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 Estimated reading time: 2 min. |
 Pablo Etchevers  (1, 5 y 6) Jorge González - (2-4) Mario Ptasik |
Puerto Varas has its own night. Founded in 1854 as a result of the German colonization fostered by colonizing agent Vicente Pérez Rosales, Puerto Varas is one of the few cities, along with Puerto Montt, which also has a night life.
Govinda, in the Candlelight
The German style architecture, in addition to an excellent gastronomy, are observed all night long at each of the sites attracting the visitor, whether they are coffee-shops, pubs or luxurious restaurants. In this case, the site we chose was Govinda, one of the so many restaurants which every night welcomes customers from all over the world.
David, its owner, gave the venue that name after having traveled to Cuzco (Peru) and seen a fascinating site that changed his way of seeing life forever. |
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Govinda is a character created by the German novelist Hermann Hesse. At Puerto Varas, Govinda is a very cosy place where wood, glass and wine glasses naturally create a very rare but harmonic sequence.
There, Krishan Prakash (which means “The guardian of the Lord of the light”) along with his partner Har Charn (which means “The princess lying at the foot of God”) teach customers to taste dishes resulting from years devoted to the practice of yoga, but especially to try to understand and experience life in a different way. The idea is to transmit these slogans to more and more followers. |
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A Pier Full of Lights
The Puerto Varas waterfront borders an important extension of Lake Llanquihue, joining beautiful Philippi Park up to Puerto Chico, on the road to Ensenada.
It represents the beginning of International Route 225 (Vicente Pérez Rosales), which connects this city with San Carlos de Bariloche.
At the same time, it permits access to tourist destinations such as Ensenada and the Petrohué and Peulla River falls, and it also provides access to districts such as Ralún, Cochamó and Puelo, and to other villages where anglers and craftsmen dwell. |
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At night, Puerto Varas changes completely and its waterfront is part of this beautiful mutation.
With lights of all colors reflecting diffusely on the surface of the lake and some wharves getting into the waters (one of them is the Tourist Information Office), walking about its waterfront is a pleasure visitors must not miss.
Each block has its own attractions, from the large and luxurious hotels overlooking the lake, to the most prestigious restaurants among which El Club de Yates, which simulates a ship-restaurant moored at the bay, stands out. |
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The Majestic Puerto Varas Casino
Situated at 21 Del Salvador Street, opposite the lake, the local casino is an important night recreation center where visitors may enjoy all kinds of games of chance, from the modern slot machines, to Baccarat, Blackjack and Craps to Bingo. The public is divided according to their beliefs in luck. Who are stars of the night? The roulette tables located on the second floor of this modern building.
In Chile, regulations on games of chance have established the operation of only one casino per region. In this case, the 10th, or Xth -as appearing on the maps- region casino has been settled in Puerto Varas, even though the capital of the province is Puerto Montt. |
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This casino was built inside a beautiful venue. In addition to playing and betting, it offers visitors the chance to have lunch or dinner at any time of the day. It is a place for encounters where guests can have a drink or else appreciate some of the artistic and plastic exhibitions permanently displayed there.
Puerto Varas's night has a varied offer of activities visitors can enjoy before going to bed. Restaurants, pubs, coffee-shops, walks and chance waiting at the casino turn this city into a place where things happen not only during the daytime. At night, everything can also be marvelous. |
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at night, other safety measures must be taken. If by car, whether your own or rented, it advisable to leave your valuables at the hotel safe. Carry only the amount of money you expect to spend. Paying much attention and moving about in groups reduces the possibility of mugging and robbery significantly. Although these places are a paradise in the daylight, at night, and specially when authorities do not assume their responsibilities, they are quite dangerous. |
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Govinda
Av. Santa Rosa 218 (5550000) Puerto Varas - X Región - Chile
Tel: +56 65 23-3080
Casino de Puerto Varas
Del Salvador 21 (5550000) Puerto Varas - X Región - Chile
Tel: +56 65 49-2000
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“The Puerto Varas casino is a very special place. This is not only about betting and playing but about having a good time. Maybe that is why, when the night comes, everybody knows about the existence of some show or presentation summoning a large non-betting audience who wish to have fun. For game fans, this venue is fantastic and it offers a spectacular view of the lake and the waterfront which delights the visitor. Of course, if the roulette stops at the number we have chosen, magic is all around. Red 36!!!”
Pablo Etchevers
Journalist |
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