The self-drive route from Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas and the AWA Hotel

The stretch that connects El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt with Puerto Varas and the AWA Hotel is a sequence of landscapes that unfold like chapters of a well-written book: the port city with its vocation as a gateway to the south, the "City of Roses" with its German heritage and its guardian volcanoes, and a boutique hotel on the shores of Llanquihue that seems designed to make you forget time.

Puerto Montt: the gateway to the south

Puerto Montt is the starting point of the Carretera Austral and the gateway to Patagonia, and from the moment the plane flies over its bay, it becomes clear that southern Chile speaks a language of its own. European origins are evident in some of its buildings, especially its cathedral, and German immigrants founded this city during the colonization of southern Chile in 1853.

Anyone with a few hours to spare before hitting the road should definitely stop in Angelmó , the city's culinary heart. This fish market, located near the port, offers everything from mussels to edible seaweed, and the city is famous for its seafood, especially salmon. Curanto , a dish of steamed meats and seafood, and milcao , a mixture of boiled and grated potatoes with pork cracklings, are culinary experiences that shouldn't be missed.

In the historic center, you can visit the Puerto Montt Cathedral , a 19th-century neoclassical building, and the Juan Pablo II Historical Museum , where you can learn about the city's history. The waterfront invites you to wander aimlessly.

Puerto Varas: volcanoes, roses and German heritage

Just 20 kilometers north, along Route 5 South, the landscape changes dramatically. Puerto Varas —also known as "the City of Roses"—is known for its distinctive German architecture , exquisite cuisine, beautiful gardens, colorful Sacred Heart of Jesus Church , and its waterfront with magnificent views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes .

Located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue , Puerto Varas is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. Walking along its waterfront at sunset, with the volcanoes ablaze in orange on the horizon and the lake as still as a mirror, is one of those unforgettable experiences.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church , founded in 1853 by German and Swiss settlers, sits atop a hill and is one of the city's landmarks. Philippi Park offers walking trails and a lookout point overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the city skyline.

Very close to the lake are some of the region's most important natural attractions: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park , the spectacular Petrohué Falls , and the routes to the Osorno Volcano, where skiing is possible in winter and guided excursions are available year-round. Puerto Varas is also the ideal base for kayaking, rafting, trekking, and sport fishing.

The route: El Tepual Airport – Puerto Varas – AWA Hotel

The self-drive experience begins at El Tepual Airport , located about 16 km north of Puerto Montt. From there, drive south on Route 5 South —the Pan-American Highway—for approximately 10 minutes to the access road to Puerto Montt, and then continue north along the bay to Puerto Varas.

The entire journey between the airport and Puerto Varas takes around 30 to 40 minutes , with roads in excellent condition and clear signage.

From Puerto Varas, the route continues along Route V-69 towards Ensenada, following the eastern shore of Lake Llanquihue . It is one of the most photogenic stretches in southern Chile: the road winds along the edge of the lake, with the Osorno Volcano dominating the horizon and native forests closing off the landscape on the opposite side.

The AWA Hotel is located 27 km from the center of Puerto Varas and 40 km from El Tepual Airport, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, between Puerto Varas and Ensenada. The journey from Puerto Varas to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes, although few will be able to resist stopping to photograph the scenery along the way.

A getaway for two at Hotel AWA with self-drive (3 days / 2 nights)

Hotel AWA: boutique luxury facing the lake and volcano

The AWA Hotel was designed by its owners, who are architects, as a contemporary interpretation of the area's typical style, combining modern and sophisticated elements with the charm of local traditions and techniques. Each of its 16 rooms boasts uninterrupted views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano .

All rooms feature a king-size bed, a private bathroom with a whirlpool tub , a fireplace , and panoramic lake views. Suites also include a seating area and a balcony. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome drink, and each morning breakfast becomes a ritual overlooking the lake.

Depending on the season, the hotel offers a diverse selection of excursions: cultural immersion activities, visits to the area's most iconic landmarks, culinary experiences, hiking along volcanic trails , cycling, kayaking and rafting , or helicopter and seaplane adventures. All excursions are private and tailored to each guest's preferences.

The hotel's facilities include a spa , gym , indoor panoramic pool , sauna, hammam, hot tubs, and barbecue area. Furthermore, AWA's culinary offerings are based on locally sourced cuisine: ingredients from the garden and local suppliers are used to create dishes that reflect the surrounding landscape.

Few routes in Chile so elegantly combine city life, heritage, and nature within such a short distance. The self-drive route from Puerto Montt to Hotel AWA is, ultimately, an invitation to drive slowly, take in the scenery, and arrive at a destination that, once reached, is hard to leave behind.

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