Exploring the natural wonders of Puerto Varas, this full-day tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey to the iconic Osorno Volcano and the captivating Petrohue Falls. With breathtaking landscapes, seamless logistics, and knowledgeable guides, the experience promises an immersive encounter with Chile’s stunning Pacific Northwest region. From the scenic drive along Llanquihue Lake to the panoramic vistas from the Osorno Ski Center, this tour offers a well-rounded itinerary that caters to nature enthusiasts seeking to discover the region’s most awe-inspiring sights. With flexible policies and highly-rated reviews, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure that might just leave you craving for more.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Puerto Varas.

Key Points

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Key Points

  • This tour offers a scenic drive along Llanquihue Lake, with stops at Osorno Ski Center and Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, showcasing natural wonders like Todos los Santos Lake and Petrohuế Falls.
  • The six-hour tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and optional refreshments, with a minimum group size of two participants and language options in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
  • Participants will have the opportunity to take a ski lift to higher viewpoints at the Osorno Ski Center, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible and involves hiking on uneven terrain, making it suitable for participants in reasonable physical shape, with caution advised for those with mobility issues or back problems.
  • The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.

Tour Overview

The tour begins with a scenic drive from Puerto Varas, a picturesque city known as the ‘City of Roses,’ along the shores of the expansive Llanquihue Lake.

Lasting approximately six hours, the tour provides free hotel pickup and drop-off with a start time of 9:30 am. A minimum of two people is required, and guides are available in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.

Priced from $49 per person, the tour includes transportation by car or minibus and an informative, friendly, and professional guide.

While meals aren’t included, an optional coffee or sandwich is available at the Osorno Ski Center.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and travelers with back problems should exercise caution.

Itinerary Highlights

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Itinerary Highlights

After departing from Puerto Varas, the tour takes visitors on a scenic drive along the shores of Llanquihue Lake.

The first major stop is the Osorno Ski Center at an elevation of 3,937 feet (1,240 m), where travelers can admire panoramic vistas of Llanquihue Lake and the nearby Calbuco volcano. For those seeking a higher viewpoint, there’s an option to take a ski lift to reach elevations of 1,450 m or 1,750 m.

The tour then ventures into the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, where guests can hike through evergreen forests, visit the picturesque Todos los Santos Lake, and marvel at the cascading Petrohué Falls.

Included Services

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Included Services

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls

This tour includes comprehensive transportation services, with participants being picked up and dropped off at their hotels free of charge.

A knowledgeable, friendly, and professional guide accompanies the group, providing informative commentary throughout the experience.

While meals aren’t included, visitors can purchase optional refreshments such as coffee or a sandwich at the Osorno Ski Center during the tour.

Gratuities for the driver and guide are optional, allowing customers to reward the staff based on the quality of service provided.

Reviews and Feedback

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Reviews and Feedback

With a solid 4.0 rating based on 15 reviews, this tour has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from past participants.

Travelers have praised the friendly guides and the awe-inspiring natural landscapes encountered throughout the experience, particularly the stunning views of Llanquihue Lake and the impressive Petrohué Falls.

However, some comments have pointed to poor decision-making on the part of the tour operator regarding weather conditions, as well as difficulties in contacting the local provider for information.

Accessibility and Health

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Accessibility and Health

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the provider doesn’t recommend it for travelers with back problems.

The routes involve hiking through uneven terrain and climbing steep inclines, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues or back conditions. Participants should be in reasonable physical shape to fully enjoy the tour’s activities, like the hike through the evergreen forests of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.

While the tour can be suitable for most healthy adults, families with young children may want to consider the difficulty level before booking.

Pickup and Start Time

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Pickup and Start Time

The tour begins at 9:30 am, with complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off provided for participants across Puerto Varas. This convenience ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

The tour group size requires a minimum of 2 people, allowing for a more personalized experience. Whether you speak Spanish, English, or Portuguese, the knowledgeable guide will be available to provide insights throughout the journey.

With a duration of 6 hours, this tour offers ample time to explore the stunning natural wonders of the Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls. The early morning departure time allows visitors to make the most of the day, ensuring they capture the breathtaking beauty of the region.

Group Size and Languages

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Group Size and Languages

A minimum group size of 2 people is required for this tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Visitors can choose to have the knowledgeable guide provide commentary in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, catering to diverse language preferences.

Group Size Language Options
Minimum 2 Spanish
Maximum N/A English
Portuguese

This flexibility allows travelers from all backgrounds to fully enjoy the stunning natural landscapes of Puerto Varas. Whether you’re seeking a private adventure or sharing the experience with others, the multilingual guides are equipped to deliver an informative and enjoyable tour for all.

Cancellation Policy

Puerto Varas: Full Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls - Cancellation Policy

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This offers peace of mind for those who may need to change their plans last-minute.

Whether it’s an unexpected work commitment or a change in travel plans, the free cancellation window ensures customers won’t be penalized for canceling their tour reservation. This policy is a testament to the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility.

Knowing they can receive a full refund if necessary provides an added layer of reassurance for travelers when booking this Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour generally does not include meals, but participants are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside food and beverages.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Hiking Portions?

For the hiking portions, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Layering is advised as temperatures can vary along the trails. Bringing sun protection is also important.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Considerations for Children?

Children are welcome on the tour, but must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific age requirements, but the hiking may be challenging for very young children. Parental discretion is advised based on each child’s abilities.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour, and Is It Suitable for All Fitness Levels?

The tour involves moderate hiking through varied terrain, so it may not be suitable for all fitness levels. Those with back issues or physical limitations should reconsider participation. However, the guide can accommodate different paces to ensure a comfortable experience for most travelers.

Is There an Option to Customize or Extend the Tour Activities?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention options to customize or extend the activities. However, travelers can likely request additional stops or time at certain locations by speaking with the tour operator in advance. The tour’s flexibility may depend on group size and preferences.

Recap

Exploring the natural wonders of Puerto Varas is an unforgettable experience.

This full-day tour takes visitors on a breathtaking journey to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and providing ample opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the great outdoors.

With knowledgeable guides, flexible policies, and rave reviews, this tour offers an exceptional way to discover the beauty of this remarkable destination.