Chile · PUERTO VARAS & THE LAKE DISTRICT
18 reviewed
These 15 puerto varas & lake district tours earn their place, each with what it costs, how long it runs and who it suits. The rest of the category sits below them.
Puerto Varas tour to Osorno Volcano viewpoints and Petrohué Falls, with big Lake Llanquihue scenery and a 7-hour Patagonia loop.
“Our guide Paula was very informative and really high energy. We didn't have the best weather but the trip was still great. Good way to see a few things around the area.”
Puerto Montt day trip to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls, with glacier views, lava-polished turquoise water, and small-group comfort.
“We did get to see the three locations listed and the time at each one was appropriate. The locations were great and worth visiting. Pick up was efficient and on time. I know it was disclosed but for the benefit of others, you should know that each site does require you to pay for the activity over and above the tour. Here are the costs: waterfalls entry-6000; boat ride-6000; volcano ski lift ride-33,000; lunch stop-20,000. This actually exceeds the cost of the tour in the first place. These were all optional as you could wait for the group at the van. We skipped the restaurant and simply had a drink…”
Palafitos, ferry crossing, and Chilean crafts on Chiloe Island from Puerto Varas in a 10-hour day trip, with hotel transfer.
“it was overall a good tour. The highlight was the boat tour to the palafitos, that was an optional thing and had to pay extra 6.000 CLP . The cities in Chiloe were cute but not something spectatular.”
Puerto Varas to Peulla day trip with a bus through national park and a catamaran across Todos los Santos Lake, ending in free time.
“El guía Alfredo es súper claro y chistoso, salimos puntuales, rico el almuerzo en Peulla (no está incluido), hicimos tour safari en Peulla increíble”
Sail emerald Todos Los Santos Lake to Peulla, then enjoy Patagonia volcano views and optional adventure in a tiny Andean Crossing village.
“There is absolutely nothing to see a Peulla. Good only if you go to the Argentina side. 4hours of boat for nothing. Could have just go to petrohue and take Little boat of 30 minutes + and stay around volcano. Left at 7:30 to come back at 21:00 with lit of traffic. But the visit to the Park and his cascadas is nice. Can be fine with othe tour not including Peulla”
Full-day Puerto Varas to Peulla catamaran via Saltos del Petrohué and Lake Todos los Santos, with optional 4x4 and canopy.
“O passeio é muito bonito e vale muito a pena. Só deveria ter mais opções para comer pois só existe um único restaurante e os preços estavam caros e com poucos pratos disponíveis no menu. O único senão é quanto ao barco, pois no retorno havia muito sol e as janelas não tinham cortinas, o que incomodava a todos, principalmente aqueles que queriam descansar e dormir.”
Kayak Rio Maullín from Puerto Varas, guided on clear water with Andes views, a mid-trip snack, and pizza plus craft beer.
“We had the best day of our trip so far! The river and its surrounds were lovely - clear, deep water as well as shallow parts with interesting flora, a steady current, beautiful surrounds and lots of birds to watch. Phillipe was a great guide with lots of info about the habitat and guidance about kayaking in this area. Between him and Steve the whole activity was a pleasure - really nice to chat with them at the end over pizza and a beer. Highly recommend this day trip.”
Kayak the Maullín River sunken forest near Llanquihue with small guides, bird spotting, and included brunch, beer, snacks, and safety gear.
“Amazing tour and guides! They had so much knowledge about the wildlife and Chile in general. The tour was the perfect level of difficulty and I felt safe the whole time. A big thanks Felipe for all the Puerto Varas recommendations as well. Overall, fantastic experience!”
Class V rafting on the Futaleufú River with certified guides, included gear, lunch, and small groups, plus optional photo buy-ons.
“Exceptional. What a fun day. I was a bit nervous as I’d never done whitewater rafting before, but felt super well looked-after all day. The river is beautiful and fiesty, a joy, even in the rain!”
Bridge-to-bridge rafting on Chile’s Futaleufu River with certified bilingual guides, included gear and transfers, and a gourmet snack finish.
“I can’t thank Patagonia elements enough. It was such an unbelievable experience. They really go above and beyond to make you feel safe and secure. From all the top notch gear to the wonderful guides. It was hands down one of my favorite things I did in The area. You have to book if you are any where close Futaleufú.”
Small-group whitewater rafting on Chile’s Futaleufu River. Bridge-to-bridge rapids, class V Mas o Menos and Casa de Piedra, all gear included.
“Family of five (52, 51, 18, 16) three day rafting experience in Futaleufu. Day one was bridge to bridge with Macal (about three hours) day two inferno canyon (about five hours) day three terminator and bridge to bridge with Macal (about three hours). Daniel was our guide all three days. All four of us had significant previous whitewater experience - class 4 and 5 in the states.”
Half-day Osorno Volcano trip from Puerto Varas with hotel pickup, guided views, and optional chairlift rides to snowy stations.
“Este tur es de suerte segun como amanesca el día, si puedes subir o no a la segunda estacion o si tienes posibilidad o no de visibilidad hacia el lago. El servicio de transporte no tiene nada que ver con ello. Nuestro guia muy amable y nos fue explicando todo al paso que ibamos llegando al volcan.”
Puerto Varas day trip to Termas del Sol hot springs and Cochamó on the Reloncaví fjord, with transfers and an English guide.
“Excellent guides, they made the trip very pleasant, they were punctual and very friendly. I totally recommend it.”
Road and sea tour of Chiloé’s inner coast with Dalcahue church stops, Tocoihue Waterfall photo breaks, and Quemchi villages.
“Jonathan es un excelente guía, nos enseñó las maravillas de Chiloe, 100% recomendado.”
Private full-day trip from Puerto Varas to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls, with bilingual guide, panoramic views.
