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It may seem odd to see street signs in Spanish sitting in front of structures that looks as if they're straight out of the Black Forest. But the German presence in Puerto Montt was firmly established over 150 years ago when the Chilean government encouraged Germans to immigrate here to help stimulate the country's faltering economy. Between 1846 and 1914, it's estimated that 20,000 Germans arrived here in hopes of starting a new life. Today, Puerto Montt and its surrounding villages all reflect their German heritage in their architecture, food and customs.

Discover this unique history with a four-hour tour that begins at the pier. Leaving Puerto Montt you'll head north into Chile's famous Lake District towards Puerto Varas. Sit back and relax as you gaze upon the glacier-capped Osorno volcano, known as the "Fujiyama of South America." Rising an impressive 8,700 feet it can be seen anywhere within the Puerto Montt and Lake District areas. It's one of the most active volcanoes in the southern Chilean Andes with a number of frequent explosions occurring during the past 14,000 years, the last one in 1869.

Resting on the shores of sparkling Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas is known as the "City of Roses" for its beautiful rose-lined streets. Stop in lovely Puerto Varas and enjoy some free time to browse the local handicraftr market or stroll the shore of the lake. Then, you'll reboard the transportation and head for another charming German village.

Next on your itinerary is a tour of Frutillar. Founded in 1856, Frutillar is a small hamlet that embraces its Germanic heritage. After you arrive you'll be struck by the quaint half-timbered houses boasting window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers. To learn more about the town and its German founders take a tour of the German Colonial Museum, which resembles a small Swiss chalet. Here, you can see how the town's early settlers lived as you stroll the lovely garden, and walk through the mill, grain house, blacksmith shop and house.

At the end of your visit you'll return to your ship with a deeper understanding of the German history and pride of the people who built the Lake District into the beautiful area it is today.