January 21, 2025
PUERTO MONTT, CHILE
This port was all about volcanos and waterfalls. To maximize seeing the sights we ended up doing a Port offered excursion for $50/pp for about 6 hours, in a private van. There was 5 of us from VVR ( Bob & Sarah, Anna, Sherrie & Me) and 5 others from the MSC ship, that was also in Port, plus our driver and guide. We ran into many other Villa Vie Residents, like Wade and Starr above, who were doing similar routes along the way. Our first stop was Petrohue Falls, which are feed from the hills of the near by Osorno Volcano. The chute type falls are more like rapids, with only a few vertical drops visible. The crystal clear, green hued water surges through the rocks at the base of the viewing area.
Next we headed back along the same road and stopped along Lake Llanquihue, where we had clear views of both Volcan Osorno, the 2nd most perfect shaped conical volcano after Mt Fuji, and the further south Volcan Calbuco. Below is Bob and all the Ladies!
We also got to explore a little bit in the town of Puerto Varas, the city of roses. Rose bushes are everywhere in full bloom as it's summer here. This town has a very cool chalet vibe - lots of wood clad houses and businesses all no higher than 2-3 stories. There was a large German settlement here after WWII. When they came, they found the climate very similar to southern Germany and stayed. So wanted to find some German food for lunch, but we didn't have time.
Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and a really sweet young lady. Asked her about some of her and Chilean Favorites and here's the recommendations:
- Favorite candy bar - Nestle Super 8 - tried one in next port - not a fan - chocolate wafer w peanut dusting.
- Special Cocktail - a Terremoto or Earthquake - made w/coconut ice cream, grenadine & Pipeno(sweet white wine) - still looking for
- Notable Singing artist - Los Iracundos - driver played some of their songs in van for us
We had a little bit of time when we got back to cruise port, so they told us about this local statue that is so ugly but has become a landmark because so disputed and known - "The lovers" and it sits on beach promenade.
