General Information / Logistics

Travelling to Chile

 Chile is a well-connected country. Most international airlines operate regular flights to the country through Santiago’s International Airport “Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez” (SCL). 

Requirements to enter Chile

Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.

Citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru may enter Chile with their identity cards, as a tourist, for a stay of up to 90 days

Citizens from Latin America, the United States, Canada, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Chile as a tourist for a stay of up to 90 days.  However, some nationalities do require a visa to enter Chile. 

Please verify your situation when planning your trip. www.visitchile.com

Getting to Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is in the Province of Llanquihue, Los Lagos Region, approximately 1,000 km. south of Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Puerto Varas is also known as the “City of Roses”. It was established by German immigrants who settled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. To date, the city maintains its German influence reflected in its architecture and pastry.

You may travel from Santiago to Puerto Varas:

By plane: LATAM, Sky Airlines and JetSmart operate daily flights (90 minutes) to Puerto Montt (PMC).  Puerto Varas is located 25 km. from Puerto Montt. Taxis and vans are available at Puerto Montt’s airport. You may also take a bus at the Bus Terminal in Puerto Montt or use UBER.

Renting a car:  Most international car rental companies operate in Chile and have an authorized agent at Santiago’s airport, “Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez” (SCL).  It is an approximately 11-hour drive via Ruta 5 Sur.

By bus: Several companies operate the route Santiago de Chile – Puerto Varas – Santiago de Chile with daily departures.  The trip takes up to 12 hours via Ruta 5 Sur.

Accommodation and Gastronomy

Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas offer many alternatives for accommodation including hostels and family lodging. Both cities are renowned for their varied gastronomy.

We suggest visiting turismo.ptovaras.cl for alternative lodging options.

Lodging in Puerto Varas

Hotel Radisson (Address: Del Salvador 024, Puerto Varas, Chile):

https://www.booking.com/hotel/cl/gran-colonos-del-sur.es.html

Contact: Camila Soto  reservas1@bookingradisson.cl

Until September 4, 2024

From September 5 until October 4, 2024

From October 5 until November 4, 2024

Weather

Puerto Varas enjoys moderate weather with a significant amount of rainfall year-round. November is considered a good time to visit the city with an average temperature of 18°C. However, climate changes have developed unusually moderated cold weather for November, so bring your coat! 

General Information

• The official language of Chile is Spanish. Given its diversity, some communities speak their native languages.  
• The monetary unit in Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP). It has a daily variation related to the US dollar, Euro and other currencies and is regulated by the Central Bank of Chile.
• Most stores and other service providers will accept international credit cards.
• Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are available in public buildings and shops for cash withdrawal and other banking operations.
• The electrical voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles (220V 50HZ). Therefore, those devices designed for 110V must use a transformer. Travel devices and laptops usually come with an auto-voltage transformer (110V-240V) that adapts to Chilean electricity.
• Chile and Puerto Varas are safe destinations. However, as anywhere in the world, attention should be taken to your personal belongings. Avoid uninhabited places and do not make valuables visible. We suggest taking official transportation at the airport and bus terminals.

Latam Airlines 

https://www.latamairlines.com/cl/es

Sky Airlines

https://www.skyairline.com/

JetSmart

https://jetsmart.com/cl/es/

Servicio Nacional de Turismo

https://www.sernatur.cl/

Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez, SCL, Santiago de Chile, Chile

https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl/?language=en

Aeropuerto El Tepual, Puerto Montt, PMC, Chile

https://aeropuertodepuertomontt.cl/en/

Visit Chile https://www.visitchile.com/en/

Turismo Puerto Varas

https://turismo.ptovaras.cl/

Terminal de Buses de Puerto Montt

https://tuservicio.org/terminal-de-buses-de-puerto-montt-informacion-y-salidas/#google_vignette

Rate of Exchange

https://si3.bcentral.cl/Indicadoressiete/secure/Serie.aspx?