Where to Stay in Puerto Varas: Best Areas and Recommended Hotels (2026)
Puerto Varas is a small city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Chile's second largest, with the Osorno volcano across the water and wooden houses from the German colonization. It is the most convenient base in Chile's southern lake district: excursions to the Petrohué Falls, Frutillar and Chiloé leave from here, along with the Andean Crossing to Bariloche. Choosing the right area changes the trip: downtown keeps everything within walking distance, the upper neighborhood adds quiet and views, and the road to Ensenada brings you closer to the volcano.
How to get to Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas has no airport of its own: you arrive via Puerto Montt's, about half an hour away, or by bus and car along Route 5.
✈️El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt (PMC) — about 21 km away: roughly 30 minutes by taxi or car. There is also a direct bus to the Puerto Varas main square, taking about 30 minutes.
🛫Flights from Santiago — direct every day with LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART, about 1 h 45 min. There is no direct flight from Buenos Aires: you connect via Santiago.
🚌Long-distance bus — from Santiago it takes about 12 hours, almost always on overnight services. From Bariloche there are direct buses via the Cardenal Samoré pass, taking 5 h 20 min to 6 h; the actual time depends on the wait at customs.
🚗By car — from Santiago it is 1,011 km (about 10 hours) on Route 5 South. From Bariloche it is 301 km (about 4 h 20 min) via the Cardenal Samoré pass and Osorno.
⛴️Andean Crossing to Bariloche — a one-day journey across lakes Todos los Santos, Frías and Nahuel Huapi, with bus stretches. It leaves Puerto Varas in the morning and reaches Bariloche in the evening; it operates all year. For non-residents, the one-way fare is about US$355, without meals or park entrance fees.
🚐Local minibuses — downtown can be explored on foot. There are minibuses to Puerto Montt, to Frutillar (about 35 minutes) and to Ensenada and Petrohué; they are paid in cash.
The 3 best areas to stay in Puerto Varas
1. Downtown and waterfront The most practical without a car
The few blocks between the Plaza de Armas, the casino and the waterfront, with views of the lake and Osorno from the promenade. You can walk out to dinner, the minibuses depart from here and agencies pick you up for the Andean Crossing and Chiloé. The downside: it is the priciest area, some hotels have street or bar noise and in summer it fills up.
2. Upper neighborhood and Zona Típica Heritage houses and views
The elevated part above downtown, with the Zona Típica of wooden houses built by German settlers, such as the Casa Kuschel (1910), and Parque Philippi up above. It also includes the residential neighborhoods to the west, on the way to Villa Casino. Downtown and the waterfront are a 5 to 15 minute walk away. The downside: the streets are uphill and the wooden houses carry noise.
3. Road to Ensenada Near the volcano, with a car
The east shore of the lake along Route 225: it starts at Puerto Chico, about 3 km from downtown, and reaches Ensenada, about 45 km away, at the foot of Osorno and Calbuco. There are hotels with lake views, lodges and bed & breakfasts. The downside: the farther out you go, the more you depend on a car or minibus, and outside Ensenada there are almost no restaurants within walking distance.
Tours and activities in Puerto Varas
Volcanoes, turquoise waterfalls and German-heritage towns around Lake Llanquihue: these are the outings you shouldn't miss.
7 recommended places to stay in Puerto Varas
Seven stays spread across the three areas, from a hostel in a historic house to lakefront hotels and a lodge at the foot of Osorno. The pros and cons come from what guests repeat in their reviews.
Hotel Bellavista ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 8.6 · 845 reviews
Waterfront, Av. Vicente Pérez Rosales 060
ExteriorRoomDining room with a view
4-star hotel on the waterfront, facing Lake Llanquihue and one block from downtown. Many rooms face the lake, with views of the volcanoes, and it has a restaurant, bar and spa. The heated pool is used by appointment, and parking is free but subject to availability.
Facing the lake, with volcano views
Friendly, attentive staff
Pool by appointment and barely warm water
Small parking lot, subject to availability
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 190-300)
Price per night, room for 2 people
190260200280260260300300300300300300
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is April (around US$ 300 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 190: 37% less).
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The mattresses, the pillows, the breakfast and the location.
Susana · Argentina · Oct 2026
8It was a very good stay in Puerto Varas. Thank you!
The hotel is super well located with an unbeatable view. The room was very comfortable: there are 5 of us and we were super comfortable. The staff is very friendly.
Virginia · Chile · Sep 2026
9Pleasant atmosphere
The room, the restaurant and the reception area were pleasant, and the spa was nice and clean, with good privacy.
David · Chile · Sep 2026
10Very pleasant
The location, the atmosphere and the spaciousness and cleanliness of its rooms.
Lucy · Colombia · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 845.
Weisserhaus ⭐⭐⭐
Rating 9.0 · 767 reviews
Downtown, San Pedro 252
ExteriorRoomLiving room
3-star German-style house, with rustic wood touches, three blocks from the square and 200 m from the lake. It is a small, family-run hotel: guests highlight the warm treatment, the cleanliness and the homemade breakfast. It has its own parking and a 24-hour front desk.
Central location, steps from everything
Family-home atmosphere, very clean
Pillows and mattresses that don't convince everyone
Simple house, no extra services
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 81-138)
Price per night, room for 2 people
104*104*9213813881818181818181
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 138 a night) and the cheapest is March (around US$ 81: 41% less).
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The service is very good and the rooms very comfortable. We asked if they could serve breakfast a little earlier for a tour we were taking and they had no problem doing so.
Bárbara · Chile · Sep 2026
10Spectacular mini vacation
The location and the neighborhood are spectacular. The service and the people in charge are very kind.
Nancy · Chile · Sep 2026
10Perfect for staying in Puerto Varas
A central, comfortable and very clean hotel. It has a very cozy atmosphere and the feeling of being in a wooden cabin in the middle of nature, but with all the comforts of the city a few steps away.
Marc · España · Aug 2026
9Just like home!
A very comfortable place in an unbeatable location. The owners, super friendly, advise you on the routes you plan to do.
Maria · España · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 767.
MaPatagonia Hostel Casa Historica
Rating 9.6 · 1,316 reviews
Downtown, Purísima 681
ExteriorPrivate roomShared dorm
Hostel in a historic wooden house, 300 m from the Sagrado Corazón church and 500 m from the bus terminal. It has shared dorms and private rooms, all with shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and heaters in the common areas. It is the highest rated on this list.
Warm, very cozy historic house
Impeccable cleanliness and equipped kitchen
Weak heating in some rooms
All bathrooms are shared
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 37-47)
Price per night, room for 2 people
37404647········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 47 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 37: 21% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
Excellent place, very comfortable and cozy. I traveled alone and felt super good; the bathrooms were always clean and the kitchen has everything equipped for cooking. They have very nice touches!
Maria · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Excellent stay, a "must" in Puerto Varas
The order and cleanliness of the areas stood out the most, along with the atmosphere created at the hostel.
Fernanda · Chile · Sep 2026
10Cozy
The bathrooms, super clean and always with toilet paper; they had board games, it was warm, the staff is very friendly and, in general, everything was good.
Poblete · Chile · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,316.
Hotel Cabaña Del Lago Puerto Varas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 8.9 · 3,469 reviews
Upper neighborhood, Luis Wellmann 195
ExteriorRoom with lake viewPool
4-star hotel on high ground above downtown, with panoramic views of the lake and the volcanoes. It has a heated pool with a slide, hot tubs, a restaurant and bar, and besides rooms it offers apartments with kitchens and cabins. You walk downhill to the town and the restaurants.
Lake and Osorno volcano views
Courteous staff and good restaurant
Irregular heating in some rooms
Heated pool sometimes cold
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 213-340)
Price per night, room for 2 people
213260248570*340323308300296289283292
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is February (around US$ 340 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 213: 37% less).
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
10Excellent place to disconnect and use the facilities
We loved the place. Beautiful view and very comfortable rooms.
Catalina · Chile · Sep 2026
10One to come back to
Everything: the room with a lake view, the location, the covered parking, the pool with a slide and the service at the bar, which we used every day.
Emiliano · Uruguay · Sep 2026
10Exceeded my expectations: cozy and very warm hotel
The staff, very friendly. We got a cooking class with the hotel's chef, which made a difference, especially on rainy days. Very varied breakfast, excellent view and very good restaurant.
Olaya · Chile · Sep 2026
7Good place
The location and the views are very good; you can walk to the town and the restaurants. The hot water wasn't as hot as I would have liked.
Ma · Chile · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 3,469.
Dein Haus Hotel
Rating 8.8 · 1,346 reviews
West of downtown, Lago Llanquihue 473 (access to Villa Casino)
Aerial viewRoomView from the terrace
Hotel with rooms and apartments in a residential area west of downtown, on the way to Villa Casino, about a 15-minute walk from the waterfront. Many rooms have views of the lake and the volcanoes. Breakfast is paid separately at the adjacent restaurant and the pool is seasonal.
Lake and volcano views
Attentive staff and warm rooms
Breakfast not included, paid separately
Little noise insulation in some rooms
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 68-86)
Price per night, room for 2 people
91*686886866868·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 86 a night) and the cheapest is November (around US$ 68: 21% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The staff, the food and the facilities. I would stay there again. I recommend it.
Diego · Uruguay · Sep 2026
10Good value hotel
Good value hotel and well located, with a spacious, clean room. The parking is roomy.
Daniel · España · Sep 2026
7Fair value for money
Good view, reasonable distance to the waterfront (walkable, 15 minutes), good value for money and hot water in the shower. Breakfast is not included.
Rosario · Chile · Sep 2026
10Comfortable
Flexibility and kindness. It's a place with beautiful views, very quiet and comfortable.
María · Chile · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,346.
Hotel Agua Nativa
Rating 8.4 · 1,333 reviews
Road to Ensenada, Av. Los Castaños 5
Aerial viewRoomDining room with a view
Wood-decorated hotel at the start of the road to Ensenada, about 3 km from downtown (roughly a half-hour walk), with a lake view. Guests highlight the breakfast with homemade cakes and kuchen and the staff's treatment. From the parking lot to reception you go down stairs: be careful if you carry large suitcases.
Homemade breakfast with cakes and kuchen
Very friendly, attentive staff
Little noise insulation between rooms
Somewhat awkward access stairs
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 70-106)
Price per night, room for 2 people
707083106106106······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 106 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 70: 34% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
9100% recommended hotel: good service, excellent staff and good location
Very tasty breakfast, very attentive staff, very good dinners. Overall, everything was fine. Only the access from the parking lot to the hotel: the path is stony and you have to go down stairs to reach reception.
Eduardo · Chile · Oct 2026
10Excellent alternative for a good rest in Puerto Varas
The two receptionists who helped us at check-in and check-out were very kind, and the housekeepers and breakfast staff were very sweet. The room was clean and well equipped for a good rest. Very complete breakfast, with fresh tarts and kuchen.
Francesca · Chile · Sep 2026
10Beautiful place
Cozy, spacious, clean place with a good location, heated and very friendly staff.
Jioseline · Chile · Sep 2026
10Comfortable
The cordiality and kindness of all the staff were fabulous. The breakfast was very good; the cleanliness, excellent. Everything very calm and harmonious.
Andrea · Argentina · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,333.
Entre Volcanes Lodge
Rating 9.2 · 225 reviews
Ensenada, Route 225 km 42
ExteriorRoomView
Small adults-only lodge with five rooms, in Ensenada, with a garden and views of Osorno and Calbuco. It is run by its owners, who help plan outings around the area, and the breakfast is homemade. It is about 42 km from Puerto Varas: without a car, you depend on the minibus.
Attentive owners who give guidance on the area
Very complete homemade breakfast
Little noise insulation between rooms
Somewhat small rooms
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 115)
Price per night, room for 2 people
115115115115115115115115····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Where a rate is available, expect around US$ 115 a night. Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, including taxes and fees, for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
10Unbeatable for getting to know the area between the two volcanoes
The service is unbeatable: they were on top of everything we needed (for example, more heating because it was very cold the day we arrived), with great tips on the area, excellent music and very tasty boards and, especially, their breakfast, all homemade. Wonderful.
Sergio · España · Aug 2026
8An ideal stay for resting
Everything clean and very comfortable. The care and attention of its owners were the best part.
Daniel · Chile · Jul 2026
10Incredible place in a prime location
We liked everything: where it is located, the hotel, the views, the breakfast and, above all, the owners' attention. They helped us a lot to make the most of our stay, despite the bad weather those days.
Alguert · España · Apr 2026
10Comfortable and friendly service
The place, very central in Ensenada, near nice tourist attractions. Very pretty facilities, spacious bathroom and good heating.
Felipe · Chile · Apr 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 225.
Map of places to stay in Puerto Varas
See where each place to stay in Puerto Varas is on the map and compare prices and availability.
Plan the rest of your trip
Downtown can be explored on foot, and the minibuses to Puerto Montt, Frutillar, and Ensenada and Petrohué leave from there, paid in cash. For the Osorno volcano, the Petrohué Falls or the lakeshore up to Puerto Octay, a car gives you a lot of freedom, especially if you stay on the road to Ensenada. For the Andean Crossing and the Chiloé tours, agencies pick you up at your accommodation.
The most popular things to see and do in Puerto Varas
Petrohué Falls — Turquoise waterfalls over volcanic rock, with Osorno in the background; open 9 am to 6 pm and tickets are bought at pasesparques.cl.
Osorno Volcano — You drive up the slope to the mountain center, with a panoramic chairlift; in winter it works as a ski resort.
Frutillar — German-heritage town 27 km away, with the Teatro del Lago on the water and the Musical Weeks in summer.
Lake Llanquihue — Chile's second largest lake (860 km²): explore it along the waterfront or by car along the shore to Frutillar and Puerto Octay.
Chiloé in a day — A 10- to 12-hour tour with a ferry across the Chacao Channel, Ancud, the stilt houses of Castro and the church and market of Dalcahue.
Frequently asked questions
Should you stay downtown Puerto Varas or on the road to Ensenada?
If you arrive without a car, downtown: the minibuses to Puerto Montt, Frutillar and Petrohué leave from there, and agencies pick you up for the Andean Crossing or Chiloé. The road to Ensenada makes sense if you rent a car and want to be near the Osorno volcano and the Petrohué Falls. The Ensenada lodges are about 45 km away, so for dinner you depend on a car.
How does the Andean Crossing to Bariloche work?
It is a one-day trip that combines three lakes (Todos los Santos, Frías and Nahuel Huapi) with bus stretches. It leaves Puerto Varas early and reaches Bariloche in the evening, after about 13 hours, and operates all year. The one-way fare for non-residents is about US$355, without meals or park entrance fees. From April to September it does not stop at the Petrohué Falls.
How long does it take from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas?
El Tepual airport is about 21 km away: by taxi or car it takes about 30 minutes. There is also a direct bus to the Puerto Varas main square, taking about 30 minutes. From Santiago there are direct flights every day with LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART, taking 1 h 45 min; from Buenos Aires there is no direct flight and you connect via Santiago.
Can you visit Chiloé in a day from Puerto Varas?
Yes. Full-day tours leave early, cross the Chacao Channel on a ferry of about 30 minutes and cover Chacao, Ancud, Castro and Dalcahue in 10 to 12 hours. On your own, Ancud is 132 km away, about 1 h 45 min by car including the ferry. Castro is farther: if you want to explore the island at a relaxed pace, it's best to sleep there.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Varas? When is the best time to go?
Yes, it rains quite a bit: in Puerto Montt, about 20 km away, around 1,600 mm fall per year, with 18-19 rainy days per month from May to August. January and February are the driest months, with 8 to 10 rainy days and highs of about 21 °C. In high season it's best to book in advance, and bring a waterproof jacket even if you travel in summer.
Are there pet-friendly places to stay in Puerto Varas?
Yes: Puerto Varas has about 50 places to stay that accept pets, mostly cabins and apartments; few hotels do. Of the places in this guide, Hotel Bellavista and Hotel Agua Nativa allow pets (check beforehand whether there is a surcharge). See pet-friendly places to stay in Puerto Varas →
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official website of any property. If you book through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
