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Things to do in Puerto Varas

Our most recommended things to do in Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Waterfalls Day Trip

1. Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Waterfalls Day Trip

Discover both a lake originating from a glacier and an active volcano famous for its perfectly-shaped crater with this package. Choose to depart from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. After pickup from selected hotels in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, head to the southern shores of the Llanquihue Lake, where you'll learn about the German settlers and agriculture in the region. Once in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, admire the imposing Petrohué Waterfalls, which stun visitors with their turquoise waters. From there, make your way to the origin of the Petrohué River, Todos los Santos Lake, and visit some of its sleepy beaches. By then, you'll be at the foot of the Osorno Volcano to enjoy a stop for lunch in the village of Ensenada (lunch not included), before continuing up to the ski resort on the volcano. En route, take in stunning panoramic views of the Petrohué River Valley and the beautiful Llanquihue Lake.

Puerto Varas: Peulla Day Trip

2. Puerto Varas: Peulla Day Trip

Explore Chile's Los Lagos Region on a day trip. See lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Take in stunning scenery, incredible nature, and local villages. Start your trip early in the morning at the local supplier's office in Puerto Varas, where you will meet your host for the day. Climb aboard the bus to be taken into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, bordering the beautiful Llanquihue Lake. See the mouth of the Rio Pescado river and small towns such as La Poza before heading to the city of Ensenada. Here, you have the chance to visit Petrohué Falls. Cross the walkways installed amidst lush vegetation and beautiful scenery on the River Petrohué and admire the turquoise waterfalls. Then, continue your tour with Todos los Santos Lake, where you will board an Andean Lakes catamaran. Navigate through the Andes to the green village of Peulla. Enjoy free time to explore the village and find somewhere for lunch. There will also be the chance to enjoy activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, motorboat rides, or a 4x4 safari. Finally, your host will tell you when it's time to head back to Puerto Varas.

From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour

3. From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour

Depart from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, depending on the option selected. Begin your day by taking a boat down the Chacao canal for 30 minutes, where you spot a wide variety of birds, before arriving at the village of Chacao to visit its square and church. Continue to Castro to stop for lunch at your own expense. Visit the typical stilted houses in the Gamboa district, the main square, and the Nercón Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed around 1890, the church is considered a national monument. Travel onwards towards Dalcahue, where you will stop on the waterfront to take in the wonderful natural landscape and visit the local artisan market, museum, and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national monument.

Puerto Varas: Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour

4. Puerto Varas: Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour

Sail on the wonderful Todos Los Santos Lake, with its emerald-colored waters and its surrounding forests. Also discover Peulla, a small ecological village of 120 inhabitants, which is on the route of the famous Andean Crossing. Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip on Todos Los Santos Lake, taking in the views of the majestic Osorno, Puntiaguado and Tronador volcanoes. However, the adventure does not end when you arrive at Peulla, as there you can choose to take part in a large variety of activities such as canopying, horse riding, and a 4x4 safari, all in a stunning setting that will take your breath away. Optional activities not included.

Cruce Andino: Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche

5. Cruce Andino: Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche

Depart from Puerto Varas, Chile and enjoy views of beautiful landscapes, natural landmarks, and spectacular lakes as you travel by boat and bus to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The route you will travel has been used for more than 400 years by the native Huilliches and Mapuches. The Andean Crossing is the only crossing that navigates the Andes Mountain Range through 3 lakes connected by 4 land sections, linking San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina with Puerto Varas in Chile.   Itinerary 8:00 AM - Travel overland from Puerto Varas to Petrohue 10:30 AM - Sail from Petrohue to Peulla on Lake Todos los Santos 12:30 PM - Free time in Peulla for lunch 3:00 PM - Travel overland from Peulla to Frías Port 5:00 PM - Sail from Frías Port to Blest on Lake Frías76:00 PM - Sail from Blest to Pañuelo Port on Lake Nahuel Huapi 7:00 PM - Travel overland from Pañuelo Port to San Carlos de Bariloche 8:00 PM - Arrive in San Carlos de Bariloche

Cruce Andino: San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas

6. Cruce Andino: San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas

Depart from San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina and enjoy views of beautiful landscapes, natural landmarks, and spectacular lakes as you travel by boat and bus to Puerto Varas, Chile. The route you will travel has been used for more than 400 years by the native Huilliches and Mapuches.   Itinerary 8:00 AM - Travel overland from Bariloche to Pañuelo Port 10:00 AM - Sail from Pañuelo Port to Blest on Lake Nahuel Huapi 11:00 AM - Sail from Blest to Frías Port on Lake Frías 12:00 PM - Travel overland from Frías Port to Peulla 2:00 PM - Free time in Peulla for lunch 3:30 PM - Sail from Peulla to Petrohue on Lake Todos los Santos 5:30 PM - Travel overland from Petrohue to Puerto Varas 8:00 PM - Arrive in Puerto Varas

From Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour

7. From Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour

Starting from Puerto Varas, begin your tour of the Osorno Volcano by Llanquihue Lake. The unique landscape featuring both the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes will keep you company until you arrive at Ensenada where we start to ascend to the Osorno Ski and Mountain Center. You have an hour's time for sightseeing, taking pictures, and appreciating a unique view of the summit of the Calbuco volcano with glaciers, Lake Llanquihue, and the Pacific Ocean. You can use this moment for a cup of coffee or a snack, as well as take the lift to the Primavera Station at 1450 meters above sea level, or the Glaciar Station at 1750 meters. Next, go to Petrohué at the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, enjoying the landscape and magnificent view of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco until you reach Petrohué. There you can walk surrounded by an evergreen forest, the Osorno volcano, and the beautiful Turquoise color of the Petrohué River. You will visit one of Chile's most dreamy sites, the Petrohué River Falls, where the river flows over great masses of solidified lava.

From Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas: Frutillar Tour

8. From Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas: Frutillar Tour

Discover the charming lakeside destination of Frutillar, which delights visitors with its beauty all year round. Choose to depart from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, then admire a landscape formed by the Llanquihue Lake and several stunning volcanoes. After pickup from selected hotels in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, make your way to Frutillar on the eastern bank of Llanquihue Lake. Feel the influence of the German settlers in the spectacular old cottages, many converted into guest houses. If you want, sample the delicious Bavarian gastronomy, such as kuchen and apple strudel sweets, as well. On this tour, you'll take a rural road used by the local farmers, where you can see the agriculture and the cattle so common in the region. You'll also discover another reason to fall in love with Frutillar – the Teatro del Lago.

Alerce Andino National Park: Guided Day Hike

9. Alerce Andino National Park: Guided Day Hike

Step into the lush world of the Alerce Andino National Park, located in the Southern Andes. On this guided tour, hike on the scenic Salto Río Chaica trail and see rushing waterfalls, temperate forest, and a variety of indigenous birds. Visit Alerce Milenario, one of the world’s oldest living trees. Begin your tour with a hotel pickup from your accommodations in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. Enjoy the views of the renovated Pelluco Waterfront, the Pacific Ocean, and the Lenca sector as you drive to the Alerce Andino National Park. Once there, you'll first register and purchase entrance tickets. Next, learn about the park's trail markings and safety regulations before setting out on the trails. Begin your hike on the Salto Río Chaica Trail, about four kilometers and mostly flat. The Chaica River leads you past brilliant shades of green from the trees, reflected by the crystal-clear waters. Continue your tour and follow the music of the river deeper into the forest. Along the way, you may spot birds, such as the chucao, hummingbirds, or woodpeckers, as well as striking flowers and ferns. Climb a staircase to the Chaica River Falls and gaze in wonder at the waterfalls as you rest. After soaking up the natural beauty of the falls, continue your hike with a brief ascent to the mythical Alerce Milenario. Admire this massive tree, estimated to be at least 5,000 years old, while taking care not to tread too close to its roots. Then, return along the same path to finish your tour.

Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-conditioned Van

10. Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-conditioned Van

Enjoy the volcanic landscapes of the Osorno volcano on this guided day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Varas. Reach the Osorno Volcano Ski and Mountain Center, located at an altitude of 1,240 meters above sea level. Travel in comfort aboard a climate-controlled van.  Choose from a group tour or the intimacy and flexibility of a private experience. Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel and settle in for the scenic drive through the countryside to the rural town of Ensenada. Begin your ascent of the volcano and climb until you reach the Osorno Volcano Ski and Mountain Center. Have about an hour of free time to take pictures and appreciate the incomparable view of the Calbuco volcano with its eternal glaciers, Lake Llanquihue, the Pacific Ocean, and the Andes.  Purchase a lift ticket to go to a height of 1,450 meters at the Spring Station or to 1,750 meters at the Glacier Station. Visit the coffee shop where you can get cozy by buying a warm drink and a sandwich before returning to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

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What people are saying about Puerto Varas

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 126 reviews

Really good day out only spoilt a bit by the Tabano flies which were in abundance. The return boat journey is beautiful. Puella is only small place so maybe take the 4x 4 option which we didn't. There is a hotel & a bar which serve food.

It was very good. The journey was pleasant, with enough time. The guide spoke English and Spanish correctly and the driver was also quite attentive

Very nice trip. Great place for lunch. Extra cost for lunch reasonable. A lot of very competent information about the island. Thank you very much.

Great day, Jenny was excellent guide. Got fab pics of falls and volcano from below but sadly cloud came in as we reached the ski lift.

The tour is very organized The guides are very kind and friendly