The size of the print identifying towns on this map is not an accurate indication of the size of the towns. Pto. Varas is smaller than Pto. Montt but much larger than Petrohue, Peulla and Ralun.

In order to get to Puerto Varas from the airport you drive east towards Puerto Montt but stay going north on #5 when you reach the left turn / traffic light on the outskirts of Pto. Montt. Continue north on #5 a few more km and watch for signs to Pto. Varas which is about 3 km to the right (east) of the highway.

The multicolored band along the south of Lago Llanquihue is a good paved road which leads into Parque Nacional V. Perez Rosales and the beautiful Lago Todos Santos. This is a popular route for tourists going on, via ferry and bus, to Bariloche in Argentina. The route around Lago Llanquihue on the north is long and rough in parts, but there are nice views, little rivers, old architecture.

Puerto Montt is worth a visit. The restaurants specialize in a hearty fish and potato stew called "curanto". There is also a colorful market for handicrafts and food.

The main road leading southwest from Pto. Montt goes to the Chiloe ferry dock. The black arrow on the bottom left points to the northern tip of Chiloe Island. A virtual time capsule, it was one of the first areas in Chile colonized by Europeans.

The black arrow on the lower right points down the mainland coast towards the area of the proposed Parque Pumalin and the town of Chaiten. They are reachable by road (including short ferry rides) during January / February. Otherwise they are accessible by air or by long ferry rides. Long distance ferries from Puerto Montt also go farther south into some very rugged, beautiful and cold areas - where I have never been.