Puerto Varas, Chile 🇨🇱
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Varas is a picturesque city located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, known for its stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 38,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, with options for fiber optics in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CLP ≈ 0.0012 USD, and the Chilean Peso is the local currency. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of good quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and L plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Entel offer good coverage and plans include options for 4G data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options include Banco de Chile and Banco Santander. Services like Revolut are accepted for international transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com with options ranging from budget hostels to luxury lakeside hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops, restaurants, and services. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are common in Puerto Varas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Monte Verde offers dormitory and private room options starting around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space 'Café de la Plaza' offers a work-friendly environment with good coffee and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | 'Café El Barco' is known for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check Meetup.com for local events, or visit 'Café de la Plaza' for informal networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Puerto Varas' frequently organize meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Puerto Varas and is a reliable option for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer bicycles for as low as $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Puerto Varas is a popular local beach for relaxation and water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines offers flights to nearby regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Sky Airline provide international connections mainly through Santiago. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route 225 connecting to the Pan-American highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal connects Puerto Varas with regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single tickets for local buses cost around $1.5 USD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Long-distance bus services are available to cities like Puerto Montt and Frutillar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Puerto Varas, offering general health services and emergency care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Yoga Puerto Varas' offers classes at various levels and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym ProFitness has good facilities and offers monthly memberships starting around $30. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 'Lava Más' offers laundry services with reasonable pricing and quick turnaround. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | 'Rappi' is a popular food delivery service available in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Curanto', a traditional seafood and meat dish native to the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Café con Letras' has several vegan and vegetarian offerings on its menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Heladería Bomba' is popular for its homemade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | 'Mercado Municipal' provides local food products at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | 'Linio Chile' offers a wide range of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | 'Cornershop' provides grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Puerto Varas has several bars along the waterfront, with 'Café de la Plaza' being a local favorite. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Cerveza Borde Río' offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Bodega del Sur' features a great selection of Chilean wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | You can find local food carts offering 'Completo', a popular Chilean hot dog. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'La Grange' serves a variety of international dishes including Italian and Mexican. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | 'Museo Pablo Fierro' showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The German settlers' architecture offers a glimpse into Puerto Varas's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The 'Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón' is a historic church with stunning views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'Feria Costumbrista' is a popular local festival highlighting Chilean traditions held every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The lakeside promenade features galleries, shops, and cafés reflecting local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | 'Teatro del Lago' hosts various cultural performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The artisan market features local crafts and products every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, particularly folk and traditional Chilean genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals decorate various buildings, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Wonders of the Kitchen' offers classes focusing on traditional Chilean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Galería de Arte Puerto Varas' showcases both local and contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Exploration of the historical streets reveals well-preserved colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Puerto Varas is known for its strong influence from German settlers, reflected in the city's architecture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers stunning hiking trails and natural hot springs. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The park is a must-visit for nature lovers, featuring diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic lakefront path offers a beautiful route for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Lago Llanco offers breathtaking views of Lake Llanquihue. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Lake Los Lagos are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Lake Llanquihue allow for bonfires and picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Chilexpress offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'Puerto Varas Tech' provide various device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chileno offers Spanish classes suited for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Biblioteca Pública' is a quiet place with resources for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center 'Centro Cultural Estación' hosts various local events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafés often provide gaming options for visitors. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | 'Enjoy Puerto Varas' is the local casino offering gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Chilean residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% of the purchase price. |