Tours and Activities:

Around Lake Llanquihue

During the tour, we explored the lake´s shoreline, and its crystal-clear waters accompanied our every move, almost another passenger on the excursion.

Puerto Varas is an excellent starting point for a full-day land tour around Lake Llanquihue, taking in every corner of the lake. To do so, we left behind the beautiful German-influenced architecture that characterizes the city and gradually entered more rugged areas in the heart of the Valdivian rainforest.

We started the journey from the center, taking the road that leads to Ensenada. In a few minutes, we leave the urban area behind and begin to pass by beaches such as Hermosa, Niklitschek, Punta Cabras, and Poza Loreley, each with its own particular charm. The latter has a lagoon, La Verde, lush vegetation, and an island that can be reached by kayak; many young people were enjoying their day in the sun.

We continued our journey towards Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, a natural sanctuary of enormous value. We were surprised by an ancient lava field that, almost two centuries ago, reached the shore of the lake, reminding us of the ever-imposing presence of the Osorno volcano. The humid environment and the diversity of tree species enveloped us in a vibrant landscape. When we stopped, we saw that the volcano completely dominated the scene. Specialized guides accompany climbers, the only safe way to explore its slopes, crevasses, and areas where low clouds often form. Even those who do not ski often visit La Burbuja ski resort, one of the most accessible in the area.

Following the route we had mapped out, we continued towards the Las Cascadas area, a small town with few permanent residents but very busy in summer with those seeking tranquility at its spas. The place has campsites, cabins, and transportation to the city of Osorno. There, the Osorno volcano can be seen in all its magnitude, and it is advisable to check for information before taking any of the trails that lead to the area. At El Maitén beach, an old chapel built by German settlers caught our attention; it is hard to imagine the effort it took to open roads in such a rugged territory to build their first dwellings there.

The route turned south, taking us to Maqui Beach, where we walked along a narrow strip of land overlooking a cliff with exceptional panoramic views: the volcanoes surrounding the basin, the Centinela Peninsula, and the lakefront of Frutillar. We were close to completing our tour of Llanquihue when we arrived at Puerto Octay, one of the most picturesque coastal towns. Walking through its streets, we admired its gentle hills, its historic houses, and the privileged view from Centinela Bay.

When we arrived in Frutillar, we decided to take a break for a couple of hours because there was so much to discover. As we took off our shoes on its sandy beaches on the shores of the lake, we observed its flower gardens and wooden buildings in a distinctly Germanic style. It is a cheerful city, with drive and a great cultural spirit. In February, for example, it hosts its Music Weeks, which attract large crowds who come from far and wide to enjoy its shows. The local cuisine is also famous for its kuchen, cakes, and traditional dishes with German and regional influences.

Llanquihue was the next stop on the coastal road, with good views of the Osorno volcano and hotels, fishing clubs, and hunting clubs. From there, we took the Pan-American Highway back to Puerto Varas, ending a full day of landscapes, history, and nature in its purest form.

See also: Hotels in Puerto Varas and other accommodation venues