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Puerto Octay, A Charming Reflection of Southern Chile's German Heritage

Puerto Octay will surprise you with its architectural treasures and lakeside trails surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls and volcanoes.

Picturesque Puerto Octay is one of the best-kept secrets in the region and one of the most charming towns in the Lake Llanquihue District. Situated on the north shore of the lake, it was once a major lakeside port. Today, time seems to stand still in this peaceful town full of German colonial style buildings, many of which operate as inns. They are the legacy of the immigrants who founded the town in the early 19th century.

The town's first general store, Cristino Ochs, also dates from that time. In fact, local legend has it that the name Puerto Octay originated in the phrase "Donde Ochs Hay" (You can find it at Och's), referring to the shop's well-stocked shelves. The name was officially changed from Puerto Muñoz Gamero to Puerto Octay in 1859.

San Agustín Parish Church, the historic Casa Wulf Number 2 and Hotel Hasse are must-sees. So is the Casa Niklittschek, which is home to the Museo El Colono de Octay, where you can learn about local history. These well-preserved period buildings are the reason why Puerto Octay was declared a "historic area" of Chile.

When the sun sets, it's time for a stroll to the main square, where you can visit the chocolate shops and cheese stores and enjoy "German tea-time."

Featured Destinations of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt

Frutillar		Puerto Montt
Puerto Octay		Puerto Varas

Touristic Services

Tours you can do

Getting There By Air Flights depart Santiago daily to El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt (2 h). From the airport, take a shuttle or taxi to the city for bus connections to Puerto Varas and Puerto Octay. By Bus Buses depart daily from Santiago to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, where you can get a connecting bus to Puerto Octay. The trip takes 13 hours, so it is best to travel at night and arrive early in the morning. Puerto Octay is 48 km from Puerto Varas on the north shore of Lake Llanquihue. Buses depart from: • Terminal Alameda: Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 3570, Universidad de Santiago Metro Station. Phone: (56-2) 7762424 • Terminal Santiago (formerly Terminal Sur): Alameda & Nicasio Retamales, 150 meters west of Terminal Alameda. Phone: (56-2) 3761750 By Car From Santiago, take Route 5 south to Puerto Varas (1008 km) and then to Puerto Octay (48 km).