Puerto Varas is located at a distance of 1,000 km from Santiago and only 20 km from the international airport of Puerto Montt. The existing airline offer, including low-cost airlines, puts this dream-like destination at arms reach. The area provides an extensive array of activities catering to all age groups and desired levels of adrenaline.

Outdoor activities

The most sought out activity in this area is trekking, which can vary in intensity and immerse you in panoramic scenes, from the base of volcanoes to dense rainforests. At Cala Melí we believe there is a trekking for each type of guest. Many are surprised by the satisfaction resulting from this simple activity, a sort of meditation in contact with nature. We always recommend wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, taking into account the weather and type of terrain

Another excellent option to explore is horseback riding on the beach or in the surroundings.

For those who love bird watching, Birds Chile offers tours with expert guides to unique locations, where if you’re lucky you can spot some of the 190 species found in the area.

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is the famous Patagonia Virgin Golf Club in Frutillar (less than an hour from our cabins), which was designed by Jack Nicklaus, also known as the The Golden Bear, considered by many the best golfer of all times.

During the fishing season, from September to March, you can try your luck fly fishing only a ten-minute walk down the beach to Río Pescado. We recommend the early morning or sunset and we can even guide you on what kind of fly to use, however an experienced fisherman knows there is no guaranteed recipe for success. You can also find some great guides offering tours to nearby rivers or lakes.

For those more daring guests, visit the Petrohué River for rafting through crystal clear waters, astounding lava canyons and pristine nature. Depending on the time of year, the rapids are between a level 3 or 4.

Renting one of our SUPs (stand up paddle) or kayaks is a fantastic way to discover the bay surrounding our boutique cabins.

With the arrival of winter the magnificent volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco begin to get covered with snow. The Osorno has short but fun ski slopes as well as an intense climb in randonnée to its summit. Alternatively, the volcano also offers a winding road through the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with majestic panoramic views of Llanquihue lake.

If flying high is your thing, we can organize a tailor-made helicopter tour with our good friend Boris Tocigl from Barraco Air, who gives us the opportunity to experience heliskiing adventures, helifishing or tours to places like the Reloncaví estuary, the glaciers on the summit of Calbuco or other hidden gems that will blow your mind

Gastronomy and Culture

The team at Cala Melí is made up of authentic food lovers. The food scene in Puerto Varas has recently flourished, offering a wide variety of restaurants, from authentic local cuisine to intricate gourmet meals.

One can expect to find the best meats in La Marca, exquisite grilled cuts from the best farms in the area. Oxalis restaurant is a great choice for a more refined palette, with an elaborate menu and an array of delicate cocktails. If you’re searching for Chile’s renowned seafood, you can’t miss Casa Valdés, a restaurant with lake views and a variety of fresh local fish and seafood. For a quick bite, we recommend the most authentic Sicilian pizza in Terramatta. For breakfast, brunch or delicious pastries, Café Mawen is the place or visit Pudú for delightful artisanal ice creams.

If one seeks to soak up the history and culture of the area, we recommend without hesitation the Antonio Felmer Museum in Nueva Braunau, with guided tours offered by the founder’s son. The museum displays hundreds of items, tools, photographs and historical elements, collected throughout time to preserve this local heritage. If you are looking for something more contemporary instead, the CAMM center (Molino Machmar Art Center) is one of our favorites. This is a space that encourages the exchange of different artistic and cultural expressions, where scenic arts, music, film, and literature converge. Finally, worthy of a visit is the Pablo Fierro Museum, created by the painter of this same name, which houses creative structures and an eccentric collection.

Extreme sport competitions

It is not surprising that Puerto Varas has positioned itself as a regional destination for sports and adventure, with a wide variety of competitions taking place throughout the year. The Giro del Lago, organized in November, is a cycling race covering 168 kilometers through unique landscapes around Llanquihue lake. The Vulcano Ultra Trail, held in December in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, is a cross-country race that carries a high degree of complexity, with its most challenging race consisting of 100 kilometers with a varying altitude of 4,500 metres. Put your running shoes on for Caja Los Andes Marathon in Frutillar, an event that can be enjoyed with the entire family. Topping the list of extreme events is Red Bull’s Pump Track World Championship, set in Kotaix Bike Park during February and attracting bikers from all over Chile.

Puerto Varas, a destination for all

We are convinced this is the ideal destination for families, romantic getaways, groups of friends, sports enthusiasts or even business trips. We encourage our guests to make Puerto Varas their stepping stone for other interesting destinations in the region, such as Pucón and Chiloé, or Villa la Angostura and Bariloche in Argentina, all reachable in less than a 4-hour drive.

At Cala Melí we have an enthusiastic team, who is always up-to-date and would gladly help you plan your next unforgettable holiday.