If you’ve already explored the iconic sites of Chile, such as Torres del Paine and Atacama, I highly recommend venturing further south. Pucon, Puerto Varas (near Puerto Montt), and Balmaceda, all connected by the Southern Highway, offer breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains and serene lakes, along with a laid-back atmosphere, making them ideal for holidays and weekend getaways.
Upon arriving in Puerto Montt, your first stop should be the vibrant Angelmo seafood market. It’s best to have cash on hand, as it makes transactions much smoother. The locals here are incredibly friendly; I bought three Chilean abalones and was treated to six [laughing emoji]! I also purchased a dozen oysters and got to savor half of them.
Here, you can find king crabs at a fraction of the price compared to Santiago, and they’re even more affordable in the morning. (You can ask the vendors to pack the crab meat and other seafood for you, which is allowed on the plane.)
The main attractions around Puerto Varas include the charming town of Frutillar, the Petrohue River, and the majestic Osorno Volcano (a snow-capped mountain). Although I didn’t climb the volcano either time, Frutillar, nestled by the lake, is definitely worth a visit. I took a bus there, and the first photo I shared was taken in the town. The only tourist attraction there is a German museum, which is an optional visit but adds a unique cultural touch.
Petrohue River turns a stunning emerald green when the water is abundant. In winter, with strong winds and roaring waterfalls, you can feel the mist from the viewing platform. The classic adventure here is rafting, though it’s not available in autumn and winter. I asked the guide, “Is rafting just for a short section?” He replied that it’s quite an adventurous experience.
I highly recommend a private guide named Alfredo, whose agency is called Tour PuertoVaras Photography. Since my flight arrived at 4 PM and I couldn’t join a group tour, I found Alfredo online, and we could tailor the itinerary to my preferences. Alfredo is a passionate bird enthusiast who, while showing us the enchanting green lagoon, introduced us to various bird species and even brought a speaker to play different bird calls, attracting them 😂
As an avid bird photographer, Alfredo carries both long and short lenses, serving as both our driver and photographer. He took several stunning photos for us, including the one where he stopped halfway because the scenery was too beautiful to miss. He had me run over to capture the perfect shot (photo 3).
