Top Puerto Varas Half-day Tours

Discover the natural wonders and gastronomic heritage of lakeside Llanquihue on this 6-hour tour from Puerto Varas. Discover Llanquihue’s German colonial history, sample the city’s famous Bavarian-style sausages (extra cost) and get a glimpse of local life as you pass dairy farms, salmon farms and breweries. After visiting the memorial to the German colonists, head to nearby Frutillar, where you can tour the German Colonial Museum and visit the Teatro del Lago (Lake Theater).

This experience combines two of the most spectacular highlights of southern Chile in one relaxed small-group tour. Travelers visit the powerful Petrohué Waterfalls and the dramatic slopes of the Osorno Volcano, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and volcanic landscapes. Our tours are designed to be personal and unhurried, giving guests time to explore, take photos, and truly enjoy the scenery. Led by local guides who know the region well, this experience offers an authentic and memorable way to discover the beauty of the Chilean Lake District.

More than an excursion, it is truly a unique experience, enjoying the colors offered by the sunset on one of the most recognized volcanoes in Chile, with an impressive panoramic view of Lake Llanquihue and the Calbuco Volcano.

The tour combines two of the most spectacular highlights of southern Chile in one experience: the powerful Petrohué Waterfalls and the dramatic slopes of the Osorno Volcano. This small-group tours allow travelers to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy incredible viewpoints, and take memorable photos while discovering the beauty of Chile’s Lake District with knowledgeable local guides.

See the startling scenery of Chile’s Lake District from different perspectives on this 4-hour small-group tour from Puerto Varas. First, look out over the postcard-worthy landscape of Llanquihue Lake, framed by the volcanic peaks of Osorno and Calbuco. Next, climb to a height of 3937 feet (1,240 meters) and enjoy glorious aerial views from the Osorno Ski Center. If that’s not high enough, you can also opt to ride the chairlift (extra cost) to the lookout points at Station Primavera or Station Glaciar.

Discover the Osorno Volcano, a conical stratovolcano in Los Lagos Region of Chile. Travel along the Llanquihue Lake towards Vicente Pérez Rosales Park. Hike through coigües forests as you ascend, observing the forest’s flora and fauna. Observe the traces of lava passage in La Burbuja crater. Appreciate the varied landscapes and views on the way to its summit.

Check out both the “regional capital of Los Logos” and “the city of roses” on this shared half day tour in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. Your guide and driver will collect you easily from your hotel, and then you’ll be on your way. See the main attractions in town, plus get some incredible views from Puerto Montt. Check out the local municipal gardens and try some local food, too (additional expense).

Enjoy quintessential Chilean views and learn about the nation’s immigrant past on this tour. Depart Puerto Varas and travel to Frutillar, a charming lakeside village. Learn about the local German immigrant history here and visit restored colonial houses. Then take time to visit the lakefront of Lake Llanquihue, where you will encounter magical views of the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo and Tronador.

Departing from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, we begin our journey with a visit to Llanquihue, a charming town known for its traditional cured meats and as the birthplace of the Maullín River. Here, we will stop at Los Cisnes Beach and the town pier, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Llanquihue and the surrounding volcanoes. We then continue along the lakeshore to Frutillar, a picturesque town founded by German settlers in 1856. Stroll through its streets lined with colorful houses, well-kept gardens, and Bavarian-inspired architecture while learning about its rich cultural heritage. Along the waterfront, admire the iconic Lake Theater and enjoy spectacular views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes. Guests may also choose to visit the German Colonial Museum or enjoy traditional German pastries in one of the town’s charming cafés.

Exploring Chile's Lake Distict independently is challenging without your own vehicle. Skip the self-drive stress with a private tour from Puerto Varas that takes care of the logistics. Admire views of snow-capped volcanoes from Llanquihue and take in the highlights of the charming village of Frutillar, known for its distinctive Alpine architecture.

Explore the German influence, vibrant color, Llanquihue Lake, and much more on this small-group tour of Frutillar. Your excursion includes round-trip transfers from Puerto Varas, so you won’t have to organize that separately. Get your cameras ready to snap pics of the surrounding volcanoes, old cottages, and the Teatro del Lago. Before you leave, your guide will show you the best place to buy kuchen and apple strudel.

The rafting on the Petrohué River is an easy and fun activity that will allow you to enjoy the most beautiful landscapes within the Los Lagos region, while you are rowing the rapids. We will go down the Petrohué River in its Class III and IV rapids for almost two hours, surrounded by the impressive beauty of the Andes Mountains. Join the adventure with us!

Let your guide handle the logistics and relax while discovering the charming town of Frutillar in Chile's Lake District region. Enjoy hassle-free round-trip transport from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas and travel down a rural road for an authentic view of the region. Explore the town as your guide points out the influences of German settlers and provides insight into local life here.

The best way to discover nature a few kilometers from Puerto Varas: views of the volcanoes with navigation surrounded by the native forest and its wild birds. Calm waters ideal for beginners and family activities.

This half-day trekking experience offers the opportunity to explore one of the lesser-known trails within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Surrounded by native forests and pristine landscapes, you'll follow a scenic route featuring impressive viewpoints over the Petrohué Valley and River. Along the trail, you'll encounter volcanic terrain formed by the most recent eruption of Osorno Volcano, creating a striking contrast between lush vegetation and rugged lava fields. With a moderate level of difficulty and expert guidance throughout the experience, this trek is ideal for nature lovers seeking an authentic outdoor adventure in Chile's Lake District.

Discover a different way to experience the famous Petrohué River aboard an inflatable ducky, a stable and easy-to-maneuver kayak designed for whitewater adventures. Unlike traditional rafting, duckies provide a more personal and interactive experience, allowing each participant to navigate the river independently while guided by experienced professionals. Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, you'll paddle through crystal-clear waters, enjoy exciting rapids, and experience one of the most scenic river adventures in Chile's Lake District. After the descent, relax with a snack overlooking the river while reliving the experience through included GoPro videos.

Discover one of the most scenic and lesser-known hiking routes in Chile's Lake District. This trekking experience combines native forest trails, volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and impressive waterfalls within the protected environment of Llanquihue National Reserve. Following the course of Río Blanco, you'll hike through ancient forests and volcanic terrain while enjoying breathtaking views of Calbuco Volcano. The route offers a perfect balance between adventure and nature, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience the region beyond the traditional tourist attractions.