Llanquihue Lake & Waterfalls Tour from Puerto Varas

Trek to a hidden waterfall, then loop through lakeside towns steeped in German history

A half-day tour from Puerto Varas circles Llanquihue Lake with a local guide, stopping at a waterfall reached by an easy 35-minute trek through forest, then continuing to the German-influenced towns of Frutillar and Puerto Octay. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Llanquihue Lake and Waterfalls

• Trek to the great waterfall

The experience

You start with hotel pickup in Puerto Varas and travel by air-conditioned minivan around Llanquihue Lake, one of the largest in the region. The centerpiece is the waterfall hidden deep in the forest: the part of the tour most travelers mention afterward. Getting there means an easy 35-minute trek suitable for families with children as young as one year old. The path is straightforward enough that you can move at your own pace without scrambling or technical climbing.

After the waterfall, the route loops through two towns that carry the region's German heritage visibly. Frutillar sits on the lake's edge with architecture and traditions that reflect 19th-century settlement patterns. Puerto Octay, a smaller town across the water, spreads its own history through the streets and local character. The guide points out the landmarks and stories as you pass through, giving context to what you see rather than stopping for long museum visits.

The whole outing runs between six and eight hours door-to-door, which means you can fit it into a morning or early afternoon without losing the rest of your day. The minivan is air-conditioned, and the guide handles the route and timing. Children ride free if they sit on an adult's lap. Strollers and prams work for infants who aren't trekking. Dress for the forest (layers work best since weather can shift), and let the operator know at booking if you need a vegetarian meal option.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Varas.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan around the lake and to both towns.
• access to the waterfall trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.71

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Patagonia Austral

Is this one for you?Six to eight hours door-to-door leaves room for another activity or a meal elsewhere in Puerto Varas on the same day, but not for a full second tour. If you want to see the lake and its German heritage towns without committing a full day, this loop fits a half-day slot. If you need more time to linger or explore museums in either town, you'll want a longer outing or a separate visit.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

How long is the walk to the waterfall?

The trek to the waterfall takes about 35 minutes and is easy difficulty, designed for families including small children. It's a forest path, not a scramble, and you set your own pace.

What are Frutillar and Puerto Octay like?

Both towns reflect the German heritage that shaped the region in the 1800s. Frutillar sits directly on Llanquihue Lake with visible architecture and traditions. Puerto Octay is smaller and quieter, with history woven into its streets and local character.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

The tour does not include food or drinks. You can request a vegetarian meal option at the time of booking if you'd like to arrange one.

Can I bring my infant or toddler?

Yes, children from age one are welcome. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and babies under two can sit on an adult's lap during the minivan portions. The easy forest trek is manageable for families with young children.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Varas are included in the tour price. A minimum of two people per booking is required.