Day 13 - Puerto Varas

Chile has a unique geographical location. The country has a length of about 4,500 km and lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. A small strip as it were. But they have so much to offer. Thousands km of fjords where the best fish and shellfish are caught. The driest desert in the world in the north. In this region, it is incredibly green. It resembles our vegetation. They have more than 2000 volcanoes including about 500 which are considered to be active. And worse, the country is right on the fault line causing an earthquake every five minutes. Fortunately, you do not feel  most of them, but there are others. Chile has the sad record that three of the five largest earthquakes that ever took place in the world, were recorded in this country, including the largest ever in 1960 with 9.5 on the Richter scale.

Today we again fly to our next destination, this time to northerly Puerta Varas, known as the city of roses and located at the Llanquihue Lake. This city was founded by German speaking people at the time. And you can still see their German background everywhere in the city. Puerto Varas is the main town along the lake. The weather is beautiful for a walk. From the viewpoints you have a great view of the snow-capped summit of the volcano Puntiagudo, which has an altitude of 2190 m.

The other vulcano,  Osorno Volcano, has his top covered by clouds. In the city itself you can find the typical wooden houses. Picturesque to walk around. The large church dominates the village. Along the waterfront there are delicious fish restaurants. But also nice bistros and eateries.

It's party time today in the village. They celebrate Carnaval del Sur. For over a year, they worked on this production which is mainly portrayed by children in the park. On the square along the waterfront there are various stalls. Great to also pick up a little local tradition.