Casa de la Oma

During our thirty-day exploration of Argentina and Chile we chose to stay at Casa de Oma for a one night stopover having caught the flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt where we rented a car for a five day exploration of The Lake District centering mainly on Pucon before flying on from Temuco up to Santiago and Valparaiso. Casa de Oma was only a 30 minute drive from the airport and only 20 minutes away from the lovely village of Frutillar down by Lago Llanquihue. The local history museum there is worth a visit if you have the time. We felt privileged to share what has been a large family home for five generations of German stock. The general feeling was that of a homestay rather than a hotel. On our arrival we let ourselves in and wandered the rambling rooms verandas and corridors before finally finding someone in the kitchen to help us to our very good room- (called Doña Ma Paz). No ID or deposit were requested and the whole house was adorned with fascinating family memorabilia - such was the trust. The extensive grounds included the family Church and Cemetery as well as stables and places for children to play and wander. The home cooked evening meal and drinks was a set menu but extremely good value. The present owner and all his staff were all very helpful in a pleasantly unassumingly way. Staying at Casa de Oma was a refreshing memorable experience and a great introduction to the history of the German settlers in this part of Chile. Go there.