Puerto Varas
Duration:
4 days and 3 nights
Group:
2 or more
Type of excursion:
Nature and hiking
From:
USD $305.00

Itinerary

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Known as “The City of Roses,” Puerto Varas is one of the most charming destinations in southern Chile, famous for its volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and German-influenced architecture.

Meet and greet at the Puerto Montt airport
Transfer to the hotel in Puerto Varas
Free afternoon to explore:

  • Llanquihue Lake waterfront
  • Downtown
  • Cafés and artisan shops

Accommodations

After breakfast, we’ll begin our tour of Puerto Varas—“the City of Roses”—heading toward the Osorno Volcano Mountain Center. Traveling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, we’ll enjoy a beautiful postcard-perfect view with the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes in the background, until we reach the Ensenada area, where we’ll begin the ascent to the Osorno Volcano Mountain Center, located at an altitude of 1,6700 meters (Osorno Volcano elevation: 2,652 meters above sea level).

We’ll head to Los Saltos de Petrohué, where we’ll see one of the area’s most iconic sites: the “Saltos del Petrohué” overlook. Here, the river (of the same name) flows between massive formations of crystallized lava—which have remained resistant to erosion for centuries and are composed of smaller stones bound together by a striking glassy material—making this a must-see destination. (This tour lasts about 30 minutes.)

We’ll head to the Petrohué Port, located on the shores of Lake Todos los Santos. Optionally, within the allotted time in this area, you can take a 30-minute boat tour of the lake’s bay (not included) or go for a leisurely walk along the lake’s shore, all surrounded by an evergreen forest, the majesty of Osorno Volcano, and the spectacular turquoise color of the Petrohué River.

Sights:

  • Osorno Volcano
  • Petrohué Waterfalls
  • Lake Todos los Santos

Optional Activities:

  • Chairlift ride
  • Boat tour on Lake Todos los Santos

Return to the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, discover the fascinating Llanquihue Route through Frutillar; immerse yourself in the history of charming towns and the stories of hardworking German settlers; marvel at the beauty of Lake Llanquihue; and enjoy the exquisite pastries at . This tour will captivate you with its charm and invite you to experience unforgettable moments.

We’ll begin our excursion by visiting the city of Llanquihue, famous for its cured meats and the source of the Maullín River, which forms part of the historic Settlers’ Route. In the city, we’ll visit Los Cisnes Beach and the pier, which offers a stunning view of the lake and the volcanoes. Then we’ll drive along the shores of Lake Llanquihue toward Frutillar.

We’ll arrive in Frutillar, a beautiful town reminiscent of Bavaria—the homeland of its first settlers. It was founded in 1856 as a shipping port, and soon tanneries, mills, breweries, and other businesses sprang up. We’ll stroll past its beautiful old German-style houses, admiring their well-tended gardens and the incomparable view of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes. Optionally, passengers can visit the German Colonial Museum, which showcases the lives of the settlers, or enjoy a coffee with a traditional German pastry typical of this region.

Along the waterfront, we’ll see the Teatro del Lago, where the renowned “Frutillar Music Weeks” are held annually, attracting audiences from around the world.

Return to the hotel

  • Breakfast
  • Free time to explore the city
  • Transfer to the airport
  • End of services
  • Airport–hotel–airport transfers
  • 3 nights’ accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Mentioned excursions
  • Tour guide
  • Traveler assistance
  • Flights
  • National park admission tickets
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Personal expenses

Additional Tours

Andean Crossing

Cruise through the Andes Mountains and immerse yourself in the magic of unspoiled nature as you take in breathtaking landscapes shaped by thousands of years of history.

The Andean Crossing is an international route connecting Puerto Varas in Chile with Bariloche in Argentina, taking approximately 12 hours to travel from one country to the other.

It is the only journey that traverses the Andes Mountains across three beautiful lakes connected by four land sections, running from Puerto Varas in Chile to San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina. This trip operates every day of the year, revealing mountain landscapes of breathtaking beauty as it traverses the most colorful region of Patagonia. It takes one day to reach Argentina, with the option to extend the journey to two days or more by staying overnight along the route (in Peulla and/or Puerto Blest).

ITINERARY: Puerto Varas – Petrohue – Peukka – Puerto Frias (Bus) – Puerto Blest – Puerto Pañuelo – Bariloche

Termas del Sol

Duration: 9 hours

We’ll depart from Puerto Varas and head to the beautiful Termas del Sol, a hot springs paradise nestled between a valley and native forest, featuring 10 pools ranging in temperature from 36 to 45 degrees, a thermal mud area, universally accessible paths, a café, and all set within a beautifully designed landscape. We’ll enjoy this paradise for 4 hours, then have lunch and continue on to visit the village of Cochamó, where we’ll take a short walk along its beautiful waterfront on the edge of the Reloncaví estuary; on sunny days, we can see the imposing Yates Volcano.

Cochamó Hot Springs

Duration: 9 hours

We’ll depart from Puerto Varas and head toward the Cochamó Hot Springs, located on the banks of the Reloncaví Estuary in a beautiful natural setting, just 1 hour and 20 minutes away. We’ll enjoy the hot springs for 4 hours before exploring the Cochamó waterfront, also on the banks of the Reloncaví Estuary, where on sunny days we can see the Yates Volcano.

Puerto Varas City Tour

Duration: 4 hours

We begin in Puerto Varas by strolling along the waterfront to see the iconic statue of Likanrayen, a symbol of local identity. We’ll continue with a walk through Philippi Park, surrounded by nature and scenic viewpoints, before visiting the historic Casa Kuschel. We’ll descend the traditional Ricke Stairs to the city center, where we’ll explore the Plaza de Armas and its historic surroundings.

We’ll continue by visiting the Escudo Florido and the Pablo Fierro Museum, two must-see attractions where we’ll have time to stop and take photos while enjoying their history. We’ll tour residential neighborhoods that reflect the German heritage and conclude our time in Puerto Varas at the Sagrados Corazones Church, one of the city’s architectural icons.

Afterward, we’ll head along the Pan-American Highway toward Puerto Montt to visit the traditional Angelmó Market, renowned for its crafts, cuisine, and local life, ending the tour along the waterfront.

Hot Water Tubs in Aremko

Aremko is a beautiful spot, located on the banks of the river beneath the native forest—ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. We’ll spend two hours in one of its hot pools in a unique natural setting. This activity is also perfect for rainy days and half-day trips.

Tours depart in the morning, afternoon, and evening, just 30 minutes from Puerto Varas. (You can also add a massage to the experience.)

Frutillar & Cancagua Natural Pools

Duration: 8 hours

We depart from Puerto Varas for the city of Llanquihue, where we visit its waterfront before continuing along the shores of Lake Llanquihue toward Frutillar.
We’ll walk along the waterfront, visiting its main attractions. We also offer some additional options*:

  • A 35-minute boat ride on Lake Llanquihue
  • Guided tour inside the Teatro del Lago
  • Visit to the German Museum

Next, we’ll have lunch and head to the Cancagua Biopools on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. These are the world’s first sustainably designed hot pools. The water circulates through a regeneration zone, using plants and ecological systems to purify it, leaving it crystal clear.

Ready to plan your 2026/27 vacation?

Enjoy a unique experience combining the scenic beauty of Lake Llanquihue against the perfect silhouette of Osorno Volcano, the German-influenced architectural and historical heritage, and the gateway to the most breathtaking natural landscapes in southern Chile.
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