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Puerto Varas

Región de Los Lagos51.316 inhabitantsPoblación proyectada INE 20244.037 km² of area13 inh./km²$23.444M ingreso municipalSINIM · ingreso total percibido · 2025
Profile today2050
The comuna in context · among 346 comunas
Oversight
191
4th most serious Comptroller findings
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Environment
31 µg/m³
8th worst air quality (PM2.5)
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Environment
62 species in conservation status
11th most documented threatened species
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Education
635 pts
15th best PAES reading comprehension
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Population
+21,2%
Population would grow between now and 2050
Society
14%
Multidimensional poverty · 276th highest of 346
Finance
$457 thousand
per inhabitant per year · rank 208 of 346
Environment
31,1 µg/m³
Air above the standard: PM2.5
Education
634,7 pts
above the national median in the PAES (576,9 pts)
Finance
324th
most dependent on the Common Fund of 340
Summary

What the comuna hasSource: OpenStreetMap

67 Squares and green areas
42 Schools
22 Kindergartens
17 Health centers
13 Pharmacies
7 Fire stations
7 Carabineros
3 Rodeo arenas (medialunas)
1 Libraries
1 Hospitals

Liveability index · EIU style

57.4 /100
Ver el ranking y simular
#70 of 346 · most liveable in the country (EIU weighting)
Safety54
Health84
Culture and environment54
Education53
Infrastructure42
AuthoritiesWho leads the comuna, its council, sessions and lobbying requests

Mayor · 2024-2028Source: DecideChile · SERVEL

Tomás Gárate S.Re-elected
INDEPENDIENTE
19.335
votes (52.57%)
48.126
Electoral roll
83,05%
Turnout
Mayoral history · 7 terms
TG
Tomás Gárate S.
2024-2028 · INDEPENDIENTE
19.335
votes
TA
Tomas Andres Garate Silva
2021-2024 · IND
5.677
votes
RB
Ramón Bahamonde Cea
2008-2012 · UDI
10.047
votes
RB
Ramón Bahamonde Cea
2004-2008 · UDI
6.404
votes
RB
Ramon Bahamonde Cea
2000-2004 · ILC
3.421
votes
EC
Eduardo Ceron Valenzuela
1996-2000 · DC
3.661
votes
EC
Eduardo Ceron Valenzuela
1992-1996 · DC
5.240
votes

SERVEL · TRICEL (1992-2008) · DecideChile (2024) · Wikidata (pre-1992)

Concejo MunicipalSource: DecideChile · SERVEL

TR
Tamara Rammsy S.
CHILE MUCHO MEJOR · INDEPENDIENTE
3.565
votes
NY
Nicolas Yunge J.
REPUBLICANOS E INDEPENDIENTES · INDEPENDIENTE
2.089
votes
JG
Juan Godoy G.
CHILE VAMOS UDI-EVOPOLI E INDEPENDIENTES · INDEPENDIENTE
1.976
votes
RS
Rodrigo Schnettler W.
CHILE MUCHO MEJOR · PARTIDO DEMOCRATA CRISTIANO
1.939
votes
AH
Antonio Horn C.
CHILE VAMOS RENOVACIÓN NACIONAL - INDEPENDIENTES · RENOVACION NACIONAL
1.354
votes
BB
Blanca Bongain A.
REPUBLICANOS E INDEPENDIENTES · PARTIDO REPUBLICANO DE CHILE
1.306
votes

Sesiones

Última sesión17 de junio de 2026166 minWatch session

En una línea: El concejo aprobó la creación de una Corporación Municipal de Promoción Turística público-privada y adjudicó la licitación del programa de natación municipal 2026 por 140 millones de pesos, con dos votos de rechazo en este último punto.

Temas tratados

  • Corporación Municipal de Promoción Turística: Propuesta de entidad sin fines de lucro con directorio mixto (mayoría privada) para liderar la promoción del destino Puerto Varas.
  • Licitación escuela de natación 2026: Adjudicación a Dimuv Sonazur SPA por hasta 140 millones de pesos, ampliando cobertura a ~1.000 niños y 175 adultos mayores.
  • Cuenta del alcalde: Festival de la Lluvia (~30.000 asistentes), entrega de 10.000 contenedores de reciclaje, reactivación del pozo profundo de Los Coihues, sumario sanitario a alojamientos ilegales que descargaban aguas servidas a quebradas.
  • Puntos varios: Solicitudes sobre veredas en mal estado, pavimentación pendiente en calle Balcaceda (sector con acceso de ambulancias comprometido), incivilidades en paradero frente al mall y gruta aledaña, y fallas en el servicio de recolección de basura.

Acuerdos y votaciones

  • Corporación de Promoción Turística: Aprobada por unanimidad (6 votos a favor).
  • Licitación natación 2026 – Dimuv Sonazur SPA: Aprobada con 4 votos a favor y 2 votos de rechazo (consejales Tamara Ramsey y, según contexto, otro consejal; la transcripción no es del todo clara en la identidad del segundo voto de rechazo).
  • Acta sesión N°56: Aprobada con 6 votos a favor.

Plata y obras

  • Corporación Turística: Financiamiento 50% municipal / 50% privado para gastos administrativos; monto de transferencia anual a definir en presupuesto 2027. La meta de largo plazo es destinar el 1% de ingresos municipales a promoción turística.
  • Natación 2026: Licitación con tope de 145 millones; oferta adjudicada: 140 millones (IVA incluido). El año 2025 se gastaron 83 millones en seis meses sobre un contrato de 93 millones.
  • Bomberos (acuerdo sesión anterior): Aporte de 600 millones de pesos distribuidos en 2028-2029 para cinco carros bomba.
  • Riesgo presupuestario 2027: El alcalde advirtió una posible caída de ~600 millones en impuesto territorial por exención de contribuciones.

Puntos de debate o controversia

  • Natación: Los consejales Ramsey y otro (no queda claro en la transcripción quién fue el segundo voto) rechazaron el aumento presupuestario, argumentando que el piloto 2025 tuvo ejecución de solo el 83% y que había necesidades vecinales más urgentes pendientes. El alcalde respondió que el presupuesto municipal 2026 está saludable y que el costo creció por incorporación de adultos mayores y profesionales que antes absorbía el equipo municipal.
  • Derechos de aseo en sectores rurales: El consejal Monsalves cuestionó el cobro en predios donde no llega el camión; el alcalde citó el DL 3063 como marco legal obligatorio y comprometió un pronunciamiento formal.
  • Servicio de recolección de basura: El alcalde reconoció fallas operativas graves del proveedor (aproximadamente la mitad de la flota con problemas técnicos) y anunció fiscalización y multas.

Para seguir

  • Comisión de infraestructura: presentación de agenda completa de pavimentación participativa y veredas.
  • Pronunciamiento oficial sobre cobro de derechos de aseo en sectores rurales sin servicio.
  • Gestión ante SERVU para destrabar financiamiento del último tramo de calle Balcaceda.
  • Instalación de punto de fiscalización remota (cámara) en paradero frente al mall.
  • Ordenanza municipal de incivilidades: en preparación, se presentará en Comisión de Seguridad.
  • Geolocalización de camiones de basura en aplicación ciudadana: comprometido para después de resolver la contingencia operativa actual.

Summary generated by AI (claude-sonnet-4-6) from the official broadcast transcript · may contain inaccuracies

Official council minutesSource: CPLT · Active Transparency inventory (Law 20.285)

Este municipio tiene carpetas de actas del concejo en su Transparencia Activa, pero SIN documentos publicados (incumplimiento de la Ley 20.285).

Comptroller auditsSource: CGR · Municipal Observatory

Findingstotal
572
Highly complex
191
Audit reports
21
YearFindingsAltam.Compl.Median.Reports
2021413292
201940132242
20171024824303
2016269101101616
20151202954338

CGR severity classification · audit findings on the municipality and its corporations

Who requests meetings with the municipalitySource: InfoLobby · CPLT (Law 20,730)

  • IG
    Inmobiliaria Gpr Puerto Varas Limitada
    Lobby / interest management · 11 audiencias · 2015–2022
  • IA
    Inmobiliaria Altas Cumbres S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 8 audiencias · 2021–2024
  • SC
    Sociedad Concesionaria Región Sur S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 8 audiencias · 2022–2026
  • IL
    Inmobiliaria los Capitanes SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 7 audiencias · 2018–2024
  • IT
    Inmobiliaria Terrazas del Mirador Gpr Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 6 audiencias · 2022–2024
  • MS
    Metrogas S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 5 audiencias · 2017–2021
  • RS
    Remap SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 5 audiencias · 2022–2025
  • CC
    Cámara Chilena de la Construcción A.g.
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2015–2022
  • Cd
    Corporacion de Turismo y Cultura de Puerto Varas
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2024–2025
  • CA
    Club Atlético Puerto Varas
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2021–2026
  • Sd
    Sociedad de Servicios Turísticos e Inmobiliaria del Lago Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2024
  • Ed
    Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios de los Lagos S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2018–2026
  • SS
    Servicios Sanitarios Rural Colonia la Poza
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2018–2019
  • I
    Idanmapu
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2022
  • IT
    Inmobiliaria Travesia Austral S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2022–2025
  • SS
    Saesa S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2019–2022
  • Cd
    Consejo del Salmon
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2024–2025
  • IS
    Innuvo SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2023
  • LH
    Los Hualves SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2022
  • ES
    Ensepharma SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2025
and 283 more organizations that requested meetings

Organisations that registered Lobby Law meetings with this municipality. Registering the meeting is mandatory for the official, so the list shows who asked to be heard, not whether they got anything.

PopulationWho lives here, how they study, their healthcare and more

Population and living conditionsSource: INE · CENSO · MINEDUC · ADIS

Population trend

33.749
inhabitants
51.951
inhabitants
20022025

How it has changedSource: Official INE series 2002–2026 (2017 base).

See the full trajectory to 2050
Since 2002
+56%
inhabitants
Estimated population 2050
63.697
+11% vs. 2035 (57.521)
Over 60 · 2050
35,33%
24,64% in 2035 · +11 pts of ageing

INE projects comuna population only through 2035; the 2050 values are an own estimate by the monitor, anchored to the official INE 2050 national total (21,626,079 inhab, 32.1% aged 60+). Not an official comuna figure.

IndicatorValueSource
Homes with public water supply (2017 Census)75,53 %CENSO 2017 2017
School disengagement (leaves the system)2,2 %MINEDUC 2023
School enrollment615 studentsMINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
Municipal enrollment30 %MINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
PAES reading comprehension (DEMRE)634,7 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
PAES mathematics M1 (DEMRE)673,6 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
poblacion_censo52.942 inh.2024 Census 2024
Income poverty (CASEN 2022)2,1 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Pobreza multidimensional (CASEN 2022)14 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Indigenous peoples15,82 %2024 Census 2024

The PAES year is that of the admission process: the test is sat in November of the previous year. The average covers only those who registered to apply to university —not every secondary-school graduate— and groups them by the comuna of the school they graduated from, not by where the student lives. Here it rests on 809 students registered for the PAES.

Registro Social de Hogares

People in the RSH
44.997
24.295 households
Households in the most vulnerable 40%
11.788
49% of RSH households
Female-headed households
52%
12.658
Elderly (60+)9.08820%
Children and adolescents (<18)9.61521%
Foreign nationals1.6624%
Belonging to indigenous peoples6.76515%
People with moderate/severe dependency5061%
Single-person households12.56052%

A monthly administrative snapshot of the Social Household Registry (self-registration to access benefits), as of abril 2026. The "bracket 40" is the socioeconomic rating of the most vulnerable 40%. It is a registry, not a survey: it complements CASEN (biennial) with fresh data, but well-off comunas under-register. Source: ADIS, Ministry of Social Development and Family.

School educationSource: MINEDUC Open Data 2025

School enrollment
11.715
40 schools
Students per teacher
12,5
937 teachers
national median: 10,15
Average attendance
88,5%
national median: 89,8%
Priority studentsSEP
39,2%
socioeconomic vulnerability
national median: 66,8%
Where they study · by provider
Public (municipal + SLEP) 31%Private subsidized 34%Private paid 35%
Pass rate
98,3%
national median: 98,2%
Dropoutschool withdrawal
1,51%
dropout during the year
national median: 1,77%

Aggregate of all the comuna's schools (RBD → comuna). Pass/withdrawal and attendance are from the 2025 school year. SIMCE is not published as open data (managed by the Quality Agency, by request only); the available quality proxy is passing, dropout and attendance. The PAES result appears in the social section.

Municipal healthcare (primary care)Source: SINIM · MINSAL / FONASA

CESFAM
1
Clinics
0
Rural health posts
6
FONASA enrollees
47.601
93% of the population
Doctors employed
45
Health staff by contract type
Permanent staff: 172Contract staff: 126Fee contracts: 119
Primary-care medical visits · per year
25.352
117.175
20102025
Medical specialties served · 3 in the comuna (public system)
PediatricsAdult GynecologyPediatric Neurology

Specialties with services recorded at the comuna's public facilities (REM DEIS, 2024). These are services performed, not doctor headcount. Excludes the private network.

Comprehensive home visits · per year
1.676
2.659
20192025

REM-26 section A (DEIS/MINSAL): comprehensive family visits, summed across the comuna's facilities. The last year is partial while DEIS consolidates monthly reports.

Comuna's primary-care centers · FONASA 2025 enrollees (47.798 in total)
CenterTypeProvider typeEnrollees% brackets A-B
Centro de Salud Familia Nº 1 Puerto VarasFamily Health Center (CESFAM)Municipal44.37453%
Posta de Salud Rural Nueva BraunauRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal2.01055%
Posta de Salud Rural EnsenadaRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal72155%
Posta de Salud Rural Colonia Río SurRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal38359%
Posta de Salud Rural RalúnRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal20167%
Posta de Salud Rural PeullaRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal6545%
Posta de Salud Rural PetrohuéRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal4441%

FONASA brackets A-B ≈ lowest incomes (A: without resources). Source: FONASA, as of Dec 31, 2025, DEIS code.

Costs · 2025
Health spending accrued: $13.677.201.000 ($287.330/enrollee)MINSAL per capita: $7.733.197.000Municipal contribution: $810.500.000

Indigenous peoplesSource: 2024 Census (INE) · CONADI via IDE SMA

Indigenous population
8.374
15.8% of the census population (Census 2024)
Indigenous communities
3
RNAI CONADI registry · Mar 2024
PeoplePeople% of total
Mapuche8.15297.3%
Aymara640.8%

2024 Census: people who consider themselves as belonging to an indigenous people (small counts are suppressed for confidentiality at the source and not shown). Communities: CONADI national registry as of March 2024 — Araucanía and Los Lagos not refreshed in that update, the count is a floor. Land grants: 2022 registry.

Community organizationSource: RPJSFL Civil Registry (Law 20.500/19.418) · as of Jun 2026

Active neighborhood councils
12
Councils per 1,000 inhabitants
0.2
density of territorial organization
Non-profit organizations
164
the entire active civil fabric
Social and aid
46
Committees (water, housing, progress)
20
Sports
15
Foundations and corporations
15
Cultural
10
Religious
2
Fire brigades
1

All the comuna's active non-profit legal entities (Law 20.500 / 19.418), classified by organization name. It portrays the civil fabric: not just neighborhood councils, also committees, sports clubs, cultural and elderly groups, foundations and fire brigades.

10 Local media · 1 AM · 4 Comunitaria · 5 FMSource: SUBTEL · broadcasting licences · Regional Media Survey (MSGG)

Local mediaTypedial
GGRATISSIMAFM97.7 FM
LLLA LLAVEFM95.9 FM
TTEPUALFM97.3 FM
AdAgrupacion de Profesionales Apoyemos Nuestra Ciudad · holderComunitaria107.1 FM
APAgrupacion Prosalud Puerto Varas · holderComunitaria107.5 FM
CCCentro Cultural y Recreacion los Rubies · holderComunitaria107.9 FM
CSComunicaciones San Gabriel SpA · holderAM1450 AM
FpFundacion para la Innovacion Radial · holderComunitaria107.3 FM
IIInversiones Inmobiliarias Altasur Ltda. · holderFM95.3 FM
RMRadioemisora Marco Beltrami E.I.R.L. · holderFM93.5 FM

The dial (frequency) of every FM, AM and community radio with a studio in the comuna (SUBTEL, active sound broadcasting concessions). National networks appear in their headquarters' comuna, not necessarily where they broadcast. When SUBTEL records no brand name, its holder (the concession holder).

Foreign-born populationSource: 2024 Census · INE

Foreign nationals
2.872
5,4% of the census population (Census 2024)
Main origin
Venezuela
1.500 people · 52% of the foreigners
Main countries of origin
1.500 Venezuela
345 Argentina
220 Colombia
117 Perú

International immigrants per the 2024 Census (people born outside Chile living in the comuna). Nationwide they are 1,608,650 people, 8.8% of the population.

Housing and housing deficitSource: MINVU (Encampment Registry + 2024 Census deficit + subsidies) · INE

Families in informal settlements
54
1 encampment (2024 Registry)
Housing deficit
991
5,2% of the comuna's households
Housing permits · 2024
463
50.825 m² · new construction
Subsidies Integrated System · DS01
490
paid · 2011–2026
Subsidies Solidarity Fund · DS49
1.058
beneficiaries · 2012–2025
Subsidies Rental · DS52
48
paid · 2014–2024

Encampments: MINVU National Registry 2024 (irregular settlements and the families living in them). Quantitative deficit: homes missing per the 2024 Census (doubling-up + unrecoverable overcrowding). Permits: new homes authorized by the Works Directorate in 2024 (INE) — measures future construction, not stock. Subsidies: MINVU by application comuna — DS49 accrues beneficiaries by resolution year; DS01 and DS52 accrue payments by application cohort (national totals in the source file differ ~1–6% from the comuna sum; the comuna series is published).

What the homes are like

36.320homes · by type (2017)
House
17.374 · 92.5%
House
16.379 · 93.4%
Apartment
1.249 · 6.7%
Apartment
896 · 5.1%
Other private
114 · 0.6%
Other private
112 · 0.6%
Shack/hut/shanty
99 · 0.6%
Room in old house/tenement
41 · 0.2%
Room in old house/tenement
24 · 0.1%
Shack/improvised dwelling
14 · 0.1%
Mobile
9 · 0.1%
Indigenous dwelling
3 · 0%
Traditional/indigenous dwelling
3 · 0%
Mobile
3 · 0%
69%owner-occupied · tenure (2002)
Owned outright
4.540 · 54.5%
Rented
1.318 · 15.8%
Owned, being paid off
1.209 · 14.5%
Provided for work
966 · 11.6%
Free of charge
294 · 3.5%

Housing type: 2017 Census · tenure: 2002 Census (INE).

Elderly careSource: Chile Cuida · National Assets / SENAMA

Long-stay residencesELEAM
1
Beds
26
2,7 per 1,000 over-60s

Long-stay facilities for the elderly registered in Chile Cuida. Comunas without ELEAM send their elders to other comunas. With projected ageing (see Demographic projection), this capacity defines whether one can age in one's own comuna.

ResourcesBudget, spending, municipal procurement and more

Benefits under special regimesSource: Laws/SII/BCN/MTT/Treasury · deep-research verified

Fiscal or economic treatments that apply only to this comuna or its zone, not the rest of Chile. The chip color shows who it reaches: municipality, community, residents, companies or workers.

Others
Asignación de zona 20% (DL 249)workerspreliminary data
DL 249/1974 art. 7 · DL 3.551/1980 art. 25 · Ley 19.354

Sobresueldo mensual a funcionarios públicos según aislamiento/costo de vida: 20% del sueldo base (art. 7 DL 249). A los funcionarios municipales llega vía art. 25 del DL 3.551/1980 y el monto se aumenta en 40% (Ley 19.354) — salud primaria municipal (Ley 19.378) la percibe sin ese aumento; asistentes de la educación y personal de corporaciones no la perciben (Código del Trabajo). El %/territorio usa la división de 1974: dentro de una comuna pueden regir % mayores en localidades específicas (retenes, islas, cordillera) no reflejados acá; la CGR resuelve caso a caso. Comunas sin asignación no aparecen.

20% del sueldo base (municipal: ×1,4 por Ley 19.354)· vigente (art. 7 versión 22-dic-2021, verificado 2026-07-02)Source

Budget and revenue sourcesSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Total revenue · 2025
$23.443.790.000
Own revenue
$15.095.419.000
64% of the total
Municipal Common Fund
$3.244.835.000
14% of the total
State transfers
$1.417.218.000
6% of the total
Ingreso total y desglose de ingresos propios

Total revenue · trend (2001–2025)

$2.718.878.000
$23.443.790.000
20012025

Own revenue breakdown (IPP) · 2025

42.5%
20.6%
7.8%
24.9%
Property tax$6.413.104.000
Business licenses$3.114.931.000
Vehicle permits$1.179.533.000
Cleaning fees$634.666.000
Other own revenue$3.753.185.000
Special-law revenues · 2025
Aquaculture licenses (Law 20.033): $16.241.000

Distributed by law to specific comunas; they arrive via transfers.

Revenue by sector · 2025
50.1%
21.4%
28.5%
Municipal$23.443.790.000
Education$10.019.450.000
Health$13.347.916.000
Municipal Common Fund balance · 2025
Net recipient: it receives $1.256.883.000 more than it contributes.
Evolución por fuente de ingreso

Permanent own revenue (IPP) · trend

$1.014.429.000
$15.095.419.000
20012025

FCM received · trend

$355.593.000
$3.244.835.000
20012025

State transfers · trend

$461.018.000
$1.417.218.000
20012025

Municipal spending and budget executionSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Current budget · 2025
$34.964.407.000
Accrued spending · 2025
$24.976.980.000
Execution rate
71.4%
Unexecuted: $9.987.427.000
Low execution: it only executed 71.4% of the budget — $9.987.427.000 unspent.

Accrued spending · trend

$1.902.754.000
$24.976.980.000
20012025

Distribution by management area · 2025

54.0%
29.2%
9.0%
Internal management$13.482.012.000
Community services$7.285.188.000
Social programs$2.246.289.000
Municipal activities$506.297.000
Recreational programs$1.056.020.000
Cultural programs$401.174.000

What the budget is spent on · 2025

Spending lineAmount% of spending
Municipal healthcare (primary care) · comuna health-sector spending$13.677.201.00054.8%
Goods and services (operations) · supplies, contracts, maintenance$8.850.645.00035.4%
Municipal personnel · municipal wages and fees$6.377.455.00025.5%
Cleaning, garbage and landfills · waste collection and disposal$2.254.552.0009.0%
Electricity (facilities)$1.088.094.0004.4%
Transfers to health$942.000.0003.8%
Investment (works and projects)$619.065.0002.5%
Water (facilities)$179.907.0000.7%
Councillor stipends$81.788.0000.3%
Travel allowances$29.048.0000.1%
Commissions and representation$636.0000.0%

Share of total accrued spending. Lines overlap (personnel sits inside several areas), so they don't add to 100%. Source: SINIM.

Personal y dotación municipal

Spending composition · 2025

25.5%
35.4%
39.0%
Personnel (Subt. 21)$6.377.455.000
Goods and services (Subt. 22)$8.850.645.000
Others$9.748.880.000

Personnel by contract type · 2025

31.5%
26.6%
13.6%
26.3%
Permanent staff$2.802.038.000
Contract staff$2.363.176.000
Fee contracts$1.212.241.000
Labor Code$180.667.000
Community progs.$2.341.195.000

Municipal headcount · 2023

35.6%
41.8%
22.5%
Permanent staff109
Contract staff128
Fee contracts69
Total: 306 staffFee contracts: 22.5% of the headcountWomen: 46.4%Professionalization: 40.1%
Cost/staffer permanent: $23.220.064/yearCost/staffer contract: $15.614.648/yearCost/staffer fees: $12.816.290/year

Municipal staff by contract status (SINIM, 2023). Cost per staffer = annual spending of the type ÷ same-year headcount.

Inversión, servicios básicos y obras

Investment and authorities' expenses · 2025

Municipal investment: $619.065.000 (2.5% of spending)Councillor stipends: $81.788.000Travel allowances: $29.048.000Commissions and representation: $636.000

Basic and general services · 2025

Garbage and landfills: $2.254.552.000Electricity: $1.088.094.000Water: $179.907.000

Final works approvals (DOM) · per year

67
249
20012025

Building permits issued · per year

227
329
20122025

What it buys · Mercado PúblicoSource: ChileCompra · open data

Open profile in Monitor Mercado Público
Historic amount
$126.750.759.389
Purchase orders
64.910

Purchase-order amount · trend

$2.705.720.325
$6.692.536.686
20072026
Top suppliersAmountPOs
Servimar$10.948.454.839211
Patricio Augusto Cerda Elgueta$5.851.861.4802
Interaseo Sas Esp Agencia en Chile$3.119.371.60628
Constructora Ascon Ltda.$2.630.840.5331
Alejandro Enrique$2.567.553.9881
Alto Jardín Ltda.$2.565.202.764141
Diseños, Servicios y Construcciones Hidrosym Ltda.$2.162.441.17651
Soloverde S.A.$2.057.653.41431

Purchase mechanism · 2026

Tender $4.414.863.28366%
Agile Purchase $1.004.050.71515%
Direct award discretionary$690.124.38710%
Framework Agreement $583.498.2999%

Companies and economic activitySource: SII · company statistics and roster (domicile/HQ)

Registered companies
7.873
domiciled in the comuna
Dependent workers
38.170

Pyramid by sales bracket

56.9%
17.9%
21.6%
Micro (≤2,400 UF)4.476 companies
Small (≤25k UF)1.411 companies
Medium (≤100k UF)207 companies
Large (>100k UF)79 companies
No sales/no info1.700 companies

Largest companies domiciled in the comuna

CompanyLine of businessSales bracketWorkers
Australis Mar S.A.AGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCALarge 4 (>1M UF)936
Congelados y Conservas Fitz Roy S aINDUSTRIA MANUFACTURERALarge 4 (>1M UF)727
Aquagen Chile S aAGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCALarge 4 (>1M UF)237
Dsm Nutritional Products Chile S aCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACLarge 4 (>1M UF)41
Currency Bird SpAACTIVIDADES FINANCIERAS Y DE SEGUROSLarge 4 (>1M UF)21
Sociedad Comercial Pure Nature SpACOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACLarge 4 (>1M UF)12
Comercial Austral S aCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACLarge 4 (>1M UF)9
Servicios Suroeste SpAACTIVIDADES DE SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS Y DELarge 38.097
Clinica de Puerto Varas SpAACTIVIDADES DE ATENCION DE LA SALUD HUMANA Y Large 3456
Constructora Baquedano Sur LimitadaCONSTRUCCIONLarge 3352

SII roster of legal entities (public). Due to tax secrecy sales come in brackets, never amounts. The comuna is that of the domicile/HQ: operations may be elsewhere.

Investment in SEIA projects

Under review
4
US$ 397 M declared
Approved last 5 years
11
US$ 219 M declared
Construction jobsunder review
964
+ 74 in operations
Construction jobsapproved 5 yrs
874
peak labor
ProjectOwnerStatusInvestment (US$M)Constr. jobs
Parque Eólico Alto Los MuermosEIAAlto los MuermosUnder Review1.000645
Parque Eólico Los Lagos del SurEIAEólica los Lagos SpAApproved312325
Sistema de Transmisión S/E Tineo - S/E Nueva AncudEIATransmisora del Pacífico S.A.Approved107573
ECO-PISCICULTURA CUYAMCODIAProductos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A.Approved6865
PROYECTO URBANO HABITACIONAL NUEVA BRAUNAU, PUERTO VARAS, VIVIENDAS DEDIAArarat SpAUnder Review42,21513
Edificio Vicente Pérez RosalesDIAInmobiliaria Australis Ptv SpAApproved33320
Parque Fotovoltaico El Tepual NorteDIAEnergía Renovable Platino SpAApproved1556
Parque Fotovoltaico El Roble NorteDIAEnergía Renovable Opalo SpAUnder Review1556
Condominio Las GolondrinasDIAInmobiliaria Travesia Austral S.A.Approved9,936170
?PISCICULTURA LA TABLILLA?DIATrusal S.A.Approved73
Proyecto Equipamiento Comercial Parque GramadoDIAParque Gramado SpAUnder Review6,8180
Optimización Piscicultura Río del EsteDIASalmones Camanchaca S.A.Approved335

Investment DECLARED by the owner upon entering SEIA (not necessarily materialized; the RCA expires after 5 years without works). Multi-comuna projects: prorated investment, jobs counted in full. Jobs = declared peak labor (source PRISMA/SOFOFA). Source: e-SEIA + PRISMA.

TerritoryClimate, biodiversity, national heritage, SEIA-approved projects and more

Roads and motorwaysSource: OpenStreetMap · 2026 snapshot

Kilometres of trunk road
27 km
Motorways and trunk roads crossing the comuna

Road infrastructure of the MOP and concession holders, not the municipality: it measures how much highway crosses the territory, not municipal management. Only comunas with roads of this category are counted.

Environment and air qualitySource: MMA · SINCA + PPDA + RETC

MP2,5 · annual average
31,1µg/m³· above the Chilean standard
OMS 5
CL standard 20
6,2× the WHO 2021 guideline · 1,6× the Chilean standard · 67 days above daily standard (50 µg/m³)
MP10 · annual average
38,3µg/m³· above the WHO guideline, below the Chilean standard
OMS 15
CL standard 50
2,6× the WHO 2021 guideline · 0,8× the Chilean standard · 7 days above daily standard (150 µg/m³)
1monitoring stations · 1 from the MMA Network· measures MP2,5; MP10· station: Puerto Varas
PM2.5 latest reading
52 µg/m³above 24h standard
15-08-2026 · 59 days above standard in the last 12 months
Monthly PM2.5 trend
norma 2007/24: 61 µg/m³08/24: 58 µg/m³09/24: 32,9 µg/m³10/24: 22,9 µg/m³11/24: 15,8 µg/m³12/24: 7,1 µg/m³01/25: 3,6 µg/m³02/25: 6 µg/m³03/25: 12,3 µg/m³04/25: 24,7 µg/m³05/25: 57,9 µg/m³06/25: 58,1 µg/m³07/25: 49,5 µg/m³08/25: 49,2 µg/m³09/25: 36,3 µg/m³10/25: 22,6 µg/m³11/25: 12,3 µg/m³12/25: 8,1 µg/m³01/26: 6,7 µg/m³02/26: 8,4 µg/m³03/26: 20,4 µg/m³04/26: 27,6 µg/m³05/26: 51,1 µg/m³06/26: 53,1 µg/m³07/26: 80 µg/m³08/26: 51,1 µg/m³07/2408/26
51,1 µg/m³
promedio 08/26
PM10 latest reading
49 µg/m³
15-08-2026 · 6 days above standard in the last 12 months
Monthly PM10 trend
norma 5007/24: 64,4 µg/m³08/24: 62,1 µg/m³09/24: 36,8 µg/m³10/24: 31,2 µg/m³11/24: 25 µg/m³12/24: 22 µg/m³01/25: 19,4 µg/m³02/25: 18,8 µg/m³03/25: 24,4 µg/m³04/25: 29,7 µg/m³05/25: 60,5 µg/m³06/25: 61 µg/m³07/25: 51,5 µg/m³08/25: 51,5 µg/m³09/25: 39,9 µg/m³10/25: 28,1 µg/m³11/25: 22,3 µg/m³12/25: 14,1 µg/m³01/26: 17,4 µg/m³02/26: 16 µg/m³03/26: 26,9 µg/m³04/26: 34,2 µg/m³05/26: 53,2 µg/m³06/26: 55 µg/m³07/26: 81,7 µg/m³08/26: 52,7 µg/m³07/2408/26
52,7 µg/m³
promedio 08/26
Air emissions from industrial sources · tons/year (RETC 2020)
64 t MP10
64 t MP2,5
0 t SO₂
0 t Material particulado

Air quality observed at MMA's SINCA stations within the comuna (2024); when there are several, the worst is shown. The scale compares the annual average with the WHO 2021 guideline (PM2.5 = 5 · PM10 = 15 µg/m³, international health reference) and the Chilean annual primary standard (PM2.5 = 20 · PM10 = 50 µg/m³): green within the WHO guideline, amber between guideline and standard, red above the national standard. "Days above standard" use the 24-h daily standard (PM2.5 = 50 · PM10 = 150 µg/m³). RETC emissions = declared point sources (industry/energy), excludes diffuse sources like residential firewood.

Biodiversity and protected areasSource: SNASPE · SEIA baselines

State protected wilderness areas (SNASPE) in the comuna
Vicente Perez RosalesNational Park241.810 ha
PuyehueNational Park125.165 ha
LlanquihueNational Reserve35.935 ha

Species of flora, fauna and funga documented in the baselines of the projects evaluated by SEIA in the comuna — what their environmental studies recorded in the territory. Conservation status (RCE/IUCN) and Chilean endemism are flagged.

205
Species
82
Flora
123
Fauna
85
In conservation status
38
Endemic to Chile
Species in conservation category
Carmelita de concepciónPercilia irwiniENPancoraAegla denticulataCRSapoEupsophus roseusVUPejerrey chilenoBasilichthys australisVUPeladillaAplochiton zebraENPancoraAegla manniVUPuyeBrachygalaxias bullockiVURana chilenaCalyptocephalella gayiVUPocha del surCheirodon australeVUDelfín chilenoCephalorhynchus eutropiaVUQueuleGomortega keuleENPitaoPitavia punctataENBelloto del surBeilschmiedia berteroanaENRuilNothofagus alessandriiENBelloto del norte, belloto (genérico)Beilschmiedia miersiiVUPerca negraPercichthys melanopsVUTolloDiplomystes nahuelbutaensisENCamarónVirilastacus araucaniusVUSapo australTelmatobufo australisVUCarmelitaPercilia gillissiENCauqueOdontesthes mauleanumVUCauque del norteOdontesthes brevianalisVUPuyeGalaxias globicepsENPochaCheirodon kilianiENTolloDiplomystes camposensisENLamprea de agua dulceMordacia lapicidaENCamarónVirilastacus rucapihuelensisENZorro de chiloéLycalopex fulvipesENAlerceFitzroya cupressoidesENCanelo, boique, voigue, fuñe, choólDrimys winteriENHuillínLontra provocaxENPudúPudu puduVUZorro colorado, zorro culpeo, zorro coloradode tierra del fuego, zorro culpeo de tierra del fuegoLycalopex culpaeusVUOlivillo, teque, tique, palo muerto, aceitunilloAextoxicon punctatumVULinguePersea lingueVUPeladillaAplochiton taeniatusENGüiñaLeopardus guignaVUPuyeGalaxias maculatusVULamprea de bolsaGeotria australisVUSapo de pecho espinoso de verrugasAlsodes verrucosusENSapoRhinella rubropunctataVUAraucaria, pehuén, piñonero, pino piñonero, pino chileno, pino araucaria, pewen, guiliuAraucaria araucanaENBagrecitoTrichomycterus areolatusVURanita de darwinRhinoderma darwiniiENHuemul, taruca, wümul, güemul, shoan, shoen, trula, hueque, ciervo sur andinoHippocamelus bisulcusCRRana de pecho espinoso del catedralAlsodes gargolaENBallena azulBalaenoptera musculusENCachalotePhyseter macrocephalusVUSapoEupsophus vertebralisVUPeladillaAplochiton marinusENBallena franca australEubalaena australisENFardela blanca de juan fernández, petrel de juan fernándezPterodroma externaENPidencitoLaterallus jamaicensisENÑandúRhea pennataENChorlo nevadoCharadrius nivosusVUChungungo, nutria marina, gato de mar, chinchiménLontra felinaENCaranca, cagüe, cauquén costero, cauquén blancoChloephaga hybridaVUCabezón de bibronDiplolaemus bibroniiVUAguilucho de cola rojizaButeo ventralisVUPingüino de humboldt, pingüino, pájaro niño, patranka, humboldt penguin (inglés), peruvian penguin (inglés)Spheniscus humboldtiEN
and 25 more

CR critically endangered · EN endangered · VU vulnerable · NT near threatened (Species Classification Regulation / IUCN). ★ endemic to Chile. Extracted from SEIA studies by kingdom; presence reflects what baselines characterized, not a census.

12 Wetlands · 11 urban · 47.674 haSource: National Wetlands Inventory · SIMBIO (MMA)

CodeWetlandHectares
HUR-10-47Lago Llanquihueurban47.436 /86.697
HUR-10-50Des. Rio Huinamurban140 /4.919
HUR-10-109Sin informaciónurban48
HUR-10-111Sin informaciónurban25
HUR-10-112Sin informaciónurban9
HUR-10-29Rio Negrourban5 /12
HUR-10-107Sin informaciónurban3
HPU-10-07Puerto Montt 173
HUR-10-104Villa El Lagourban3 /6
HUR-10-105Sin informaciónurban1
HUR-10-106Sin informaciónurban1
HUR-10-108Sin informaciónurban0

Area = hectares of wetland within the comuna boundary (apportioned using the DPA table of each record). For wetlands shared between comunas, "portion / total" is shown. "Urban" = urban wetland (HUR code). Official source migrated to the SBAP (Law 21,600).

Large projects approved by SEIASource: SEIA · approved projects

Projects with an environmental permit (RCA) approved by SEIA and declared investment above US$ 10 million, located in the comuna according to the case file and grouped by sector. Every sector with at least one project is listed: this is not a ranking or a selection. 17 projects totaling US$ 565 million, approved between 2005 and 2026. When a project spans several comunas, its investment is split among them.

Real estate4 projects · US$ 274 M · 2005–2020
Sociedad Concesionaria Región Sur S.A.Construcción Hospital Puerto Varas · Conjunto Habitacional Brisas de Puerto Varas
Energy4 projects · US$ 107 M · 2009–2026
Eólica los Lagos SpAParque Eólico Los Lagos del Sur · Sistema de Transmisión S/E Tineo - S/E Nueva Ancud
Fishing and Aquaculture2 projects · US$ 90 M · 2009–2025
Productos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A.ECO-PISCICULTURA CUYAMCO · Refundición de RCAS, Ampliación y Cambio Operacional en el Proyecto Salmón Libre de Enfermedades (e-seia)
Others3 projects · US$ 33 M · 2017–2026
Inmobiliaria Australis Ptv SpAEdificio Vicente Pérez Rosales · Ampliación de la Actividad de Transporte de Sustancias Peligrosas de ENAEX Servicios S.A.
Miscellaneous industrial facilities2 projects · US$ 31 M · 2011–2018
Bio Bio Cementos S.A.Planta de Molienda de Cementos Zona Sur · Planta Indura Puerto Varas
Environmental Sanitation1 project · US$ 18 M · 2009
Ilustre Municipalidad de Puerto VarasEIA Relleno Sanitario La Laja
Hydraulic Infrastructure1 project · US$ 12 M · 2014
Los Pinos S.P.A.Central Hidroeléctrica de Pasada Los Pinos

Approved is not the same as built or operating: the RCA authorises the project, but some were never carried out and others have since closed.

Source: projects with an RCA approved by SEIA (investment declared by the developer, split among the comunas the project spans). Under each sector are its two largest projects by investment. It is the best public proxy for large industrial sites; SERNAGEOMIN’s registry of active mining operations (by mineral and type of operation) is a layer not yet incorporated.

Basic utilitiesSource: SISS · CNE · MINEDUC

Distribuidora eléctrica
SAESA · also Luz Osorno, Crell
Empresa sanitaria (agua y alcantarillado)
ESSAL
Higher education
No campus · nearest in Puerto Montt at 47.3 km

Almost no comuna has its own utility: it is served by a major regional concession holder. Water = urban operational territory (SISS; rural goes via APR); electric = concession distributor per the tariff decree (CNE); higher education = university, IP and CFT campuses (MINEDUC/SIES), with the nearest comuna when there are none.

Environmental conflictsSource: SNIFA · SMA + Environmental Search · Environmental Courts

Final SMA sanctions

Final sanctions
3
Sanctioned entities
3
companies, individuals and institutions
Total fines
299 UTA
3 with fines
Sanctioned entityAuditable unitCategoryFine (UTA)
Salmones Camanchaca S.A.SALMON LIBRE DE ENFERMEDADESFishing and Aquaculture151
Ilustre Municipalidad de Puerto VarasRELLENO SANITARIO LA LAJAEnvironmental Sanitation102
Sociedad Comercial Teuber y Sandoval LimitadaCLUB ORQUIDEAAmenities46

Environmental sanctions final from the SMA (no pending appeals) whose auditable unit sits in the comuna: companies, individuals and institutions (including the municipality). Fine in UTA (Annual Tax Unit). Source: Public Sanctions Registry, SNIFA.

Appeals before the Environmental Courts

Appeals
3
on projects in the comuna
Upheld
1
the court sided with the claimant
Case no.Parties / projectSubjectDecision
104563-2023
3TA
Hildegard Eisele Mayorga y otros con Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental Región de Los Lagos
Sistema de Transmisión S/E Tineo -S/E Nueva Ancud
Environmental assessment – Administrative invalidationRejects
2572-2019
3TA
Ilustre Municipalidad de Puerto Varas con SMA
Relleno Sanitario La Laja
Environmental sanction proceedingRejects
27821-2016
3TA
Importadora y Comercializadora Floka Ltda con SEA
Mejoras en Planta de Valorización de Materiales Residuales
Environmental assessment - Unfavorable RCAUpheld

Appeals resolved by the Environmental Courts (Law 20.600) on the comuna's projects or facilities, geolocated by the associated project (SEIA) or sanctioned facility (SMA). Partial coverage: Supreme Court appeals and cases without a locatable act are excluded. Source: 1st Environmental Court's Environmental Search.

Green areasSource: SINIM · SUBDERE (2025)

Green space per capita
13 m²
above the CNDU standard
standard 10 m²

Municipally maintained green area per inhabitant (SINIM). The National Urban Development Council recommends a minimum of 10 m²/inhab (WHO, ~9). Self-reported by municipalities, with quality varying across comunas.

National heritageSource: National Monuments Council (Feb 2026)

National monuments
10
Historic monuments
9
Heritage zones
1

Monuments declared by decree (official CMN roster). Excludes archaeological and public monuments. Declaration entails legal protection and intervention restrictions.

Territorial burdensSource: SUBDERE (waste, Jun 2023) · Gendarmería (Jun 2025) · SISS (WWTP)

Infrastructure this comuna carries — often serving others.

FacilityTypeDetail
Relleno Sanitario La LajaRelleno Sanitario173.108 t/year · receives from 9 comunas
Where this comuna's waste goes
Relleno Sanitario La Laja (Puerto Varas) · 20.179 t/year

Official registries: they exclude illegal dumps and rural WWTPs (no consolidated public registry).

Forest firesSource: CONAF · Occurrence and damage statistics (2023-2024)

Wildfires · 2023-2024
8
Area affected
34 ha
mostly shrubland
Cumulative last 5 seasons
146 ha
includes the 2022-2023 mega-season

Occurrence and area affected by wildfires (CONAF). The 5-season cumulative gives a fairer picture than a single year: fire is episodic and big catastrophes concentrate in few seasons. The area is comuna-wide, not just urban.

Winter riskSource: SENAPRED · winter critical points 2026 (via FAU U. de Chile)

Critical points registered
94
At high or very high risk
77
36 very high
Main threat
Deslizamiento/Derrumbe/Rodad…
Deslizamiento/Derrumbe/Rodado/Caída

Points in the comuna where SENAPRED identifies winter-rain risk (channel overflows, flooding, collector collapse, landslides, mudflows, snow), with risk level and the agency responsible for the fix.

Water scarcitySource: DGA · MOP (scarcity-zone decrees)

No scarcity decree in force today.
Years under decree since 2008
1
latest: 2021 · drought chronicity

DGA water-scarcity zone decrees (by comuna, province or region; basin decrees are not counted here, so chronicity is a floor). The decree enables extraordinary water redistribution measures. At the megadrought's peak (2021) 286 comunas were under decree; today 26.

Climate and climate changeSource: ARClim · MMA + CR2/UC (CMIP6 modeling)

Mean annual temperature
8,68°C
2035-2065 projection: +1,1°C
Annual precipitation
2.733 mm
projection: 0%
Hot days>30°C
0
projection: +0 days
Frost days
64

Modeled climatology (CMIP6 downscaling ~5 km): present ≈ 1980-2010, projection ≈ 2035-2065 middle scenario. Not recent weather observation.

SafetyCrime, road crashes and municipal security infrastructure

Crimes (police cases)Source: CEAD · Ministry of Public Security

Police cases · 2025
3.053
all crimes
Rate per 100,000 inhab.
5.949
Police cases · trend
3.378
3.053
20102025
By crime type · 2025
CrimeCasesRate/100k
Alcohol and drug use in public spaces5291.031
Property damage446869
Domestic violence418815
Threats401781
Larceny398776
Theft of items from vehicles128249
Minor injuries125244
Burglary of an inhabited place120234
Burglary of an uninhabited place119232
Weapons-related crimes5097
Robbery with violence or intimidation3670
Sexual abuse3059

Showing the 12 crimes with most cases of 29.

Police cases (reports + arrests) recorded by Carabineros and PDI. Not victimization (ENUSC measures the real figure, higher due to underreporting). The rate uses INE 2024 population. Source: CEAD, Ministry of Public Security.

What the municipality does

Municipal security infrastructure and staff declared to SINIM (since 2016). Excludes Carabineros and PDI, which are national.

Surveillance cameras
140
Guards and inspectors
7
1 per 7.331 hab
Patrol fleet
16
cars, pickups, motorcycles, bikes
Patrol fleet by type
Cars: 9Pickups: 4Motorcycles: 3Drones: 1
Surveillance cameras · trend
44
140
20202025

Road crashesSource: CONASET · Data Observatory (2024)

Crashes · 2024
305
Deaths
6
11,7 per 100,000 inhab.
Injured
190
29 serious
Pedestrian collisions
36

Crashes georeferenced by CONASET (urban + highway) during 2024. The only per-comuna source; covers ~70% of the country's deaths (non-geolocatable ones are excluded), so it slightly underestimates the total. Pedestrian collision is the leading cause of pedestrian death.