From my extensive travels in southern Chile, Puerto Varas stands out for three exceptional full-day tours. The Todos los Santos Lake excursion offers the best bang-for-your-buck, combining pristine waters with snow-capped volcano views. I’m especially fond of the Chiloé Island church tour – these wooden UNESCO treasures tell fascinating stories of faith and craftsmanship. The cross-Andes journey to Argentina, while longer, rewards travelers with dramatic mountain scenery and authentic gaucho culture.
Most tours run $80-150 per person, with premium options available for smaller groups and better meals. The best outfitters provide English-speaking guides and comfortable transportation.
Let’s explore the most worthwhile full-day tours from Puerto Varas.
Key Points
-
The Peulla Navigation Tour offers a highly rated catamaran ride on Todos los Santos Lake and a visit to the town of Peulla, with hotel pickup/drop-off and food/drinks included.
-
The Chiloé Island Tour provides a cultural experience, crossing the Chacao Canal to visit the UNESCO-listed Church of Castro and the craft fair in Dalcahue.
-
The Andes Adventure Tour is a full-day journey from Puerto Varas to Bariloche, Argentina, featuring scenic highlights like Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes and the Peulla Ecological Lodge.
-
The Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of natural wonders, including a visit to the Osorno Ski Center and stunning views of Llanquihue Lake and Calbuco volcano.
-
Premium full-day tours to Osorno Volcano/Petrohue Falls and Chiloe Island provide an intimate experience with additional amenities like lunch, drinks, and accessible transportation.
The Puerto Varas: Full Day – Peulla Navigation tour whisks visitors away on a scenic adventure through the stunning landscapes surrounding Puerto Varas.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, this full-day excursion offers a chance to explore the region’s natural beauty, including a catamaran ride across Todos los Santos Lake and a visit to the charming town of Peulla.
While the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as food and drinks, guests should note that lunch options are limited and may be costly.
Plus, some optional activities like horseback riding require advance confirmation.
Read our full review: Puerto Varas: Full Day – Peulla Navigation Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Varas: Full Day Chiloé Island Tour Castro and Dalcahue
Departing from Puerto Varas, this full-day tour whisks visitors across the Chacao Canal to the picturesque island of Chiloé. Priced at $74 per person, the tour explores the capital, Castro, including the UNESCO-listed Church of Castro and the colorful Handicrafts market.
Guests also visit the charming town of Chacao and the scenic Dalcahue, known for its Sunday craft fair. With hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and entrance to the church included, the tour offers an immersive experience.
However, past customers have reported issues with last-minute changes, language barriers, and transport discomfort, so travelers should be prepared for potential logistical challenges.
Read our full review: Puerto Varas: Full Day Chiloé Island Tour Castro and Dalcahue Review
Book now: Check availability
From Puerto Varas, Chile To Bariloche, Argentina: Full Day
Travelers seeking an Andes adventure can embark on a full-day tour from Puerto Varas, Chile to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
The tour features a journey by bus and boat across the Andes, showcasing waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. Highlights include seeing the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, visiting the Peulla Ecological Lodge, and exploring Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
The tour includes a driver/guide, all land and lake transfers, and food and drinks. However, travelers should be aware of additional fees for port, migratory, and national park access, as well as any other items not mentioned in the program.
With a maximum of 40 travelers per tour, this adventure offers an ideal option for visitors short on time.
Read our full review: From Puerto Varas, Chile To Bariloche, Argentina: Full Day Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls
From the heart of Puerto Varas, adventurers embark on a captivating full-day tour that showcases the region’s natural wonders.
Over 6 hours, including hotel pickup, the tour takes visitors to the Osorno Ski Center, where they can admire panoramic vistas at an elevation of 3,937 feet.
The journey continues through Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, where they’ll explore Todos los Santos Lake and hike amidst evergreen forests.
Travelers are also treated to scenic views of Llanquihue Lake and Calbuco volcano.
Priced from $49 per person, the tour is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and offers multilingual guides to enhance the experience.
Read our full review: Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls Review
Book now: Check availability
The Premium Full Day Shared Tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural wonders.
This tour, limited to a maximum of 14 people, provides a premium experience with a range of inclusions. Travelers will enjoy a delectable lunch with appetizers, drinks, and dessert, as well as entrance tickets to the national park and ski lift access.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, and infants can join the group. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking options, this tour offers an exceptional value at €193.67 per person, based on 5-star reviews.
Read our full review: Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls Review
Book now: Check availability
Peulla Full Day Tour From Puerto Varas
Departing from Puerto Varas, the Peulla Full Day Tour transports visitors on a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes of the region.
Priced from $61.52 per person, this tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, a boat ride on Todos Los Santos Lake, and entrance to the stunning Petrohué Falls.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some travelers have reported issues with the pickup process and communication during the experience.
The host has acknowledged these concerns and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve service quality.
With free cancellation available, the Peulla Full Day Tour offers an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Chile’s Lake District.
Read our full review: Peulla Full Day Tour From Puerto Varas Review
Book now: Check availability
Premium Full Day Tour to Chiloe, Visiting Castro and Dalcahue
Priced at $435.00 per person, the Premium Full Day Tour to Chiloe whisks visitors away on an immersive exploration of the island’s cultural and natural wonders.
The small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, includes a professional guide and private air-conditioned transportation.
Highlights include visits to the charming towns of Castro and Dalcahue, with lunch included.
Pickup and drop-off are provided in Puerto Varas, and gratuities are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
While reviews are mixed, with some discrepancies reported regarding group size and lunch, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the unique heritage and landscapes of Chiloe.
Read our full review: Premium Full Day Tour to Chiloe, Visiting Castro and Dalcahue Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Puerto Varas offers a variety of full-day tours that showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. From exploring the Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls to discovering the charming towns of Chiloé Island, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking for a premium shared tour or a more personalized experience, the options in Puerto Varas will help you make the most of your time in this stunning part of Chile.