Day 603 – South America – Chile [Puerto Varas to Frutillar]


15/12/21

32km

  From Puerto Varas (Chile) to Frutillar (Chile)

South America


Another short run on a sunny bright day, along Lake Llanquihue – stunning views on the majestic Osorno Volcano

Osorno Volcano on the Llanquihue Lake

How beautiful and pleasant today’s run was! The sun was out and the sky slowly got clearer and clearer. Midway through the run, as I reached the town of Llanquihue on the Lake of the same name, I stopped for a coffee. James had been cycling forth and back and joined in for a cup of tea. The lake is so beautiful, the water so clear, and with the Osorno volcano in the background it looks absolutely majestic.

Happy running with company in amazing scenery

I took dozens of pictures, at every turn, every uphill, there was always a new view, with the snow capped top appearing in different lights, different settings. It’s quite striking that all the towns we meet since Puerto Varas are all of German influence. The architecture and the presence is domineering. This influence dates back from Chilean independence in 1818. I wrongly thought the influence dated back from the post WWII exile of German officers…

Another kind of company

Frutillar, where we stay tonight, is another example of this, as it was founded by German settlers in 1856. The beauty of the place, and the lake itself, has often been compared to that of Lake Geneva in Switzerland (where I ran last winter – and I can confirm the similarities). The sun doesn’t set until 21:30 here and that gives plenty of time to enjoy the day for much longer than was the case in the US crossing. That also allows for later starts – the key is to have as long a day as possible to enjoy once the run is over.

Arrival to Frutillar by the Lake

We are staying 3 nights in Frutillar – tomorrow I run to Purranque and we’ll drive back to Frutillar to enjoy a rest day by the lake, and maybe a chance to wander around and get to see that Osorno volcano from up close. I hear it boasts a ski resort too.

Enjoy the video of today’s run: https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOd5Ndpw46



Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: