Puerto Varas: The Gem of Southern Chile

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-har ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Puerto Varas was officially founded on February 12, 1854, by Vicente Pérez Rosales, who was instrumental in the colonization of the region. The city was settled by German immigrants, whose influence is still evident in the local architecture, cuisine, and culture. These settlers were part of a broader initiative by the Chilean government to populate the southern regions of the country.

The completion of the railroad from Osorno to Puerto Varas in 1912 marked a significant milestone in the city's development. This new mode of transportation facilitated trade and travel, linking Puerto Varas more closely with other parts of Chile. The railroad also spurred economic growth, making it easier to transport goods like timber, fish, and agricultural products to larger markets.

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded, had a profound impact on Puerto Varas and the surrounding region. Despite the extensive damage, the city's resilient community quickly began rebuilding. The earthquake highlighted the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters but also showcased the strength and solidarity of its inhabitants.

Puerto Varas is a city rich in cultural heritage, much of which is rooted in its German origins. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the 'Semana Musical de Frutillar,' a classical music festival held in nearby Frutillar, and the 'Fiesta de las Rosas,' a local celebration that includes parades, music, and traditional dances. These events provide a vibrant glimpse into the local traditions and community spirit.

In recent decades, Puerto Varas has transformed into a major tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty, including views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes and the expansive Lake Llanquihue. The city's infrastructure has evolved to accommodate the influx of tourists, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes Puerto Varas a unique destination for travelers.

Puerto Varas is located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. The nearest major airport is El Tepual International Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt, approximately 20 kilometers from Puerto Varas. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a rental car, or a shuttle service to reach Puerto Varas. Another option is to take a long-distance bus from Santiago, which takes approximately 12 hours. There are also scenic ferry routes available if you are coming from other parts of Chile.

Puerto Varas is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the town and surrounding areas, local taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. Public buses operate within Puerto Varas and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the region at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit remote areas and national parks.

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Puerto Varas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the town, but ensure you have a sufficient amount of cash if you plan to travel to remote areas.

Puerto Varas is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Puerto Varas does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for the police, 132 for the fire department, and 131 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Puerto Varas. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and changing weather conditions. Layering is advisable. Avoid overly flashy or expensive jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Chile is predominantly Catholic, there is a mix of religious beliefs. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A common greeting in Chile is a kiss on the right cheek. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as curanto and kuchen. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Puerto Varas like a local, visit the local markets such as the Feria Fluvial where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Chilean goods. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss trying the German-influenced pastries and dishes, a reflection of the town's German heritage.