Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is a city with about 33,000 inhabitants ( 2003) in southern Chile in the Región de los Lagos (Region X). It is located about 20 kilometers north of Puerto Montt.

Puerto Varas is located on the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue. With about 860 square kilometers, it is the second largest lake in Chile. At the northeast side of the lake of Volcán Osorno is with its 2652 meters height.

The average summer temperature is about 14 ° C, in winter around 6 ° C.

History

1552 reached Pedro de Valdivia Llanquihue Lake. From 1846 onwards German immigrants populated the area around the lake. Puerto Varas was founded on 27 June 1854, received on October 30, 1897 city rights. Even today, many German immigrants traces are to be found. Their descendants are organized in the German club.

Economy

Tourism is the mainstay of Puerto Varas. The harbor, the fishing and agriculture also play an important economic role. Puerto Varas is conveniently located on the Panamerican Highway and you can easily reach the economic center of Puerto Montt.

Tourism

The town offers a convenient base for trips around Lake Llanquihue and to the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. Puerto Varas is also called the Rose City, as the city is criss-crossed in the waterfront of several rose gardens. The city is strongly influenced German with many historic buildings from the period. The best-known attraction is the " German Church ", a wooden structure with corrugated metal cladding, which is to be modeled on a church in the Black Forest.

Due to its location, Puerto Varas ' there are recreational opportunities for fishing, sailing, horseback riders, hikers and kayakers. The city has its own casino and several German -speaking restaurants. In addition to the larger hotels there are also smaller cottages.

Gallery

Llanquihue Lake and Osorno Volcano

Church in Puerto Varas

Settlers House

Twinning

• San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina