Frutillar's picturesque setting on the Lago Llanquihue makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to relax at the water's edge, stroll around the tranquil gardens, or enjoy the German-inspired architecture and Chilean hospitality. It's less than 25 miles from Puerto Montt and makes a perfect day-trip, whether by bus or by car.

Lago Llaniquihue is Chilean Patagonia's largest lake-Andean peaks drop sharply toward the water's edge due east of Frutillar, making the town's 15 blocks of immaculate beach the perfect place to take in majestic views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes.

Frutillar's greatest attribute is clearly its pristine lakeside setting, though its annual music festival is a major draw. The week-long Semana Musical de Frutillar takes place in late January or early February and features classical music to jazz and even ballet performances.

If you can't make the festival, don't despair. The Teatro del Lago has a year-round schedule that includes everything from popular films and documentaries to performances by local and international musical artists, an rotating art exhibits.

One of the town's treasures is the Centro Forestal Edmundo Winkler, donated in 1959 for the study of indigenous plants. The 33-hectare garden is managed by the Universidad de Chile and has an educational 800 meter loop trail that identifies the park's plants and trees. It's a beautiful place to rest in the shade during summer's hottest days.

Another of Frutillar's charms is its Museo Historico Colonial Aleman, dedicated to the area's German heritage. The museum is maintained by the Universidad Austral and features reconstructions of various household and agricultural artifacts from the 1800's. The displays, including a water-powered mill, a smithy and barn, and mansion set among beautiful gardens, are described mostly in Spanish and German, but most exhibits are self-explanatory.

If you're hungry for a mid-day meal, the waterfront restaurants offer plenty of meat and seafood options. Grilled entrees are the specialty in Frutillar. Or, for an afternoon rest, nestle into a cozy chair at a waterfront cafe for a coffee drink or a tasty pastry, enjoying the surreal mountainous backdrop across the lake's profoundly blue water.

 Northern Patagonia

  Towns and Cities:
  Puerto Montt
    Puerto Montt Dining

  Pucon
    Highlights
    Sports Activities
    Lodging
    Dining
    Shopping

  Puerto Varas
  Validivia
  Temuco

  Highlights:
  Chiloe
  Frutillar
  Alerce Andino Park
  Laguna San Rafael
  Lake Crossing