Puerto Varas- Get your quaint on!

We never knew that gasoline was lime green. But when we drove from Chiloe to Puerto Montt we discovered that there are no gas stations on the hour drive. Desperate and running on fumes, we stopped at a local store where brave friend Petra inquired about gas. The owner delivered with a milk jug full of a bright green liquid, which cost 7 dollars US. It was worth every penny!!

On the bus between Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas we passed raging forest fires. On arrival we found ourselves in a different world. Puerto Varas, situated on Lago Llanquihue at the foot of Volcano Osorno is a quaint lakeside town known for its German influence and charm.

Our first stop at restaurant Mediterraneo afforded us a great view of the lake. Sitting on the deck we were also surprised to see it was literally snowing ash. The thick smoke set Jack’s allergies off and the first day was a sniffly experience.

That night we stayed at the oldest hostel in Puerto Varas, Hellwig. Its turn of the century metal spring beds and spooky vibe (not to mention the bug bites Petra woke up with the next day) led us to seek out another location. We quickly settled on Casa Margouya 2, a picture perfect historic home turned hostel. Colorful rooms and friendly French staffers made this a perfect choice.

Casa Margouya 2

Jo in the Casa Margouya's well equipped kitchen.

During the day Jo and I took a self guided tour of the town's church and colonial homes, many of which were built by German immigrants at the turn of the century.

We also caught a great view at the top of the city’s Mt Tabor like Park, Parque Philippi.

Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

After our tour we headed down to the lake to get our feet wet, enjoy some ice cream and check out the waterfront's sculptures and artisan market.

That night we joined Petra and Margaret at their nearby hostel “The Guest House” where we took advantage of their excellent kitchen and put together an Italian feast. For dessert we chowed down on a delicious kuchen, one of the areas signature German inspired desserts. YUM!!!!!!

Kuchen----- YUM!!!!


The following day we sent Petra on her way back to Vina (after another piece of kuchen) and headed to Frutillar, another cute German influenced town on the lake with a stunning waterfront theatre and a tranquil beach and waterfront.



After a stroll and a quick lunch we bussed to nearby Puerto Octay for a peak at the famous (you guessed it) German architecture. However, due to the incredible heat we ended up taking shelter in a local restaurant and killed some time with a locally brewed beer.

Puerto Varas fulfilled our desires for a picturesque quaint lakeside town and it will definitely be on our list of places to see when we return to Chile.