Lake District Shore Excursion: Petrohué Falls & Puerto Varas

See three towns and two volcanoes without leaving the ship behind

This shore excursion visits three stops in Chile's Lake District (Petrohué Falls, Puerto Varas, and Frutillar) designed to fit a cruise ship schedule. The tour includes park entry to the falls, complimentary empanadas and wine in Puerto Varas, and German cake with tea or coffee in Frutillar. A live guide leads the group in English or Spanish, and the operator guarantees return to the port on time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Petrohué Falls, Puerto Varas, Frutillar

• Visit Petrohué Falls
• Drive to Puerto Varas
• Explore Puerto Varas town
• Enjoy empanadas and wine
• Travel to Frutillar
• Walk waterfront and see Teatro del Lago
• Have German Kuchen with tea or coffee
• Return to port

The experience

The tour starts at Petrohué Falls, where the emerald Petrohué River cuts through ancient volcanic rock inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. On clear days, Osorno Volcano rises in the background. Just 15 minutes away by car. The falls themselves are modest in height, but the contrast between the vibrant water and dark basalt formations shaped by past eruptions is what draws people here. You'll have time to walk the area and take in the raw landscape before moving on.

Puerto Varas comes next, a town on Lake Llanquihue, Chile's largest lake, known for its German-influenced architecture, quiet streets, and views of three volcanoes when the weather clears. You get free time to wander the artisan shops and lakefront, then sit down for complimentary beef empanadas paired with a glass of Chilean red or white wine. The operator keeps this light rather than a full lunch because most guests are cruise passengers who don't want to spend hours away from the ship.

The final stop is Frutillar, a small town on the water where the Teatro del Lago, a striking theater, sits right on the shore. You'll have time to walk the waterfront promenade and take in the views before the tour ends with a slice of traditional German Kuchen and tea or coffee. The operator has never missed a ship departure in all its years running this route, so you can relax knowing the timing is built around cruise schedules.

What’s included

• Park entry to Petrohué Falls.
• complimentary beef empanadas with Chilean wine in Puerto Varas.
• complimentary German Kuchen with tea or coffee in Frutillar.
• a live guide in English or Spanish throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Bus tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Bus holding 20 passengers. Tour capacity: groups of 20 passengers. Includes pickup.

Excursion from the ship to Frutillar, Petrohue and Puerto VarasGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 20 Nov · 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pink Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at a Lake District port and you have only a morning free: the fixed itinerary hits three towns and two volcanoes with timed returns that work around cruise schedules.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does this tour take and when do I need to be back at the ship?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total. The operator times the return to give cruise passengers a comfortable buffer before departure and has never missed a ship in its years of operation.

What exactly is Petrohué Falls and why is it worth seeing?

Petrohué Falls is a series of cascades where the emerald Petrohué River flows through dark volcanic rock formations inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The falls are modest in height, but the contrast between the vivid water and ancient basalt, with Osorno Volcano visible in the distance on clear days, is what makes the spot memorable.

What's included in the food and drink during the tour?

You get complimentary beef empanadas with a choice of red or white Chilean wine in Puerto Varas, and a slice of traditional German Kuchen with tea or coffee in Frutillar. Park entry to Petrohué Falls is also included.

Will I have free time to explore on my own at each stop?

Yes. At Puerto Varas you have leisure time to stroll through the town and visit artisan shops before the empanada and wine break. In Frutillar you have free time to walk the waterfront and see the Teatro del Lago before the Kuchen service.