Villarica volcano. This is a ski resort in winter where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, has a chairlift to get you to the top and a mountain climb most of the year round. It is one of the highlights when you visit Pucon. The stunning snow-capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls are the perfect backdrop to go hiking, fishing, horse riding, birdwatching and canyoning. The Villa Rica volcano attracts many visitors for a volcano climb or skiing, of course. Ah ...did I mention the volcano is active and its last eruption was in 2015! 

Chiloe Island is best reached from Puerto Varas. The main reasons to visit the island, are the incredible Magellan and Humbolt penguins, also inhabiting the neighbouring Islota de Puñihuil. However, the Unesco site is the home to over 60 wooden churches, totally distinctive and not what you come to expect when entering a church. Chiloe national park is also an incredible place to see the native wildlife, including the smallest deer in the world and over 110 bird species! 

Travel to the Chilean Lake District and you cannot miss Puerto Varas. If you’re thinking about places to stay in the Lake District, Chile, then consider that this is arguably the most appealing base along the shore of Lago Llanquihue. Puerto Varas is a spruce little town with wide streets, grassy lawns and exquisite views of two volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco, particularly at sunset.