302 - Puerto Varas Basic Program

Day 1

PUERTO VARAS: Arrival to the Lakes District

Arrival to Puerto Montt Airport or Puerto Varas Pier
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas, the perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful Lakes District of Chile. You’ll have free time to relax, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for one of the many optional activities available (see options below).

• Half Day City Tour of Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas
  A nice half day trip to visit both cities
• Half Day Rafting in Petrohue River
  Enjoy a class II and IV white water rafting in Petrohue Falls.

Day 2

PUERTO VARAS: Visiting Frutillar and Puerto Octay

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a full-day excursion to Frutillar, a charming city in the Los Lagos Region, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue, the largest lake entirely within Chile. Frutillar, also known as the “City of Music,” was founded by Vicente Pérez Rosales in 1856, after German settlers arrived in the region. Explore the history of the area, including the efforts of Bernardo Philippi and President Manuel Montt, who played crucial roles in the German colonization of Southern Chile.

We’ll visit the local German Museum, where you’ll travel back in time through fascinating exhibits with your guide. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace. In the evening, return to your hotel in Puerto Varas for a free evening and overnight stay.

Day 3

PUERTO VARAS: Visiting Chiloe Island

After breakfast, we’ll journey south, driving 130 kilometers to reach Pargua, where we’ll take a ferry across the Chacao Canal to the Isla Grande de Chiloé, Chile’s second-largest island. Our first stop will be Chacao, one of the island’s oldest villages, known for its colorful, picturesque architecture and historic church.

The Churches of Chiloé, made entirely of native timber, represent a unique architectural style and are a blend of European Jesuit influence and local traditions. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built to withstand the island’s humid climate, are a must-see.

Next, we’ll visit the town of Ancud, home to the Plaza de Armas, the Church, a vibrant crafts market, and the Fort San Antonio, a historic site with stunning views and fascinating stories of Chiloé’s myths and customs.

We’ll continue to Castro, the capital of Chiloé and Chile’s third-oldest city. Founded in 1576, Castro has a rich history, including surviving attacks by Dutch pirates and the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 1960. Here, we’ll visit the local church, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Palafitos—wooden houses built on stilts over the water.

Our last stop will be Dalcahue, known for its traditional craft fair, where islanders bring their handmade goods for sale. We’ll also have time for lunch at a typical Chiloé restaurant before heading back to Puerto Varas in the evening for an overnight stay.

Day 4

PUERTO VARAS: Good bye lakes district!

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Puerto Varas before your transfer to the airport or local pier. If your departure is later in the day, take advantage of the optional activities available (see the list below).

Goodbye, Puerto Varas!

• Half Day City Tour of Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas
  A nice half day trip to visit both cities
• Half Day Rafting in Petrohue River
  Enjoy a class II and IV white water rafting in Petrohue Falls.