we got our bearings.
Catching a Minibus to Frutillar
From Llanquihue, we hopped on a minibus to Frutillar (super easy to find from the town center—just look for one with the name on the front). The ride was only about $3 USD and dropped us at the upper part of Frutillar, which is more residential and local.
To get to the coast, we walked about 1.5 miles (3 km) along a wide road with sidewalks. As we got closer to the lake, the town transformed into a quaint, fairytale-like destination.
Frutillar’s German influence is on full display here—from the half-timbered buildings to the shops and bakeries selling kuchen and chocolate. The lake views were stunning, and the entire town felt peaceful and charming..
Dinner at Club Alemán de Frutillar
For dinner, we ate at Club Alemán de Frutillar, which offers both German and Argentinean cuisine. We opted for the German side and were not disappointed—hearty dishes, great portions, and warm service.
After dinner, we strolled the lakeside a bit more, then made our way to Jorge Montt Street to catch a minibus back to Puerto Varas. The drivers were friendly and helpful, though a little Spanish definitely helps in these small towns. The ride back cost around 1800 CLP (about $2 USD).
Final Thoughts
Puerto Varas is the kind of place where a simple walk or a spontaneous bus ride turns into a full experience. Between the views, the vibe, and the cultural mix, it left a big impression. If you’re staying here for a few days, make time for the neighboring towns—you never know when a quiet rail trail or an impromptu dinner stop will become one of your favorite travel memories.
