Puerto Varas Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Escapes

Planning a visit to Puerto Varas? That picturesque town, situated in Chile’s stunning Lake District, acts as a terrific jumping-off point for exploring some very appealing surrounding scenery. So, you’re not quite sure where to begin? Never fear! We’ve compiled a guide to the five top day trips that you won’t want to skip. So you’ll make the most of that Southern Chilean adventure.

1. Conquering Osorno Volcano

Osorno Volcano, arguably one of the very famous volcanoes in South America. What with its cone shape so strikingly similar to Mount Fuji. It’s absolutely worth that day trip from Puerto Varas. As I recall, I gasped a little when I first caught sight of it. Did you know, if you drive towards the volcano. The scenery shifts quite dramatically. Going from green meadows to black lava fields. Then finally, getting those slopes covered in snow.

When there, it’s often worthwhile going up to the ski center. You’ll want to take a chairlift. That thing takes you higher up the volcano. So you can witness breathtaking panoramic views of Llanquihue Lake, and the seemingly infinite Andes Mountains. For adventure seekers, you’ll have those opportunities for skiing during winter. Whereas, you’ll find hiking during summer. That is, if the weather decides to cooperate.

You might find a certain peace up on Osorno. At least I thought so. Something almost spiritual. That might come with being surrounded by such a monumental natural presence. It’s very easily a location where those lasting memories tend to get produced.

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2. Marveling at Petrohue Falls

Near Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls offers very impressive sights of powerful, turquoise waters cascading over those volcanic rock formations. Now, it is definitely worth visiting these falls, for experiencing that raw strength, and that beauty in nature.

One thing, I’ll usually never forget the sound of the water, and that fine mist floating around that location, creating tiny rainbows in the sunlight. Be certain you bring your camera. Very. you won’t want to miss taking those photographs.

That park surrounding the falls gives us the opportunity to embark on a number of fairly easy trails. So, visitors get these alternate views, and these closer perspectives of that scenery. Plus, you have that combination of forest and fresh air. What gives you that really reinvigorating experience? As a matter of fact. It is a spot where nature’s artwork displays its complete magnificence.

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3. Soaking Up the Charm of Frutillar

Frutillar, rather unlike some of those rough, rugged natural escapes. It is instead a cute lakeside town that’s brimming with that German heritage. You might find it really nice. As it’s only a pretty short drive from Puerto Varas.

For what its worth, you need to take a walk along the waterfront. See the blooming flowerbeds, the well-preserved, traditionally styled buildings, that sort of thing. The town does kind of radiate that calmness. That’s quite contagious.

Another aspect to not miss is that Teatro del Lago. Now a prominent concert hall. If you’re just a bit lucky. You could attend a performance. Should that musical culture, even appeal to your taste.

Also, there are tea rooms, that are dotting the town, which may entice you. So you can enjoy that pastry. Also have some flavorful coffee. You can gaze out across the lake, with those Andes mountains far, far in the distance. In particular, that town offers that kind of, delightful, immersive cultural retreat.

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4. Discovering Llanquihue Lake

Llanquihue Lake, as the region’s centerpiece. This place deserves a whole day dedicated to it. Actually, it is the second largest lake in Chile. That’s providing you with that ton of activities. So you’ll see these opportunities for relaxation.

Boating and kayaking are obviously popular here. Very you can get different perspectives of the shore. That is surrounded by, let’s say those old-growth forests and also that iconic volcano. Plus, these sunsets over that water, as a matter of fact, are magnificent. I tend to almost call them picture perfect.

Additionally, be sure to take a bike ride. Pedal those lanes alongside that lake. Then be at one with your surroundings. Or else you just maybe go off wandering through any one of those cute nearby villages.

The local communities also bring charm to this destination. That make you engage in the regional traditions and culture. Also, I just really appreciated chilling by this lake. Listening to water lap against its banks, with air so clear. So fresh. Those ordinary moments turn pretty special. Is that something you enjoy?

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5. Facing the Mighty Calbuco Volcano

Alright, let’s move towards that, powerful Calbuco Volcano. Now, this thing has had various eruptions over history. Which gives you something just that dramatic to behold, when conditions seem clear enough to make that happen.

Very arguably less visited than Osorno. This is where that landscape has that raw beauty to offer those keen explorers.

Of course, I wouldn’t suggest climbing Calbuco on your own. Very that could be risky! So that brings me back to going out with one those local guides. The individual might assist you to visit locations. Or, those areas providing breathtaking views of that volcano. He can provide a few facts on local natural life.

For example, that challenge from trekking round Calbuco made me really appreciate that majesty connected with nature. Its dark silhouette on these horizons tends to encourage you to take photos from across that lake. I felt quite a personal appreciation for that strength combined with this volatile power. Have you ever seen a real Volcano?

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