Traversing the renowned Andes mountain range, this full-day tour from Puerto Varas, Chile to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, offers a captivating journey through some of South America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Combining bus and boat transportation, travelers can enjoy the region’s natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes to the serene Peulla Ecological Lodge and the mesmerizing Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. With an efficient itinerary that covers the cultural and scenic highlights, this tour provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to maximize their time and experiences in this remarkable corner of the world.
This experience made our list of the 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Puerto Varas.
Key Points
- A full-day tour that combines bus and boat transportation to explore the majestic Andes mountain range between Puerto Varas, Chile and Bariloche, Argentina.
- Highlights include Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Peulla Ecological Lodge, and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, with a 1-hour exploration stop in Puerto Varas.
- The tour offers unique perspectives of natural wonders, showcasing dramatic peaks, glaciers, pristine lakes, and stunning waterways within the Andes.
- Designed for time-constrained visitors seeking an efficient experience of the region’s captivating landscapes, including Saltos del Petronhué waterfalls.
- Includes driver/guide services, land and lake transfers, food, drinks, and activities at Peulla, but excludes certain fees and not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Puerto Varas, Chile to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina allows visitors to explore the stunning Andes mountain range via a combination of bus and boat transportation.
Designed for travelers with limited time, the tour showcases the region’s natural wonders, including the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, the Peulla Ecological Lodge, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, waterfalls, and glaciers.
The tour departs from the picturesque town of Puerto Varas, known for its German architectural influence and its location on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
With an estimated duration of 1 hour in Puerto Varas, the tour offers an immersive Andes adventure for those seeking to make the most of their time in this breathtaking part of South America.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Puerto Varas
Explore the Andes
After exploring the charming town of Puerto Varas, travelers embark on an immersive journey to discover the majestic Andes mountain range.
The tour takes them through a combination of bus and boat transportation, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural wonders.
As the bus winds its way through the Andes, passengers marvel at the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes that surround them.
The boat ride across Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park showcases the area’s stunning waterways, including the thundering Saltos del Petronhué waterfalls.
Throughout the excursion, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of volcanoes, forests, and glacial landscapes – a true immersion in the raw beauty of the Andean wilderness.
Ideal for Visitors
The Puerto Varas to Bariloche tour offers an Andes adventure ideal for time-constrained visitors seeking to maximize their exposure to the region’s natural splendor.
With a seamless combination of bus and boat transport, the excursion allows travelers to efficiently experience the dramatic landscapes of the Andes, including volcanoes, glaciers, and pristine lakes, all within a single day.
The tour’s itinerary is meticulously crafted to showcase the area’s most captivating sights, from the charming German-influenced town of Puerto Varas to the breathtaking Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls.
Itinerary Highlights
Puerto Varas serves as the touristic capital of southern Chile, boasting a distinct German architectural influence and a picturesque location on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the second largest lake in the country.
Visitors can explore this charming town for about an hour, taking in its unique character and stunning natural surroundings.
The tour then continues to the Saltos del Petrohué, a series of waterfalls and rapids nestled within the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
This natural attraction, renowned for its visual splendor, allows visitors to spend approximately 40 minutes admiring the cascading waters and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds them.
Puerto Varas Exploration
Visitors can easily spend an hour exploring Puerto Varas’ distinct German architectural offerings and admiring the town’s picturesque location along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the second largest lake in Chile. The city’s mix of European and Latin American influences creates a charming ambiance, with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and scenic vistas. Visitors can stroll through the town’s central plaza, admire the spired Cathedral of San Antonio, and browse local artisan shops. The town’s lakefront promenade provides an idyllic setting to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Andes mountains and volcanoes.
Attraction | Duration | Cost |
---|---|---|
Walking Tour | 1 hour | Free |
Cathedral of San Antonio | 30 minutes | Free |
Local Artisan Shops | 45 minutes | Varies |
Lakefront Promenade | 1 hour | Free |
Scenic Views | Unlimited | Free |
Saltos Del Petrohué
Nestled within the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Saltos del Petruhué beckons visitors with its series of captivating waterfalls and rapids that cascade through the rugged Andean landscape.
As part of the day-long tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche, travelers will have the opportunity to witness this popular natural attraction up close.
The powerful rush of water tumbling over the rocky terrain creates a visually stunning experience, with the surrounding lush vegetation and towering peaks providing a breathtaking backdrop.
While the visit to Saltos del Petruhué isn’t included in the tour’s admission fee, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of the Andes.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the full-day tour from Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche are the services of a driver/guide, all land and lake transfers, food and drinks, as well as tours at the Peulla Ecological Lodge.
However, port, migratory, and National Parks fees aren’t included in the tour cost. Travelers should be aware of these additional expenses when booking the tour.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues should consider this when making their reservation.
Passport details are required at the time of booking, and infants must sit on laps during the transportation portions of the tour.
Meeting Points and Logistics
Travelers can select a meeting point for the tour, which will then end at a different location. The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am and has a maximum capacity of 40 individuals, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Passport details are required at the time of booking, and infants must sit on laps.
The tour includes driver/guide services, all land and lake transfers, food, drinks, and activities in Peulla. However, it doesn’t cover port, migratory, and national parks fees.
Participants can expect a well-organized experience with friendly staff and comfortable transportation as they explore the natural wonders of the Andes region between Chile and Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Total Duration of the Tour?
The total duration of the tour is approximately 9 hours. The itinerary includes 1 hour in Puerto Varas, 40 minutes at the Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls, and the remaining time exploring the Andes via bus and boat.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted?
This tour accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Participants can also pay with cash upon booking or arrival. The specific payment options may vary depending on the tour operator.
Are There Any Covid-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour company has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including requiring face masks, providing hand sanitizer, and limiting group sizes. Travelers must adhere to all local health guidelines during the excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?
The tour operator offers an option to extend the tour or add extra activities like hiking, boating, or visiting additional natural sites along the Andes route. Travelers can inquire about customized itineraries to fit their interests and schedule.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can request modifications to the itinerary, such as adding extra stops or adjusting the duration at certain locations. The tour operator is generally flexible in accommodating personalized requests.
Recap
This full-day tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Andes.
With a seamless combination of bus and boat transportation, visitors can witness the region’s iconic volcanoes, lush forests, and captivating waterfalls, all within a single day’s journey.
This efficient itinerary makes it an ideal option for those with limited time, allowing them to experience the cultural and scenic highlights of this enchanting border region.
More Full Day in Puerto Varas
More Tour Reviews in Puerto Varas
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Puerto Varas we have recnetly reviewed
- Best Guided Tours In Puerto Varas
- 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Puerto Varas
- 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Puerto Varas
- 3 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Puerto Varas
- Todos Los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour
- Trekking Step Desolation
- Trekking Slides Valle De La Junta, Cochamó
- Puerto Varas; Full Day, Chiloe Island: Ancud, Caulin, and Lacuy
- Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-conditioned Van
- Andean Crossing: Puerto Varas to San Carlos De Bariloche
- Quenuir / Maullin Bird Watching
- Puerto Varas: Peulla Day Trip With Navigation