Feb. 7-9: Puerto Varas, Chile

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Puerto Varas is a charming city in Chile’s Lake District, known for its stunning views of Osorno Volcano across Lake Llanquihue, German colonial architecture, and abundant outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing. Nicknamed "The City of Roses," it offers a blend of adventure and relaxation with a strong German heritage reflected in its cuisine and buildings, serving as a popular base for exploring the surrounding national parks and lakes. 
Key features 
  • Location: 
    On the shores of Lake Llanquihue, near Puerto Montt, in the Los Lagos Region. 
  • Scenery: 
    Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. 
  • Architecture: 
    Distinctive German-style wooden buildings, a legacy of 19th-century European settlers. 
  • Activities: 
    Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, sport fishing, and skiing on Osorno Volcano in winter. 
  • Attractions: 
    Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and the "Festival de la Lluvia" (Rain Festival). 
  • Vibe: 
    A mix of adventure hub and relaxing tourist town with good restaurants, hotels, and a casino

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Saturday, Feb. 7

An early start to beat the rush at the border crossings, but another beautiful morning ! Will be a long day on the bus traversing the Andes and two border crossings.

Argentina Immigration Station

Actual Border Crossing



Highest point of our trip


One Foot in Each Country
Argentina             Chilé

Argentina’s Version of Baileys - Wow!

2015 Eruption from this volcano



Chilean Immigration Station



Chile Scenes




Lunch at the Happy Chicken in Osorno

And Next Door, Believe it or Not:



Lotsa Studebakers

This was my first car, but not the truck version. 
Looked like this from the front, brighter blue. 


Carolina, Our wonderful Chilean Local Guide for the next five days


Chilé Orientation


Martha Making  Pisco Sours




Dinner at

    Soapapilla con Endalada

King Crab Salad at Our Table

Avocado stuffed with Chicken, Spicy Mashed Potatoes
¡SOOOOOO Yummy!

Mañana:
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park Visit
Exploring Puerto Varas 
Music School Visit
Home Hosted Dinner

Sunday, Feb. 8


Heading for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Volcán Osorno is a 2,661-meter active stratovolcano located in Chile’s Vincent Perez Rosales National Park, overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Todos los Santos. Known for its perfect cone shape resembling Mt. Fuji, it features year-round snow, a ski center, and hiking trails like El Solitario. It is accessible year-round from Puerto Varas


FYI: 1835 last eruption and Charles Darwin was exploring a nearby island when it erupted.


Wow, what an awesome morning!




Blue Spider Web







Combas Music School
The OAT Foundation supports this small music school by providing some funds for infrastructure improvements and instruments. John Paulo is the director, instructor, and head carpenter. We met a few of the students and were given a short concert. 





Home Hosted Dinner
Rodrigo, Claudia, and their son Boris did a wonderful job hosting dinner. ¡Muchas Gracias, Rodrigo !

Heating the oil for empanadas. 

Gathering eggs. 

Yum !

Last group shot !

Mañana :
Off to Chiloe Island
¡PENGUIN DAY!


Home Page

Back to Bariloche 

Next: Castro, Chiloe Island. , Chile

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