Costanera de Puerto Varas

What makes it special

On a clear day Osorno volcano rises from the far shore, and the promenade holds Lake Llanquihue in view the whole way.

The pier beside the Plaza de Armas gives the widest open view of the lake. La Puntilla, a point with a mirador, gives the best view of Osorno and the best photographs of the town.

At the centre of that lookout stands Princess Licarayen, an openwork iron figure of a woman with her arms outstretched. The sculpture is said to show a Mapuche legend of how the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes were made. The town lists it as a heritage monument.

The Pablo Fierro Museum, also on the waterfront, is worth a stop for its odd building alone. Most of the town's sights line this shore, so the walk doubles as a tour of Puerto Varas.

Visiting

Best from the end of the town pier: walk out first for the open lake and the boats moored alongside. Locals come to fish off it.

La Puntilla is about 800 metres from the pier, so walk out to it for the lookout. Food trailers along the waterfront sell snacks.

South of the pier, the promenade runs past the Pablo Fierro Museum to Playa Puerto Chico. The museum asks only a voluntary donation, and the beach, a narrow strip of sand over a kilometre long, makes the natural end of the walk.

Tips

Cloud often hides Osorno and Calbuco, but the weather turns fast and a shift in the wind can clear the peaks. If they are hidden, wait it out at La Puntilla.

Come early in the morning for a quiet pier, or at sunset for colour on the water, and bring a camera.