What to Do in Puerto Varas Before (or After) Your Futaleufú Adventure
Nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, framed by snow-dusted Osorno Volcano, Puerto Varas is a postcard-perfect gateway to Patagonia. While most travelers pass through en route to an Earth River Futaleufú rafting trip or a Chile rafting expedition, this charming lakeside town deserves more than a layover.
Whether you’re arriving early before your Earth River multi-sport adventure or looking to unwind afterward, Puerto Varas offers a surprising mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Southern Chile.
Explore Puerto Varas’ German Heritage
Founded by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, Puerto Varas still proudly wears its European influence. Stroll through quiet neighborhoods and you’ll find gabled rooftops, timber-framed houses, and ornate gardens that wouldn’t feel out of place in Bavaria.
The town’s most iconic landmark is the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, a red-roofed Catholic church modeled after Germany’s Marienkirche. Perched on a hill overlooking the lake, it offers panoramic views and a peaceful spot to reflect.
If you’re a history buff, stop by the Museo Pablo Fierro, an eclectic lakeside museum filled with antiques, art, and quirky memorabilia that paints a vivid picture of the region’s colonial past.
Walk the Waterfront (and Soak in the View)
The lakeside promenade in Puerto Varas is one of the town’s biggest draws, and it’s free. Spend an hour walking along Lago Llanquihue, the second-largest lake in Chile, as sailboats drift in the wind and clouds play peekaboo with Osorno’s perfectly conical summit.
On a clear day, you might also catch sight of Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes in the distance. It’s the ideal spot to stretch your legs before beginning your Futaleufú river rafting adventure, or to wind down and watch the sunset after a week of adrenaline-filled days on the water.
Grab a cone from a local heladería (ice cream shop) or pack a picnic from one of the local bakeries serving up flaky pastries, German-style pretzels, and rich fruit kuchen.
Take a Day Trip to Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls
If you’re looking to keep the spirit of adventure alive, Puerto Varas delivers in spades. One of the best day trips is a visit to Osorno Volcano, located about 90 minutes away by car. A ski lift will take you partway up the slopes, where you can hike or simply marvel at sweeping views of the Andes and Chilean lakes below.
Nearby, the Petrohué Falls (Saltos del Petrohué) are a must-see natural wonder. Here, glacial waters rush over volcanic rock in vibrant turquoise streams. It’s a stunning backdrop for photography, and the nearby trails in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offer gentle walks and wildlife spotting.
This corner of northern Patagonia is often overlooked in favor of Torres del Paine, but it’s perfect for travelers seeking beauty without the crowds, much like those who choose a Futaleufú rafting experience with Earth River over the more tourist-packed routes.
Get a Taste of Southern Chile
For food lovers, Puerto Varas is a culinary surprise. The town has evolved into a foodie hotspot, blending indigenous Mapuche traditions, German culinary influence, and modern Chilean innovation.
Start with curanto, a traditional dish of shellfish, sausages, and meat slow-cooked in an earthen pit. For something lighter, you’ll find fresh-caught trout and salmon on nearly every menu, often accompanied by native potatoes and merkén, a smoky Mapuche spice.
Top your evening off with a glass of Chilean wine or a locally brewed Patagonian craft beer. For a fine dining experience, try Mesa Tropera or Las Buenas Brasas, both favorites among locals and travelers alike.
Other Nearby Gems
If you have more time to explore, a few side trips are well worth adding to your itinerary before or after your river expedition on the Futaleufú:
Frutillar
Located just 30 minutes away, Frutillar is another town with deep German roots and a love for music and the arts. Visit the Teatro del Lago, an award-winning concert hall that hosts international performances, or relax with a slice of kuchen in a lakeside café.
Lake Todos los Santos
Known as the Emerald Lake for its vivid color, Todos los Santos is a peaceful place to kayak, take a boat cruise, or enjoy a lakeside picnic. Surrounded by native forest and volcanoes, it offers a quieter alternative to the more rugged adventure of white water rafting in Chile.
Puerto Montt
If you’re flying in or out via Puerto Montt, consider a stop at the Angelmó fish market. Here you can try ceviche, smoked mussels, or sea urchin right off the boat. It’s a working port city, but the energy is part of its charm.
Why It Pairs Perfectly with Your Futaleufú Trip
Puerto Varas is often your first or last stop on an Earth River journey to the Futaleufú River, and it’s the perfect complement to the multi-sport rafting expedition that awaits.
Whereas Futaleufú river rafting delivers high-adrenaline thrills, class IV and V rapids, canyoning, biking, and backcountry exploration—Puerto Varas offers a slower pace, warm beds, and cozy evenings. The two experiences are opposite sides of the same Patagonian coin: wild adventure and cultured relaxation.
For travelers seeking more than just another rafting in Patagonia experience, Puerto Varas invites you to linger a little longer. The views are worth it. The food is worth it. And the rhythm of lake life is the perfect way to prepare for, or reflect on, the incredible journey that is Futaleufú rafting with Earth River.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Varas isn’t just a place to pass through, it’s a destination to savor. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a group heading into the wilds of northern Patagonia, it offers a welcoming introduction to Chile’s Lake District and the spirit of white water rafting Chile is so famous for.
Stay a night. Stay three. Just don’t skip it.
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Explore our Futaleufú Multi-Sport Trip and let us help you build the perfect pre- or post-trip escape in Puerto Varas.