Osorno Volcano Half-Day Tour
The snow-capped cone that fills the skyline of Puerto Varas, climbed by road in a half-day tour with lava fields, lookouts and a high base area above the treeline.
Chile
Puerto Varas & the Chilean Lakes
Puerto Varas is the lakeside town of German-style wooden houses that has become the gateway to Chile's Lake District, with the snow-capped cone of Osorno rising across Lake Llanquihue and the rugged mass of Calbuco beside it.
This guide covers the volcano road and the Petrohue Falls, the emerald crossing of Lake Todos los Santos toward Peulla, guided climbs and treks on Osorno, Calbuco and the Paso Desolacion, rafting the Petrohue River, a catamaran cruise on Llanquihue, the German heritage and concert hall of Frutillar, the market at Angelmo in Puerto Montt, and day trips to the wooden churches, penguins and oyster beds of Chiloe. Further afield are the granite walls of the Cochamo Valley, the Reloncavi Estuary, the thousand-year-old trees of Alerce Andino, hot springs, fjord kayaking, horseback riding and the Andean lakes crossing to Bariloche. Hotels range from lakeside resorts and boutique properties in Puerto Varas to lake-shore cabins and quiet stays in Frutillar.
Don't miss
Osorno Volcano Half-Day Tour
The snow-capped cone that fills the skyline of Puerto Varas, climbed by road in a half-day tour with lava fields, lookouts and a high base area above the treeline.
Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Day Tour
Glacial-green river water racing through channels of black volcanic rock, a short drive from Puerto Varas. The falls are usually paired with the Osorno viewpoint in a single day tour.
Todos los Santos Lake Cruise to Peulla
An emerald-green lake sailed between forested peaks, ending at the tiny village of Peulla. This is the Chilean half of the classic Andean lakes route toward Argentina.
Puerto Varas Waterfront and Old Town Walk
The lakeside promenade, hillside church and wooden houses of Puerto Varas, with Osorno filling the horizon. Free to walk and the best way to start or end any day.
Things to do in Puerto Varas & the Chilean Lakes
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Day Tour
Glacial-green river water racing through channels of black volcanic rock, a short drive from Puerto Varas. The falls are usually paired with the Osorno viewpoint in a single day tour.
Todos los Santos Lake Cruise to Peulla
An emerald-green lake sailed between forested peaks, ending at the tiny village of Peulla. This is the Chilean half of the classic Andean lakes route toward Argentina.
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
Chile's oldest national park, a protected landscape of volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls and temperate rainforest that holds Osorno, the Petrohué Falls and Todos los Santos.
Paso Desolacion Trek
A full-day hike across a black volcanic landscape on Osorno's flank, with big views toward the lakes. It is the best-known long walk in the Vicente Pérez Rosales area.
Osorno Volcano Summit Climb
A guided mountaineering ascent of Osorno, with crampons, ice axes and a glacier crossing. This is the serious way to stand on top of the Lake District's most famous cone.
Calbuco Volcano Ascent
The rugged volcano that erupted dramatically in 2015 and reshaped the landscape south of Lake Llanquihue. The guided ascent takes two days through changing terrain to the crater rim.
Petrohue River Rafting
A half-day small-group raft run down the glacial-green Petrohué River, with rapids, volcano views and forest on both banks. It is the most popular adventure outing from Puerto Varas.
Scenic Catamaran Tour on Lake Llanquihue
A relaxed catamaran cruise on Chile's second-largest lake, with Osorno and Calbuco on the horizon. The easiest, most affordable way to see Puerto Varas from the water.
Lake Llanquihue Full-Day Circuit
A full-day drive around the lake, passing German-style towns, volcano viewpoints and quiet beaches. The classic way to understand the geography of the Lake District.
Frutillar German Heritage Tour
A lakeside town of wooden German-style houses, kuchen cafes and a promenade facing Osorno. A short, pretty trip from Puerto Varas that suits half a day.
Teatro del Lago and Frutillar Lake Tour
A modern concert hall on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, with a wooden, glass-fronted design facing Osorno. A tour pairs the building and its setting with a stroll through Frutillar.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
An international-brand hotel in Puerto Varas that suits travellers who want reliable service, a full restaurant and an easy base for volcano and lake tours.
Check rates →Hotel AWA Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
A boutique-style property in Puerto Varas that appeals to travellers who want a design-led stay with personal service and a calm setting near the lake.
Check rates →Solace Hotel Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
A smaller, comfort-focused hotel in Puerto Varas for travellers who prefer a quiet base and attentive service to a big-hotel feel.
Check rates →Hotel Cabana del Lago Puerto Varas
Lakeshore
A lakeside hotel in Puerto Varas known to many visitors for its views across Lake Llanquihue toward the volcanoes.
Check rates →Enjoy Puerto Varas
Lakeshore
A large resort-style hotel complex on the Puerto Varas lakeshore, for travellers who like having dining, entertainment and facilities under one roof.
Check rates →Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra
Hillside above the lake
A well-known upscale hotel above Puerto Varas, formerly called Cumbres, with broad views of Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes.
Check rates →Hotel Patagonia Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
A mid-priced hotel in Puerto Varas for travellers who want a practical base close to restaurants, the waterfront and tour pickups.
Check rates →Hotel Dreams de los Volcanes
Puerto Varas
A resort-style hotel in the Puerto Varas area whose name nods to the volcanoes on the horizon, with the facilities of a larger property.
Check rates →Cabanas Lago Llanquihue
Lake Llanquihue shore
Self-catering cabins on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, a practical option for families and groups who want space and a kitchen.
Check rates →Ayun Lodge Family Cabin With Private Beach
Lake Llanquihue shore
A family cabin stay with a private beach on the Lake Llanquihue shore, for travellers who want to be on the water rather than in town.
Check rates →Hotel Frutillar
Frutillar
A hotel in the lakeside town of Frutillar, handy for the waterfront, the German museum and Teatro del Lago concerts.
Check rates →Casa Frau Holle Frutillar
Frutillar
A small guesthouse-style stay in Frutillar, suited to travellers who like the scale and charm of a house over a large hotel.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Osorno Volcano Half-Day TourStay
Radisson Hotel Puerto VarasPuerto Varas
Do
Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Day TourStay
Hotel Dreams de los VolcanesPuerto Varas
Do
Todos los Santos Lake Cruise to PeullaStay
Wyndham Puerto Varas PettraHillside above the lake
Puerto Varas & the Chilean Lakes guides
First Time in Puerto Varas: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
A first-timer's plan for Puerto Varas and the Chilean Lakes: how to arrive, what to reserve ahead, how to move around and how the headline sights fit together.
Where to Stay in Puerto Varas: Town Centre, Lakeshore, Hillside and Frutillar
Compare the areas to stay around Lake Llanquihue, from the walkable centre of Puerto Varas to lake cabins and the quiet town of Frutillar, with tips on seasons and bookings.
Three Days in Puerto Varas: A Lakes, Volcanoes and Chiloé Itinerary
A practical three-day plan for Puerto Varas covering Osorno, the Petrohué Falls, Lake Todos los Santos, Frutillar and Chiloé, with options for rainy days and extra time.
Eating and Drinking in Puerto Varas: Kuchen, Seafood, Lamb and Craft Beer
A food guide to Puerto Varas and the Chilean Lakes: German kuchen and bakeries, Chiloé curanto, salmon, oysters, lamb and craft beer, plus where to try each.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Varas: Seasons, Weather and What Is Open
When to go to Puerto Varas and the Chilean Lakes: summer, autumn, winter and spring compared for weather, crowds, prices, wildlife and activities.
Day Trips from Puerto Varas: Chiloé, Frutillar, Cochamó and Beyond
The best day trips from Puerto Varas: Chiloé, Frutillar and the lake circuit, the Reloncaví Estuary and Cochamó, hot springs, Alerce Andino and the Andean lakes crossing.
