puerto varas tours

THE 10 BEST Puerto Varas Tours & Excursions

Tours in puerto varas.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls

2. From Bariloche, Argentina To Puerto Varas, Chile: Full Day

3. Frutillar, Puerto Varas, and Petrohué Waterfalls Excursion from Puerto Montt

4. Puerto Varas: Full Day - Peulla navigation

5. Puerto Varas: Half day Osorno Volcano tour

6. Alerce Andino Parque Nacional.

7. Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River

8. Full Day Castro & Dalcahue Chiloe Island

9. Rafting rio Petrohue

10. Puerto Varas: Full day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue falls

11. From Puerto Varas, Chile To Bariloche, Argentina: Full Day

12. Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour

13. Private Tour: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Vicente Peres Rosales National Park

14. Self Drive Experience at Chilean Lake District - 5 Days

15. Puerto Varas: Half day, traditional city tour

16. Kayak Laguna La Poza 1/2 day

17. Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar

18. Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls

19. Llanquihue Lake Cirquit - Waterfalls

20. Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas

21. Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas

22. Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour

23. Puerto Varas; Full day, Chiloe island: Ancud, Caulin and Lacuy

24. Private Cruise Shore Excursion from Puerto Montt: Land of Volcanoes

25. Tour Frutillar

26. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

27. Puerto Varas: Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue

28. Puerto Varas Mountain Biking Experience

29. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

30. Kayak Maullín River

What travellers are saying.

FLASH SALE💥   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Puerto Varas Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Puerto Varas. We've got 84 adventures going to Puerto Varas, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 38 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the largest number of tour departures.

84 Puerto Varas tour packages with 67 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Unique Self Drive Experience @ Lakes Region in Chile, visit Puerto Varas; Chiloe, Caulin, Castro, Ancud & Frutillar

A different trip, super recommended.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Stunning Puerto Varas - 4 days

Surprising Puerto Varas - 4 days

Puerto Varas, Lake Region

Bicycling Patagonia's Lakes District

The tour exceeded my expectations. It was well organized and supported, had variety of great accommodation and the food was to die for.

Andean Crossing Bariloche (Argentina) to Puerto Varas (Chile)

Northern Highway (Carretera Austral) - Group Tour

The salt flats are incredible, and we saw loads of flamingos! Highlight is the hot springs - we went in in the evening which was amazing watching the stars!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Puerto Varas, Lakes and Volcanoes (4 Days)

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

4 - Days Unique PREMIUM Experience at Lake Region & Puerto Varas in Chile

Magnificent Tour! Very entertaining, with wonderful landscapes. Highly recommend.

Tailor-Made Chile Holiday to Santiago and Lakes District with Daily Departure

What people love about puerto varas tours.

Puerto Varas and Frutillar are amazing. I was shocked so to speak, they are beautiful places.

Another great tour organised by Tourradar! Communication with our Tourradar organiser - tamer - was great. He answered all of our questions ☺️ the actual tour was a lot of fun! The salt flats are incredible, and we saw loads of flamingos! Highlight is the hot springs - we went in in the evening which was amazing watching the stars! The tour guides try and explain some of the astronomy! Would highly recommend ☺️

Excellent accomodation and trips. Good organisation and communication

Top operators

"Epic adventure, everything was perfectly organized

OneSeed Expeditions is an expert in:

• Hiking & Trekking

"Booked 17 people on a maximum 16 tour . When questioned said it was it a combined tour and only the first half was 16 people . Tour itinerary was good but you were constantly forking out to pay for optional tours as there were very few inclusions . Some accommodation was good and other terrible .

G Adventures is an expert in:

"It was an amazing trip, the agent was perfect, always available for any quesfiin and provided all the support needed. Highly recommend this trip and this agency

Ecuador Galapagos Travels is an expert in:

• to Latin America (3)
• Chile Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Discover TourRadar

• Costa Rica Tours
• Sailing in Greece
• Aegean October 2024 tours
• Day Trip - Arusha National Park
• Ancient Greece Adventure 4D/3N
• ANZACs on the Western Front
• Best 10 Day Greece Itineraries (with Reviews)

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Puerto Varas

Latest reviews.

• Andean Lakes Crossing 10.00 03/02/2024 Anonymous London , United Kingdom I travelled with my partner

Puerto Varas + Puerto Montt Private Tour

Reloncavi Estuary & Tagua Tagua Lake Tour

Chiloé Island Day Trip: Chacao, Castro y Dalcahue

Andean Lakes Crossing

Tour of Carretera Austral Villages

Tour of Todos los Santos Lake + Peulla

Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Waterfalls Day Trip

Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt Tour

Discover the history and most important monuments of the two main cities of the Los Lagos region with this fascinating tour of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt!

Chacao, Ancud & the Beaches of Chiloé Trip

Tour of Frutillar

Cochamó & Termas del Sol Excursion

Lake Llanquihue Villages Tour

Valdivia Private Excursion

La Escondida Waterfall, Coihue de los Columpios + Cochamó Excursion

Puerto Varas, Nueva Braunau & Lahuen Ñadi Tour

Maullín Tour + Birdwatching in Quenuir Bajo

Private Tours from Puerto Varas

Calbuco Island Private Excursion

History, culture and incredible landscapes await us on this trip to Calbuco Island, in one of the most beautiful archipelagos of the Chilean Lake District .

Chiloe Island: Chacao, Ancud & Puñihuil Penguins

Tour of Osorno Volcano

Alerce Andino National Park Trek

Bariloche Day Trip From Puerto Varas

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Civitatis eSIM Card Chile

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Basic information regarding personal data protection

Person responsible for the processing: CIVITATIS TOURS, S.L. (CIVITATIS). Purpose: Provision of the services requested; Sending commercial communications about CIVITATIS products and services, for which commercial profiles of our customers may be drawn up; Sending surveys in order to assess the services offered and their degree of satisfaction, as well as the publication of opinions about the service received; Compliance with accounting, legal, fiscal and administrative obligations; Publication of customer images and processing of data for statistical purposes. Rights: You have the right to access, rectify and delete data, to limit its processing, to oppose its processing and to its portability. Additional Information: You can consult additional information on Data Protection in the General Terms and Conditions .

15 Things To Do in Puerto Varas, Chile

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Welcome to Puerto Varas, a lakeside city full of adventures, and one of my favorite places in all of Chile! There are so many cool things to do in Puerto Varas — from waterfall-visiting and German town-hopping to kayaking, shopping, and enjoying chic restaurants!

My husband and I ended up in Puerto Varas on a bit of a whim — and it ended up being one of the highlights of our Chile Argentina honeymoon!

Planning your trip to Puerto Varas last minute?

🏔️ Top Experiences and Tours in Puerto Varas:

• Visit Petrohué Falls (My #1 recommendation!)
• Visit other towns on the lakes (Frutillar is my favorite)
• Experience the stunning Volcán Osorno (Great adventure activity)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in Puerto Varas:

• Hotel AWA (Lake & volcano views)
• Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas (Nice central location)
• MaPatagonia Hostel (Perfect for budget travelers)

🚗 Renting a car from Puerto Montt Airport? Find deals on car rental rates here.

What makes Puerto Varas so German? In the 1850s, Germans were encouraged to move here to develop the land, and more than 200 families made the journey. (Note that this was LONG before World War II. These are not the same Germans who fled to Argentina post-World War II.)

We arrived in Los Lagos, Chile’s Lakes Region, after a few days in the Atacama Desert , and WHAT a contrast it was — rolling hills of farmland, old-fashioned timber houses, flowers everywhere, and the most lush, sweet-smelling air.

Puerto Varas is perched on Lake Llanquihue, with views of snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. Chileans come here for the easy access to the outdoors, as well as the culture — so you can go hard or take it slow.

I highly recommend renting a car to enjoy all that this region has to offer. But even if you’re coming in by public transit, you’ll find so much to love about Puerto Varas. Let’s take a look!

This post was published in April 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do in Puerto Varas, Chile

Explore the town center.

There’s lots to do in the center of Puerto Varas. Start by checking out two churches, Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, a 1915 Catholic church that overlooks downtown, and Iglesia Lueterana, a 1924 Lutheran church along the lake. 

If you love to shop, Puerto Varas is home to lots of small boutiques and secondhand stores. If you love thrift shopping as much as I do, check out Loica Liquidadora, a beloved secondhand clothing store. If you need sports gear, there’s also a Patagonia shop in town! 

One of the things that makes Puerto Varas stand out is its interesting architecture. My favorite was Casa Kuschel, one of the oldest houses in Puerto Varas, a gothic masterpiece that the Addams Family would love.

Another is Casa Gotschlich, a historic German home from the early 1900s. A lot of German-inspired homes and buildings can be seen dotted around the lake.

Speaking of German culture, you’ll also want to indulge in some German food while in town! Germans love their afternoon kaffee und kuchen , or coffee and cake. Here in Chile, they turn it Spanish and call it kuchenes (KOO-ken-ays)!

Visit Museo Pablo Fierro

You will know Museo Pablo Fierro the moment you see it — nearly everyone stops and stares. Its quirky exterior — featuring bikes, a giant clock, and half a ship — pretty much demands you stop in.

Inside you’ll find a collection curated by artist Pablo Fierro that showcases the intersection of the local Chilote culture and the German farmers who immigrated to Puerto Varas in the mid 19th Century.

Unlike in most museums, visitors are encouraged to play and interact with many of the artifacts on display.

Walk or bike Cerro Philippi

Just north of the city center is Parque Philippi, a lush park offering trails up to the peak of Cerro Philippi. Hikers can take the 0.7 mile (1.1 km) out and back Mirador Cerro Philippi trail up the mountain. On a clear day, you’ll get a great view of the volcanoes! 

There are also a number of bike trails throughout the park. They range in difficulty level, so even novice mountain bikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery.  

Relax on the shores of Lake Llanquihue

Puerto Varas hugs the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s second largest lake. On a nice day, you’ll find locals and travelers enjoying a stroll or chilling out with a beer by the water. There is a little fishing pier called Muelle Piedralplen with lots of benches for enjoying the view.

Not a lot of swimming happens at Lake Llanquihue, as Puerto Varas rarely gets warm enough for people to brave the water. But if you happen to visit during a particularly hot stretch of summer, enjoy a dip!

I was in Puerto Varas in early December, Chile’s late spring. It was overcast and light jacket weather until the final day, when the sun came out, the volcanoes revealed themselves, and a few intrepid folks jumped into the water!

Eat at Mesa Tropera

When we told Chileans we were coming to Puerto Varas, many of them said the same thing: “You MUST go to Mesa Tropera.” With that many endorsements, we had to go!

Mesa Tropera is a pizzeria and cervecería (beer bar — and here it’s a craft brewery). It’s perched right on the lake, with huge windows overlooking the volcanoes in the distance.

And in addition to really good pizza (by far the best I had in Chile), they also serve interesting tartares (not just beef, but salmon, octopus, and artichoke) and interesting fusion dishes, like Italian pasta dishes with Patagonian lamb. The beers are nice, too!

I’ll be honest — Chilean food isn’t the greatest, but Puerto Varas has a lot of nice restaurants that I enjoyed. Here are some I recommend:

La Vinoteca — This wine bar and shop allows you to buy your wine at store prices, but they’ll open and serve it to you. They also have an incredible octopus appetizer with roasted potatoes, leeks, and cheese. It’s a weird combo, but it works!

La Chalota : If you’re looking for a hipster brunch in Puerto Varas, this is the place. They have tons of yummy baked goods and I highly recommend their shakshuka. 

Japon del Lago : If you’re in the mood for Japanese food — or Peruvian-flavored Nikkei cuisine, common in Chile — this is a nice sushi spot. We went twice because we loved their tuna tiradito so much! 

Dharma Coffee : I always say wherever I travel I have to find the best coffee in town. In Puerto Varas, that would be Dharma Coffee, with delicious flat whites and nice lake views.

Visit Petrohué Falls

Petrohué Falls (Saltas de Petrohué) is an absolute MUST visit during your time in Puerto Varas. These rushing waterfalls are absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day, when Osorno Volcano rises perfectly behind them!

A short path will take you to these chute-style waterfalls and walking trails in the area will allow you to experience them from different viewpoints. We also spotted some adorable foxes, who loved hanging out at the cafe area. (Please don’t feed them. It’s not good for them.)

My top recommendation is to time your visit for a clear day — it’s so much better when the volcano rises behind the falls.

Petrohué Falls is about a 45-minute drive from Puerto Varas.

Visit Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is Chile’s oldest national park and home to the famous Petrohué Falls, beautifully green Lake Todos los Santos, and the snow-capped Osorno Volcano. If you’ve got time for more than just the falls, visiting the whole national park can be a blast!

To explore this epic park, you can head out on this guided hiking tour . From your hotel in Puerto Varas, you’ll drive up into the park, walk around volcanic craters, enjoy a scenic coffee, and hike through the forest to the Petrohué River and Emerald Lake.

Or head across the national park to the town of Peulla on this day trip . You’ll drive along the lake to the town of Ensenada, visit Petrohué Falls and Petrohué River, take a catamaran across Todos Los Santos Lake, enjoy lunch in Peulla, and then enjoy an activity of your choice in the afternoon, such as horseback riding, fishing or hiking.  

Another option is a guided bike tour that visits Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos, and Osorno Volcano.

Spend a day in Frutillar

On the west side of Lake Llanquihue lies the adorable German town of Frutillar. This small town looks like it was plucked straight out of Bavaria! I couldn’t believe we were still in Chile.

There are two parts of town — Frutillar Alto and Frutillar Baja — and you want to head to Frutillar Bajo, the pretty part of town right on the lake. You’ll want to photograph everything in sight!

Admire the gorgeous architecture, the blooming gardens, the nice downtown shops, and pay a visit to the Frutillar German Colonial Museum . If you time your trip right, you may also be able to attend the annual Semanas Musicales music festival, which takes place in late January and early February.

When you start to get hungry, I recommend Club Alemán de Frutillar , where we enjoyed a nice schnitzel and these incredible potatoes with cheese and bacon, along with some German Chilean beer.

And because you must stop for your daily kuchenes , as German Chileans call it, head to Casa Rosalba for kaffee und kuchen . They make delicious espresso-based beverages as well as apple strudel and cheesecake, and you can enjoy views from its high perch on a hill. It’s cozy and lovely.

To get to Frutillar from Puerto Varas, you can drive (25 minutes), take the bus, or visit as part of a day tour. This day tour from Puerto Varas stops at both Llanquihue and Frutillar.

Visit other towns on the lake

Frutillar is just one of the towns around Lake Llanquihue that you’ll want to visit while you’re in Puerto Varas. Two other towns you can check out are Puerto Octay and Llanquihue. 

Puerto Octay is wonderfully low-key town, just 45 minutes from Puerto Varas. There’s not a ton to see in terms of sights, but it is a beautiful town to walk around and smell the roses (literally, we walked past a house with a HUGE rose garden on the corner of Costanera Pichi Juan and Muñoz Gamero). 

In Puerto Octay, just walk around the town, including the big hill with a cemetery overlooking the lake. I highly recommend lunch at Restaurant Willhause (delicious and refined German food, and I had a terrific salmon) and coffee and cake at Cafe Meson Carpintero . They had incredible cream puffs and probably the best flat white I had in all of Chile! 

You can also visit the town of Llanquihue , which is just 15 minutes from Puerto Varas. It’s not the prettiest town on the lake, but it’s worth a quick stop to see the German history and local dairy farms. If you’re not driving, you can visit Llanquihue and Frutillar on this half-day tour . 

Go rafting or kayaking 

Being in the lakes region of Chile, Puerto Varas is one of the best places to experience water sports. If you’re feeling adventurous, head out on a rafting tour down Rio Petrohué. 

This half-day guided rafting tour will have you navigating through Class III rapids as you spot volcanoes in the distance. Want an even bigger adrenaline rush? This rafting tour includes Class III and Class IV rapids! 

Or if you prefer something a bit more laidback, you can go kayaking. Paddle through the lush vegetation and swamp forest of the Maullín River on this kayaking tour or spend half a day kayaking around Laguna La Poza , whose calm waters are perfect for families or beginners. 

Visit Salto Las Cascadas

If you’re in the mood for more waterfalls, pay a visit to Salto Las Cascadas. This is the antithesis of the well-organized Petrohué Falls experience — it’s just a dirt road to a makeshift parking lot, followed by a trail through the woods, until you reach a waterfall.

You’ll set out on a 30 minute walk through the forest and along the rushing Rio Blanco Las Cascadas until you reach a tall, skinny waterfall, perfect for photo ops.

Las Cascadas is on the east shore of Lake Llanquihue, about a 90 minute drive from Puerto Varas. I think it makes sense to visit these falls as part of a larger trip to the Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano, which are also east of the lake. 

Experience the stunning Volcán Osorno

Volcán Osorno is one of the most active volcanoes in all of Chile’s Andes Mountains and a distinct natural beauty in the 10th region of Los Lagos. It stands 8,700 feet (2,650 meters) tall and has erupted eleven times in recorded history, most recently in 1869.

While still considered active, Osorno Volcano is now one of the most visited places in the Lakes region. You can visit as part of this tour seeing both Volcán Osorno and Petrohué Falls , or this tour which includes Osorno Volcano, Calbuco Volcano, and Llanquihue Lake . 

If you’re feeling really adventurous you can ski at the Osorno Volcano Ski Center or mountain climb on this overnight guided climbing trip . Climbing an active volcano is an experience I think every adventure traveler should have! (Though I didn’t do it here, I did it a few times in Sicily.)

Go fishing in the Maullin River

If you love to fish, you’ll need to give it a try in the Lakes Region! If you’re looking to fish near Puerto Varas, check out this private sport fishing tour . From here, you’ll head out to Llanquihue and fish for brown and rainbow trout on the Maullin River. 

Enjoy a full day of fishing through the mangroves and lunch on the banks of the river. This private tour is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, families, and groups. 

Visit Alerce Andino National Park

Alerce Andino National Park is a temperate rainforest known for its lakes, wetlands, and alerce trees that grow over 147 feet (45 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide. At a little over an hour from the city of Puerto Varas, Parque Nacional Alerce Andino makes a perfect day trip out in nature.

Join this guided day tour to the national park where a guide will take you along the trails and share more about the park’s biodiversity. 

Visit Chiloé Island

Chiloé Island is part of an archipelago in southern Chile. The island is famous for its historic Jesuit churches, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and homes that sit on stilts out in the water.

The Chiloé archipelago is also a natural paradise known for its stunning landscapes and interesting wildlife, including whales and penguins.

Chiloé has tons of things to do, especially if you love the outdoors, and is better visited for a few days — but it can be done as a day trip from Puerto Varas. Just know that the drive is 3.5 hours each way to the city of Castro. If that’s cool with you, go for it!

You can also visit Chiloé on a guided tour from Puerto Varas , leaving the long day of driving to someone else. 

How Much Time to Spend in Puerto Varas

I think three days is enough time to explore Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue. But if you’re hoping for a more laid-back and relaxing trip — or if you need a break in the middle of a busy Chile itinerary, like me — Puerto Varas is a great place to stay for a while.

I spent almost a week in Puerto Varas, both sightseeing and getting some work done, and it was perfect. I loved the calm environment, the fabulous restaurants, and the fact that prices were much lower than they were in Patagonia.

The great thing about Puerto Varas is there’s a lot to do so you’re not bored, but you don’t feel pressure to do ALL THE THINGS (like in San Pedro de Atacama ). You can really take your time, slow down, and enjoy the city.

One of those days should be spent exploring the attractions around the lake. In a single day, if you were ambitious, you could drive around the lake clockwise and visit Llanquihue, Frutillar, Puerto Octay, Salto Las Cascadas, and Petrohué Waterfalls before coming back to Puerto Varas.

If you only have one day in Puerto Varas altogether, I would spend most of your time in the town and do a side trip to either Frutillar or Petrohué Falls. You could probably do both if you started early and ended late (double-check the Petrohué Falls opening hours first, though).

But again, I really enjoyed having more time to relax in Puerto Varas. I think you’ll enjoy a few more days here, too.

How to get to Puerto Varas

The best way to get to Puerto Varas is to fly into Puerto Montt, rent a car , and drive to the city. You can fly directly to Puerto Montt from other cities in Chile, including Santiago and Puerto Natales. From Puerto Montt, it’s a 30-minute drive through beautiful farmland to Puerto Varas.  

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend spending much if any time in Puerto Montt itself. We visited briefly to pick up an Apple Watch charger and were glad we decided to spend more of our time in Puerto Varas. 

You could also visit Puerto Varas as part of a Chilean road trip. To the southwest you have Chiloé Island, known for its historic wooden churches; four hours north of Puerto Varas lies Pucón, a great place for hiking and water sports; and to the south, you have the beautiful landscapes of Patagonia! 

If you’d like to expand your road trip to visit more of South America, you can head east past Cerro Tronador on the border of Argentina to the popular lake town, Bariloche. Bariloche is a 4.5 hour drive from Puerto Varas — though keep in mind that this border crossing can get busy with travelers trying to visit both Chile and Argentina in a single day. 

Where to Stay in Puerto Varas

Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Puerto Varas based on your budget: 

Top Rated Luxury Hotel in Puerto Varas : Hotel AWA is a gorgeous, modern property with lake and volcano views, complimentary breakfast, and a fireplace in every room. They also have a restaurant, pool, sauna, spa, hot tubs, and a hammam on site! While not central in town, it’s hard to beat these views! 

Top Rated Mid-range Hotel in Puerto Varas : Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas offers a compromise between luxury amenities and a central location, all with beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Here you’ll find a hot tub, sauna, spa and restaurant, all within walking distance of some of the city’s main attractions. 

Top Rated Budget Hotel in Puerto Varas : MaPatagonia Hostel is perfect for budget travelers looking for a little charm. Sleep in a private or dorm room in this restored German home, cook in the shared kitchen, and relax in the beautiful garden out back.  

Find deals on places to stay in Puerto Varas here.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Varas

High season in Chile is from December to March, when the Los Lagos region enjoys the most sunshine and the least rain. However, because Puerto Varas is on the edge of Patagonia, it still experiences some of the wild weather the region is known for.

We visited in December and despite it being the beginning of the peak summer season, we had to wear our coats most days. We only had one really warm day right at the end. So even if you visit during the southern hemisphere’s summer, bring a coat! 

Even with the slightly colder weather we experienced, I would still recommend visiting Puerto Varas at the tail ends of peak season: early December or late March. That way, you get the best chance of nice weather and slightly smaller crowds. 

Is Puerto Varas Worth It?

I had an absolute ball in Puerto Varas! This was one of the last places we added to our itinerary, and I’m so glad we decided to come here instead of somewhere else in Chile.

If you’re on the fence about visiting Puerto Varas and you love the idea of an adventure town on the lake with lots to explore, I think you’ll enjoy yourself here. Go and have the best time!

More on Chile:

• 26 Fun Things To Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
• Staying at Ecocamp Patagonia: A Sustainable Resort in Chile
• 17 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile
• 11 Cool Day Trips from Santiago, Chile
• 17 Colorful Things to Do in Valparaíso, Chile

More on South America:

• 32+ Fun Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 25 Epic Things To Do in El Calafate, Argentina
• 18 Wild Things to Do in El Chaltén, Argentina
• El Calafate vs. El Chaltén: Which Town in Argentine Patagonia is Better?
• Solo Female Travel in Colombia: Is it safe?
• What’s it really like to travel to Guyana?
• 16 Epic Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina

Have you been to Puerto Varas? Any tips to share?

Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Tours

Here at Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Tours, Jack & Carola Trout have been touring folks just like you around the Lake’s District & River’s District of Chile & Argentina since 1994. Our In-depth Knowledge Of Chile & Argentina’s History, Geology, Geography, Lakes, Rivers and Volcanoes, As Well As Local Knowledge Is What Sets Us Apart For Your Tours.

* We offer Tours Off the Cruise Ships in Puerto Montt, Aysen & Punta Arenas Chile – Regions 9, 10 & 11.

* tours to see the penguins in the isla de chiloe., * tour to see parque de alerces near puerto montt chile., * full day & half day tours around the lake’s district & river’s district even from chile into argentina on multiple day adventures., * we are mainly an english based speaking guide company guiding tours for many tourist from all countries as well as having spanish speaking guides for folks from south america., * van tours as well as private tours just for your family, friends or company. we specialize in private tours., * tours to lago llaquihue, puerto varas, puerto montt, frutillar, puerto octay, puyehue, valdivia, pucon, chile also san martin de los andes & bariloche, argentina., * we can assist you with airfare, rent a cars, lodging, group stream side gourmet lunches, information on crossing borders, south american travel information, international itineraries., *birding, photo opportunities, landscapes, videos., .*jack trout is known historian who does tours with his wife carola in california & nevada when he’s not guiding in chile., * carola trout was born and raised in the llanquihue puerto varas, puerto montt, lake’s district region of chile. jack trout is from portola, california and has written books for fodor’s travel books out of new york. all of our other spanish speaking guides are born and raised in the region., * all major credit cards accepted & paypal .

Our commitment to providing the most entertaining and interesting adventures available in all the areas we tour, just let us know what you’re interested in or we can suggest something we have in mind.

Jack is a historian that not only guides fly fishing but tours clubs and historical societies and gives history lessons.

Jack and Carola, our knowledge of Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina’s history is the total experience difference.

We Know The Best Locations For Your Hobby Or Professional Shoot.

Bringing Our Clientele To New Heights!

The Most Incredible Safe Locations, Is What We’re All About.

Enjoy Amazing Photography Around The Lakes District Of Chile In The Fjords Of The Reloncavi Estuary.

Family Adventures Welcomed, We can Customize Your Private Family Adventure As We Only Provide Private Tours.

One You’ll Always Remember.

Osorno Is a Magnificent Volcano In The Lakes District Region Of Chile, This Volcano Is The Icon Of The Region And Can Be Seen From All Directions While Traveling Around This Area.

Frutillar Is a German Town In The Lakes District Of Chile, We Want To Take You There And Explain All The History.

Private Tours Done Right, Catered To How You Want It. Just Give Us And Email At [email protected]

These Are Just Some Of The Places We Want To Take You And Your Family To.

Breath Taking Strikingly Beautiful Views That Will Make Your Travels Down To Southern Chile Spectacular.

We Know The Area As Well As The Amazing History Of These Region, Let Us Share Our Extended Knowledge With You Or Your Group.

The Rio Cochamo Fed By The Andean Glaciers That Run Off And Make This One Incredible Gin Clear River.

The Reloncavi Estuary Fed Mostly By The Rio Petrohue & Rio Cochamo With The Volcano Yate As Its Witness.

       Down in the town of Cochamo, a church that was built in the early 1900’s, I was told the wood was all brought in by ship as back then as they didn’t have roads out to here.

Let Us Lead Your Group On Their Next Tour Around Puerto Varas, Frutillar & Puerto Montt Chile.

Great Food Is Available On Our Group Tours For Buses & Mini Van Tours In The Lakes District Of Chile.

Check Out Our Tours To The Isla de Chiloe To See The Incredible Views & Visit The Penguins In Puñihuil, Chiloe Island. Day Trips From Puerto Varas, Ensenada & Puerto Montt.

Read our stories –   Adventures In Chiloe Penguins & Views

We Tour You Through The Town Of Ancud, Chile To See All The Painted Houses & Possible The Market.

We Can Tour You From Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Ensenada, Lakes District Chile to The Isla de Chiloe Best Sites.

We Know The Best Places For Breath Taking Views While Touring The Island That Only Takes An Hour 1/2 or So From Our Starting Points.

Beaches That Go For Miles Without A Soul Insight.

We Take A Boat Ride To Where The Penguins Are Located.

King Crab Central Folks!

Don’t Forget Your Personal Flotation Devices. (PFD’s)

The Views Are Some Of The Greatest You Can Imagine.

When Those Local Boats Come Back To Harbor With A Boat Load Full Of King Crab For Sale, Bring Your Cooler’s!

We Don’t Actually Walk With The Penguins, That’s Prohited, But The Lecture That We Translate Into English And All The Information & Experience Is One You Will Never Forget. You Will Enjoy The Seafood Lunch At A Local Restaurant On Our Tour.

Another Happy Client With Chilean Born Tour Guide, Carola Trout.

                                                                        Jack and Danny Devito, getting ready for a great day!

Contact Us:

Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Tours

Dirección: San Pedro 422, Puerto Varas – Chile –  Chilean Cell Phone – 56- 993259490

From The United States Call: 530-926-4540 

2nd Location: Calle Sargento Aldea #6 Llanquihue, Chile 56-9-66238782 Chile Cell 56-65-243022 Landline Chile 530-918-8879 Worldwide USA Cell www.tourpuertomontt.com [email protected] skype: jacktrout24

www.jacktrout.com * www.tourmtshasta.com * www.tourplacencia.com * www.cubaclassictour.com * www.cubaflyfishguide.com Check out some of the other areas and tours – fly fishing we offer worldwide.

Weather Forecast – Lake District Chile

Day Tours In Puerto Varas

• Puerto Varas

Best tours in Puerto Varas Chile at the best price.

List of day tours.

Osorno Volcano In Puerto Varas.

Half Day City Tour In Puerto Varas Puerto Montt

Catamaran To Peulla And Petrohue Falls Full Day

Full Day Termas Del Sol

Half Day Frutillar Llanquihue

Full Day Ancud, Caullin And Puñihuil Penguin Colony.

Full Day Ancud, Castro And Dalcahue, Isla Grande De Chiloé.

Full Day Castro And Dalcahue - Chiloé Island.

Andean Crossing From Puerto Varas To Bariloche

Full Day Sea Kayak - Reloncavi Fjord

Bike Tour Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls, Todos Los Santos Lake

City Tour Frutillar Bike Tour

Trekking In The Alerce Andino National Park

Petrohue River Rafting

Full Day Bike Tour Around Lake Llanquihue.

Bike Tour Petrohué Falls And Todos Los Santos Lake

El Rincón Beach Trekking, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

Trek Paso Desolación, In The Osorno Volcano, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

¡most popular trips in puerto varas, austral highway, the best of northern chilean patagonia, ¡most popular tours in chile, gray lake navigation – catamaran gray i i i, trekking puritama canyon and guatin community, astronomical tour san pedro de atacama, city tour to valparaíso and viña del mar., san rafael lagoon - explorers bay from puerto tranquilo, full day anakena and rapa nui culture, orongo ceremonial center, exit atacama and altiplanic lagoons, ahu akivi the seven moais, magdalena island penguin navigation, reviews and experiences of day tours in puerto varas.

Check what our customers say about us!

Bike Tour Petrohué Falls And Todos Los Santos Lake : If you are visiting Puerto Varas, consider the tour . We had a really great time!

Full day termas del sol : if you are visiting puerto varas, consider the tour . we had a really great time, full day castro and dalcahue - chiloé island. : if you are visiting puerto varas, consider the tour . we had a really great time, full day ancud, castro and dalcahue, isla grande de chiloé. : if you are visiting puerto varas, consider the tour . we had a really great time, bike tour petrohué falls and todos los santos lake : if you are looking for what to do in puerto varas, you should consider booking the tour . it´ll be an experience you won´t forget, full day termas del sol : if you are looking for what to do in puerto varas, you should consider booking the tour . it´ll be an experience you won´t forget, full day ancud, castro and dalcahue, isla grande de chiloé. : if you are looking for what to do in puerto varas, you should consider booking the tour . it´ll be an experience you won´t forget, full day castro and dalcahue - chiloé island. : if you are traveling to puerto varas you shouldn´t miss the tour . it is a unique experience, rate list of day tours in puerto varas (chile), all types of day tours, day tours adventure, day tours classic, activities of day tours, hiking & trekking, hot springs, kayak tours, wildlife watching, sightseeing, interests of day tours, culture and history, nature and wildlife, photography, architecture.

• Huasco Valley
• San Pedro de Atacama
• Elqui Valley
• Antofagasta
• Limarí – Fray Jorge National Park
• Bahía Inglesa
• Alto El Loa
• La Serena and Coquimbo
• Copiapó Valley
• Tagua Tagua – Almahue Valley
• Alto Colchagua Universidad Glacier 
• Cachapoal Valley
• Portillo Ski Resort
• Pirque and Maipo Valley
• Aconcagua Valley
• Valle Nevado Ski Resort
• El Colorado Ski Resort
• Curicó Valley
• Maule Valley
• San Antonio/Leyda Valley
• Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz
• Casablanca Valley
• Viña del Mar
• Cajón del Maipo
• Robinson Crusoe Island
• Rancagua and Sewell
• La Parva Ski Resort
• Rano Raraku
• Llanquihue Lake
• Chillan Ski Resort
• Puerto Montt
• Osorno and Puyehue
• Valdivia and Corral
• Pucón and Villarrica
• Panguipulli
• Temuco and Lago Budi
• Arauco Territory

Puerto Varas

• Chilean Antarctic Destination
• General Carrera Lake
• Tierra del Fuego
• Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén
• Carretera Austral
• Torres del Paine
• Puerto Natales
• Punta Arenas
• Family recreation
• Coastal beaches
• Lakeside Beaches
• Hot Springs
• Spa and relaxation
• Patagonian cruises
• Lake sailing
• International cruises
• Visits to observatories
• Astronomical facilities
• Indigenous Peoples and Ethnotourism
• World Heritage Sites
• Archaeology
• Paleontology
• Poetry and Literature
• Typical gastronomy
• Gastronomy of the world
• Hiking y trekking
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Mountainbike
• Horseback Riding
• Mountain and rock climbing
• Sport fishing
• Kitesurfing and water sports
• Ice walking
• Overland 4×4
• Paragliding and aerial sports
• Wildlife watching
• Landscape photography
• National Parks
• Bird Watching

Adventure and Chilean-German tradition, amid an impressive nature, is what Puerto Varas has in store for you. Discover its magical corners, its waterfront that invites you to walk and contemplate the volcanoes on the shores of Lake Llanquihue!

Tour the “City of Roses”, its unmistakable and traditional Germanic architecture, and its modern residential neighborhoods with manicured gardens; enjoy adventure and nature, kayaking or sport fishing.

Rent a bike in Puerto Varas and reach the Petrohué Falls. Along the way, you will find beautiful beaches. Puerto Varas has an exquisite gastronomy, a casino with lively nightlife and an interesting cultural life. In winter, its inhabitants celebrate the unmissable “Festival de la Lluvia” (Rain Festival).

Find information on how to get to this destination

Explore the charms Puerto Varas

A scenic tour divided between Chile and Argentina that is a unique experience. Only those who have lived it can appreciate its real magnitude.

The impressive views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes will amaze you from the shore of the Llanquihue Lake. At the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, you will be able to sail over the waters of the Todos los Santos Lake to visit Peulla, a quaint little town close to the border with Argentina.

The first park in Chilean territory that was traveled by Araucanians and Jesuit missionaries in the past, following trans-Andean trails to cross the border.

Lake Todos los Santos, Osorno Volcano and Mount Tronador are some of the park’s natural wonders. Walking along its trails, you will clearly see the lava path until it reaches rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Discover the Petrohué waterfalls that form a torrential and frothy waterfall through a canyon of volcanic rock carved by lava. Enjoy aquatic activities in the waters that flow down from the mountains.

This quaint little town surrounded by volcanoes will surprise you with its heritage, architecture and its charming German backdrop.

At Puerto Octay you can enjoy peaceful walks along the Llanquihue Lake among lush vegetation, do water sports and get to know the fascinating history of this area of Chile, visiting the El Colono de Octay Museum. And, if after all this you are hungry, don’t hesitate to try the delicious dishes that mix German and Chilean foods!

A hideout with almost 40,000 hectares, here nature will surprise you showing its best side. A huge mountain and deep valleys completely covered by thick larch forests and other typical trees of the area await you at the Alerce Andino National Park. Don’t miss out on the views from the Chapo Lake and the valleys of the Chaicas and Lenca Rivers!

Walk along the forest paths and you’ll be able to find a wide variety of animals. Also, deep in the forest, there are mountain lagoons hidden in a rough relief that are just waiting to be discovered.

The best way to get to know the park is by walking along its many paths. If your stay is long, you can set up camp or spend the night in one of the available shelters.

Top Tours in Puerto Varas, Chile

Puerto varas tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls

2. From Bariloche, Argentina To Puerto Varas, Chile: Full Day

3. Frutillar, Puerto Varas, and Petrohué Waterfalls Excursion from Puerto Montt

4. Puerto Varas: Full Day - Peulla navigation

5. Puerto Varas: Half day Osorno Volcano tour

6. Alerce Andino Parque Nacional.

7. Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River

8. Full Day Castro & Dalcahue Chiloe Island

9. Rafting rio Petrohue

10. Puerto Varas: Full day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue falls

11. From Puerto Varas, Chile To Bariloche, Argentina: Full Day

12. Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour

13. Private Tour: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Vicente Peres Rosales National Park

14. Self Drive Experience at Chilean Lake District - 5 Days

15. Puerto Varas: Half day, traditional city tour

16. Kayak Laguna La Poza 1/2 day

17. Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar

18. Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls

19. Llanquihue Lake Cirquit - Waterfalls

20. Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas

21. Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas

22. Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour

23. Puerto Varas; Full day, Chiloe island: Ancud, Caulin and Lacuy

24. Private Cruise Shore Excursion from Puerto Montt: Land of Volcanoes

25. Tour Frutillar

26. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

27. Puerto Varas: Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue

28. Puerto Varas Mountain Biking Experience

29. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

30. Kayak Maullín River

What travellers are saying.

Cuenca del Lago Llanquihue

Volcán Osorno

¡ Revisa el tour que más te guste!

¡ 12 DIFERENTES EXPERIENCIAS A ELECCIÓN ! En cada uno de ellos encontrarás todos los detalles que necesites saber. Tour privados a precio accesibles / Incluye guía fotógrafo de paisaje y Naturaleza.

Tour Naturaleza

Tour Volcán Osorno

Tour Columpios de Cochamó

Tour Termas del Sol /Cochamo/Reloncavi

Tour Termas del Sol + Columpios de Cochamo

Tour Aremko Aguas calientes / Saltos del Petrohué / Laguna Verde

Tour Aremko Aguas calientes / Laguna Verde /Cascada

PARQUE-ALERCE-ANDINO-CHAICAS

TOUR-NOCTURNO-VOLCAN

SAFARI FOTOGRAFICO

Tour Cuenca Lago Llanquihue

¡Somos turismo Fotográfico!

Pioneros en este servicio, donde mezclamos visitas guiadas a los mejores lugares de nuestra zona junto con el arte de la fotografía.

Turismo y Safari fotográfico.

Nuestros Tour ahora son Privados! Parejas, novios, amigos, familias, empresas. Salida mínima 2 pasajeros adultos.

Nuestra empresa tiene su origen en el amor y pasión que sentimos hacia el Arte de la Fotografía, por esto mezclamos lo mejor de ambos mundos.  Por lo tanto, como resultado, nuestro éxito se da gracias a la alta capacidad para Innovar y transmitir experiencias únicas a nuestros pasajeros.

Llevamos 10 años en esta hermosa ciudad realizando este tipo de tour y otros 15 ejerciendo lo que más amamos que es la fotografía de paisaje y naturaleza. Es así en que nos hemos convertido en los únicos que logran transformar un simple tour en una inolvidable experiencia. Ciertamente nadie más sabe cómo nosotros mezclar a la perfección el turismo con el arte de la fotografía .. eso lo garantizamos!

Es así como nuestros turistas que han realizado nuestros tour en Puerto Varas avalan la calidad de nuestros servicios. Así mismo, cada comentario y evaluación que han dejado en las redes sociales y Google da fe de que estamos haciendo las cosas bien.

Sobre todo, somos un puente entre Puerto Varas y los turistas que buscan ver más allá de lo evidente. Por último lo más importante es que más que un turista o un cliente, buscamos grandes amigos para compartir aventuras.