What to Pack for Puerto Varas. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Summer & Shoulder Season Attire

Summer (Dec-Feb) days are pleasant, evenings cool. Rain is possible. Autumn (Mar-May) / Spring (Sep-Nov) are cooler with more rain.

Layering Essentials

Lightweight, moisture-wicking short or Long-sleeved shirts (synthetic/merino wool).
Light fleece or sweater for cool evenings.
Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain shell.

Winter Attire & Accessories

Winter (Jun-Aug) is the coldest and wettest season, with potential snow, especially at higher elevations.

Winter Layering

Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) for warmth.
Heavy fleece or substantial insulated jacket.
Heavy-duty Waterproof and windproof jacket with Waterproof pants.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking/Trekking

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are useful for muddy, uneven trails.

Sturdy grip is beneficial.

Town/Casual

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers work well for exploring the town.

Ideal for waterfront strolls.

Water Activities

Sandals or Water shoes for lake excursions or beach visits.

Practical for damp environments.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keeping documents organized and accessible is critical for a smooth trip. Prepare both physical and digital copies.

Original passport & visa documents (if applicable).
Travel insurance policy information.
International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license.
Vaccination records & health documentation.

Printed & digital copies of reservations (flights, accommodation, tours).
Emergency contact information (family, embassy, insurance).
Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.
Color photocopy or digital image of passport's main page.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Modern travel often includes various electronic devices. Power needs planning.

Electrical Details

Socket Types: L (three round pins) and C/F (two round pins).
Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50Hz.
Universal travel adapter (Type L compatibility) is recommended.

Mobile & Charging

An unlocked smartphone works. Local SIM cards are available from Entel, Movistar, Claro (passport needed).

Essential Tech

Affordable pre-paid data plans.
Portable chargers / Power banks for devices.
VPN services (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) for secure internet access.

Photography & Data

Camera Gear

Consider DSLR or Mirrorless cameras with Wide-angle/Telephoto lenses. An Action camera (GoPro) works for adventures. B&H Photo Video offers camera equipment.

Backup Solutions

Cloud storage (Google Photos, Dropbox) for automatic photo backups. A Portable SSD for physical backup.

Useful Apps

Google Maps/Maps.me (offline maps), Google Translate (offline Spanish), WhatsApp (local communication), Uber/Cabify (ride-sharing), weather apps.

Health & Wellness

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit for minor issues.

Kit Contents

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape.
Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen, Imodium, antacids, antihistamines.
Hydrocortisone cream, Moleskin/blister patches.

Prescriptions & Prevention

Bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's notes. Pack common over-the-counter remedies.

Essential Care

Cold/flu remedies.
Motion sickness medication (Dramamine) for boat trips.
Insect repellent (DEET/picaridin) and Sun protection (High SPF sunscreen, Sunglasses, Wide-brimmed hat).

Special Health Focus

Altitude Readiness

Altitude sickness is not a concern in Puerto Varas itself.
For high-altitude volcano climbing, consult a doctor about prevention.
Stay hydrated and acclimate gradually for mountain excursions.

Motion Sickness Solutions

Motion sickness remedies are useful for boat trips on the lakes.
Consider bringing specific medication like Dramamine.
Ginger-based solutions or acupressure bands may help.

Activity-Specific Gear

Hiking Essentials

For steep or muddy trails.

Trekking poles.
Small daypack (20-30L).
Reusable water bottle or Hydration reservoir.
Durable Hiking pants.

Water Sports Gear

For kayaking, rafting.

Quick-drying clothing.
Swimwear / Swimsuit.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
Rash guard.

Skiing & Fishing

For Osorno Volcano, fishing.

Goggles and warm Base layers for skiing.
Ski/snowboard equipment is rentable at Osorno Ski Center.
Fishing vest, fly box for fishing.
Fishing licenses and some gear are available locally.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Rent

Ski/snowboard equipment (at Osorno Ski Center).
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Rafting gear.
Bicycles from local shops.

Items to Bring

Good quality waterproof hiking boots (for comfort/fit).
Preferred waterproof jacket (for comfort/fit).
Personal first aid kit.
A Dry bag for electronics during water activities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your trip.

Essentials

Travel pillow, Eye mask, Earplugs for comfortable travel.
Money belt or Secure travel wallet.
Combination locks for luggage/hostel lockers.
RFID-blocking wallet for card protection.

Reusable & Region-Specific

Reduce waste and be prepared for local climate.

Practical Items

Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Reusable shopping bag for markets.
Travel cutlery set for street food/picnics.
Small, Compact umbrella due to frequent rain.

Items to Consider Locally

Outdoor Gear

High-quality outdoor gear can be more expensive in Chile, though good local brands exist.

Specialty Medications

Specific dietary supplements or certain prescription medications might be hard to find.

Specific Toiletries

If you use specific brands for sensitive skin or allergies, bring them.

Photo Equipment

For specialized camera equipment, purchasing or bringing from home is often better.

Activity Specific Considerations

For Hiking & Outdoors

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails.
Layers for changing weather, including a rain jacket.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).

For Water-Based Activities

Swimwear and quick-drying clothing.
A dry bag for electronics and valuables.
Water shoes or sandals.

Packing Pro Tip:

Pack clothes made of quick-drying synthetic materials or merino wool. These are light, deliver warmth, and dry fast, which is useful in a damp climate.

Consider rolling your clothes tightly to maximize space in your luggage.

What to Pack for Puerto Varas