Best of Puerto Varas

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Puerto Varas
Set on the shores of the deep blue waters of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas is famous for its natural beauty and Germanic heritage, evident in its 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Snow-capped Andean peaks are visible from the waterfront, and nearby forests, lakes, rivers and fjords offer a wide range of activities. Lakeshore hotels and B&Bs, along with an appealing restaurant and cafe scene make Puerto Varas a good base for an extended stay.  

Memorable excursions are within easy reach of Puerto Varas, like the shoreline drive to the picturesque village of Ensenada, where you can see three volcanoes. There’s excellent hiking (and skiing in winter) on the slopes of Volcán Osorno, though you can also ascend by chair lift just to take in the magnificent views. The vast national park of Vicente Pérez Rosales makes for another fine outing. Here you can see evergreen forests and a famous waterfall gushing over volcanic rock, and go sailing on Todos Los Santos lake. Southeast of Puerto Varas, the Alerce Andino National Park is home to some of the oldest forests on the planet, and an ideal spot for wildlife watching.
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Wooden pier in Frutillar with a view of the Lago Llanquihue in Chile's Lake District
Map of Discover the Lake District of Chile & Argentina - 10 Days
Discover the Lake District of Chile & Argentina - 10 Days

Spend 10 days discovering the sweet spot just above Patagonia, known as the Lake District. Straddling both Argentina and Chile, this wild alpine region is known for its sprawling azure lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, rushing rivers, and rich Indigenous history. You'll experience all of this and more as you witness the mighty Osorno volcano, the mountain retreat of Bariloche, and the waterfalls of Petrohué—plus city tours in Santiago and Buenos Aires.

Puerto Varas overlooking the Osorno volcano, Patagonia, Chile
Map of Santiago & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Santiago & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Santiago and Puerto Varas spend about 10 to 14 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas as well. If you're only headed to Santiago and Puerto Varas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to eight days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago and Puerto Varas and beyond.

Start in the rugged Atacama Desert before flying south to the Patagonian Lake District
Map of Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert & Lake District - 10 Days
Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert & Lake District - 10 Days

Experience remote deserts, sparkling lakes, and soaring volcanoes on this family-friendly 10-day tour through two of Chile's most spectacular regions. Get your bearings in Santiago before heading north to the otherworldly Atacama Desert, where the kids can swim in salt lagoons, stargaze under clear night skies, and bounce through the dunes on a buggy tour. Jet south to Patagonia next and dive into the famous Lake District with kayaking, hiking, and penguin-spotting adventures.

Reflections in the clear waters of a Chilean fjord
Map of Kayak & Camp in Chile's Pumalín National Park - 6 Days
Kayak & Camp in Chile's Pumalín National Park - 6 Days

Connect with the incredible nature of Chile on this kayaking and camping adventure through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the largest national park in South America. This pristine wilderness, which is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, and Valdivian forests, extends from the heart of the Andes Mountains to the fjords of the Pacific Coast. Kayak through fjords, visit a sea lion colony, camp under the stars, and more on this six-day itinerary.Be aware that this itinerary includes about five hours of kayaking a day, so good physical condition is required to manage this intermediate level trip. The route can vary slightly due to currents, tide, and weather.

Chile's stunning Lake District
Map of Explore Chile’s Atacama Desert & Lake District – 11 Days
Explore Chile’s Atacama Desert & Lake District – 11 Days

Discover Chile's famous Atacama Desert and Lake District on this 11-day adventure. Tour the historic capital Santiago before delving into the Atacama's otherworldly landscapes, exploring its lunar-like salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, and spurting geysers. You'll stargaze and ride desert buggies, soak in geothermal pools, and end with a trip to Chile's lush Lake District for bird spotting on Chiloé Island.

Unique topography in the Atacama Desert
Map of Central Chile, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 10 Days
Central Chile, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 10 Days

Explore three distinct areas of Chile with this 10-day itinerary. After getting a taste (literally) of the big city and its nearby wine region, fly north to the Atacama desert—an oasis in the driest part of the world known for geysers, moonscapes, and starry skies. You'll then base yourself in a German-style lake town while taking day trips to volcanoes, waterfalls, and an exotic rainforest along the coast.

Take the nature-loving family's trip of a lifetime to Patagonia, Chile
Map of Family Adventure in Chile: Santiago, the Lake District & Patagonia - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Chile: Santiago, the Lake District & Patagonia - 7 Days

Perfect for the nature-loving family, this weeklong Chilean adventure will take you and the kids to some of the country's most stunning places. Meander through Santiago's parkland and the colonial townships lining Lago Llanquihue, then head off into the wild to explore the national parks around Puerto Varas and Puerto Natales—including the renowned Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. See these extraordinary places at a kid-friendly pace, ensuring lots of family fun and tales to share back home.

Discover Patagonia's rugged beauty with the kids from the vantage of a kayak
Map of Family Tour of Chile's Lake District & Patagonia - 10 Days
Family Tour of Chile's Lake District & Patagonia - 10 Days

Ideal for families nurturing keen young naturalists and explorers, this 10-day itinerary leads you through some of Chile's most beautiful places. Start in historic Santiago, then discover the Lake District's parks, fjords, and colonial towns. Head to Patagonia to hike and boat your way around the extraordinary Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks. Meet cute penguins, spot soaring condors, and marvel at ancient cave art as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers of the past.

Wake up to views of Lago Llanquihue and the Osorno volcano (photo courtesy of Hotel AWA)
Map of Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 7 Days
Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 7 Days

Travel from Chile's sun-blasted deserts to its lush Lake District on this weeklong luxury tour. The adventure begins in the capital, Santiago, where historic city tours and gourmet dining at world-class Boragó await. Next, escape to the world's highest and driest desert, the Atacama, where you'll stargaze and explore otherworldly salt flats and moon-like valleys. End in Puerto Varas, your base for scenic flights over the Lake District's volcanoes, forested valleys, and national parks.

View of Osornos and a traditional boat from Puerto Varas, Patagonia, Chile
Map of Santiago, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Santiago, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Chile typically plan a trip for 10 to 14 days when combining Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas with Punta Arenas. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas exclusively, plan about 10 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in a week to nine days for travelers with limited time. Check out kimkim's favorite Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas trips below.

Explore desert lakes in Chile's remote Atacama Desert
Map of Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 10 Days
Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 10 Days

Discover Chile's contrasting landscapes on this luxury 10-day tour. Start with historic city tours and gourmet dining in Santiago, then escape to the remote Atacama Desert to explore its never-ending salt flats, lagoons, and moon-like valleys, waking for dawn hot-air balloon rides and stargazing by night. The adventure ends in the lush Lake District, where you'll admire the volcano-and-lake spotted landscape with private helicopter, seaplane, and kayaking tours.

Stay in a 5-star retreat in Chile's Lake District (photo courtesy of andBeyond Vira Vira)
Map of Chile Luxury Lake District Escape - 10 Days
Chile Luxury Lake District Escape - 10 Days

Explore Chile's coveted Lake District in style on this 10-day luxury tour, which begins with trips to Valparaíso and El Yeso Dam near Santiago. You'll stay in 5-star lake and riverside retreats, taking private tours of the region's lagoon-and-volcano-studded landscape by foot, boat, and scenic helicopter flight. Highlights include hiking to black-hued Pichillancahue Glacier, marveling at lava formations in Conguillio National Park, and kayaking along the sparkling Reloncaví Estuary.

Puerto Varas, gateway to Patagonia
Map of Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, especially when also including Torres del Paine. If you're only headed to Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in nine to 10 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as seven to eight days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, and beyond.

Torres del Paine National Park
Discover Chile's Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days

Make your way around a series of unforgettable natural attractions — including national parks, mountain peaks, icy glaciers, penguin colonies, pristine lagoons, and more — on this two-week tour around Chilean Patagonia and the Lake District. Bookended on both sides with a few days in the bustling capital city of Santiago, the itinerary takes you first to Patagonia and the cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Move on to the Lake District, side-tripping to the mythical island of Chiloé. Trek through native forests to waterfalls and marvel at volcanoes before heading back to Santiago, where the trip comes to a close.

Make your way south from Santiago to Patagonia, stopping for lakeside luxury in Pucón (photo courtesy of andBeyond Vira Vira)
Map of Luxury Lakes & Mountains of Chile: Santiago, the Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days
Luxury Lakes & Mountains of Chile: Santiago, the Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days

Enjoy the finer things in Chile (plus some memorable outdoor adventures) on this two-week luxury tour. Travel from north to south, starting in Santiago with gourmet dining, wine tours, and excursions to colorful Valparaíso. Then, make your way down to the Lake District and Patagonia, where you'll trek around glaciers and volcanoes, go kayaking on fjords, unwind with a relaxing dip in natural hot springs, and much more.

Combine rugged outdoor adventures with 4 and 5-star luxury as you explore Patagonia (photo courtesy of Singular Patagonia)
Map of Luxury Adventure in Chilean Patagonia - 14 Days
Luxury Adventure in Chilean Patagonia - 14 Days

Spend two weeks traveling in luxury as you explore the Chilean side of Patagonia—South America's ruggedly beautiful southern cone. This journey ticks all the highlights, from cruising the Magellan Strait to horseback riding in the Andes and trekking around the granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. Rounding out this memorable itinerary are wine and city tours in Santiago, plus hiking to volcanoes and visiting penguin colonies in Chile's captivating Lake District.

Discover the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert from a remote luxury retreat (photo courtesy of Nayara Alto Atacama)
Map of Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 14 Days
Luxury Chile Desert & Lake Adventure - 14 Days

Throughout the long expanse of Chile are diverse landscapes ranging from glaciers and Patagonian peaks to arid deserts and vast salt flats. On this two-week luxury tour, you'll embark on adventures through such high-altitude deserts, plus fly south for a bit of fun in the Lake District, a region famous for its charming Germanic towns and snowcapped volcanoes. An added treat includes a few days in the capital of Santiago for gourmet dining, wine tasting, and sightseeing.

Explore Chile's Lake District
Map of Explore Chile's Lake District & Wine Country: Santiago, Chiloé Island, Puerto Varas & Colchagua – 15 Days
Explore Chile's Lake District & Wine Country: Santiago, Chiloé Island, Puerto Varas & Colchagua – 15 Days

Visit lake-studded landscapes and world-renowned vineyards on this extensive 15-day tour of Chile. Start by exploring Santiago's city sights before escaping to the coveted Lake District for bird-filled wetlands, German colonial towns, and encounters with local farmers. You'll kayak on Reloncaví Fjord, spot towering volcanoes, trek among giant trees in national parks, and finish by tasting Chile's famous wines in the Colchagua Valley.

Lago Pehoé in Torres del Paine National Park
Map of Central Chile, Lake District & Patagonia - 10 Days
Central Chile, Lake District & Patagonia - 10 Days

Check off three spectacular regions of Chile on this active 10-day itinerary. After touring the capital of Santiago, and the vineyards of the Maipo Valley, fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas in the Lake District for snowcapped volcanoes and plunging waterfalls. Finish off on the southern tip of the continent for cycling, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding, surrounded by Patagonian scenery in Torres del Paine National Park.

Osorno Volcano in Chile's Lake District
Map of Chile's Deserts, Lakes & Culture - 9 Days
Chile's Deserts, Lakes & Culture - 9 Days

Chile may be a small country geographically, but it's filled with some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in South America and the world. Over a quick nine days, you'll discover the furthest reaches of this ecological paradise, from the otherworldly landscapes of the northern Atacama Desert to the native lenga forests and active volcanoes of the rugged Lake District, which is also known as the "doorstep to Patagonia." And to kick it all off, you'll discover Santiago and Valparaíso, two of Chile's most beautiful cities.

One of the stunning turquoise lakes in Torres del Paine National Park
Map of Adventure in Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Strait of Magellan & Lake District - 14 Days
Adventure in Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Strait of Magellan & Lake District - 14 Days

Discover the reason so many travelers head south to Chilean Patagonia on this 14-day itinerary. From the turquoise waters of the Lake District to the penguin colonies of Isla Magdalena, this region offers an endless array of natural sites to explore. Get close to the action as you reach out and touch the glaciers of Torres del Paine, kayak alongside sea lions and dolphins in the Strait of Magellan, and hike to the edge of the active Osorno Volcano.

Explore Chile's Atacama Desert
Highlights of the Atacama Desert, Lake District & Patagonia - 11 Days

Travelers flock to Chile from all over the world to visit three principal regions, and this 11-day itinerary has all of them covered. First, it's a trip to the north of the country and the Atacama Desert, where you'll do some stargazing and tour the otherworldly landscapes. Then, it's a flight to the southern Lake District and its enormous lakes, wild rivers, and snowcapped volcanoes. Finally, you'll end up in the far south, in Patagonia, where you'll spend a day exploring the most famous national park in the country: Torres del Paine.

Discover Chile
Map of Central Chile, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 15 Days
Central Chile, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 15 Days

To first-timers in Chile, visiting this country is like happening upon a great secret. Its natural beauty is as diverse as it's extensive. Throughout the length of this narrow, 2,653-mile (4,270-km) country, there are high-altitude deserts, a lake region abounding with volcanoes and wild rivers, and, of course, the primal and unspoiled beauty that is Chilean Patagonia. You'll get to visit all three of these regions on this extensive 15-day itinerary, and you'll even find time for wine tasting.

Choose between a multi-day trek or a single-day tour in Patagonia's Torres del Paine
Map of Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that about 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Puerto Varas. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—in a week to nine days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another place, like Punta Arenas. See more ideas for Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Puerto Varas itineraries below.

Petrohué Waterfalls downstream from Todos los Santos Lake, within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Puerto Varas, Chile
Map of Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas
Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven to nine days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include the Atacama Desert. Keep reading for more inspiring Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas itineraries.

Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
Map of Relaxed Family Trip to Chile: Santiago, Easter Island, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 14 Days
Relaxed Family Trip to Chile: Santiago, Easter Island, Lake District & Atacama Desert - 14 Days

Immerse yourselves in Chile's natural beauty on this gently paced two-week family adventure that's perfect for families of all ages. Set out from Santiago for a day trip into the lush Maipo Valley, then fly to Easter Island to explore its remote beaches and mysterious statues. Jet south to the Patagonian Lake District for outdoor excursions in its national parks and thermal spas, and end in the country's far north, where the kids can dive into salt pools and spot constellations in the remote Atacama Desert.

Start in Chile's northern deserts before heading south to the Lake District and Patagonia
Map of Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert, Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days
Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert, Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days

Hop between deserts, mountains, and lakes on this two-week family trip through Chile. Bookended with a stay in Santiago, you and the kids will float in salt pools in the Atacama Desert, sail to penguin-filled islands in the Lake District, and visit glaciers and national parks in Patagonia. An itinerary of gentle hikes and scenic boat rides will keep young adventurers entertained, while relaxed excursions like a winery picnic, an alpaca farm visit, and a day trip to colorful, coastal Valparaíso will delight all ages.

Wild horses graze in Torres del Paine National Park
Map of Chilean Nature Adventure: Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas - 15 Days
Chilean Nature Adventure: Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas - 15 Days

This 15-day odyssey will take you to some of Chile's most fascinating sites and spectacular landscapes. Get to know the bustling city of Santiago, see the driest desert in the world at San Pedro de Atacama, marvel at glaciers in Torres del Paine National Park, and learn about Chile's colonial history in the scenic lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Cap off your adventure with a food tour of Santiago's best restaurants and a trip to Colchagua Valley wine country.

View of Osorno volcano from Petrohue waterfall
Map of Exploring Santiago & Chile's Lake District - 14 Days
Exploring Santiago & Chile's Lake District - 14 Days

On this active and comprehensive 14-day itinerary, you will discover one of the lesser-visited gems of South America: Chile's Lake District, where central Chile meets Patagonia. First, you'll take a food tour of the capital of Santiago. Then it's wine tasting and a jaunt to the coastal seaport of Valparaíso, one of the most colorful cities in Latin America. Next, you're off to the southern city of Puerto Montt, where you'll visit the mythical island of Chiloé. The remainder of your trip has it all: penguin colonies, kayaking fjords, trekking through native Alajuela forests, hiking up to glaciers, and much, much more.

The mountain landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park
Map of Wonders of Chile: Patagonia, Lake District & Santiago - 14 Days
Wonders of Chile: Patagonia, Lake District & Santiago - 14 Days

Take in rugged mountains, pristine fjords, and lush wine country on this diverse 14-day journey through Chile's greatest highlights. Start in the country's far south, where you'll hike through the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, visit penguins on the Strait of Magellan, and horseback ride across a traditional Patagonian estancia. Head north to kayak and climb through the spectacular scenery of the Lake District, then wind down with a final three days in Santiago. After a trip filled with activity and adventure, enjoy a change of pace as you explore the vibrant capital and take relaxing day trips to the nearby wine country and colorful villages of the Pacific coast.

Stay in waterfront 5-star hotels on this weeklong exploration of Chile's Lake District (photo courtesy of &Beyond Vira Vira)
Map of Chile Luxury Lake District Escape - 7 Days
Chile Luxury Lake District Escape - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring Chile's idyllic Lake District with this adventurous luxury tour. Begin in the lively capital, Santiago, for trips to UNESCO-listed Valparaíso and the colossal El Yeso Dam, before jetting south to Chile's land of shimmering lakes. Here, you'll hike to the mighty Pichillancahue Glacier and in Santuario El Cañi reserve, discover volcanoes and lava formations in Conguillio National Park, and soak in steamy hot springs. End with aerial views of this wild, lake-studded region on a scenic helicopter flight.

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) close to San Pedro de Atacama
Map of Wonders of Chile - 14 Days
Wonders of Chile - 14 Days

On this two week trip, you’ll visit many of the classic places that have made Chile an iconic country for travelers and mountaineers alike. You’ll journey to places like the Atacama Desert and the Patagonian glaciers as you discover a land of myths and mountains. You’ll also have the chance to stay in Santiago and Valparaíso to get a sense of Chile’s city life.

Explore Chile by car
Map of Chile Grand Tour: Deserts, Lakes & Beaches - 15 Days
Chile Grand Tour: Deserts, Lakes & Beaches - 15 Days

This comprehensive 15-day tour allows visitors to see the most interesting cities and regions in the whole of Chile. Moreover, some of this adventure is of the self-drive variety, meaning you'll get to hop behind the wheel and make it a road trip. It begins in the capital of Santiago with excursions to nearby Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, two of the most beautiful coastal cities in the nation. Then, it's off to the high-altitude deserts of the northern Atacama and its otherworldly landscapes. The tour culminates with road trips in the Chilean ecological wonderland known as the Lake District.

Wonders of Chile
Map of Wonders of Chile - 13 Days
Wonders of Chile - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary covers the major highlights in and around the Andes, including the northern Atacama Desert, the central Lake District, and Torres del Paine National Park. There's even a break for wine tasting in Chile's famous vineyards. This is a partial road trip, so you can set your own schedule and explore however and wherever you like.