Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Waterfalls day trip from Puerto Montt

Turquoise rapids between ancient lava, a volcano's glaciers above

This 10-hour day trip from Puerto Montt takes you to two landmarks in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park: Osorno Volcano, where you spend an hour at the mountain center viewing the summit and its eternal snow, and Petrohué Waterfalls, where the river drops between crystallized lava formations. Hotel pickup and a local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese are included. Lunch and drinks are on your own.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 59.80 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Full-day excursion to Osorno Volcano and Petrohue, departing from Puerto Montt 08:30 Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Pickup is included

From cruises 08:30 Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese Cruise passengers only: includes a brief city tour of Puerto Varas. Return to the ship at 4:30 p.m. Pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Osorno Volcano and Petrohue

• Travel from Puerto Varas to Ensenada
• Ascend to Osorno Volcano mountain center
• Enjoy landscape and take photographs
• Optional chairlift ride to higher viewpoints
• Visit Petrohué sector by Todos los Santos Lake
• Walk trails near Osorno Volcano and Petrohué River
• See Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls
• Have lunch and return to Puerto Montt

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Osorno Volcano 50m
2. Lake Todos los Santos 15m
3. Petrohué Waterfalls 30m

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Montt.
• transport by private vehicle.
• local guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• an hour at Osorno Volcano mountain center with views of the summit, glaciers and surrounding lakes.
• optional chairlift access to higher elevations.
• a gentle walk through evergreen forest to Petrohué Waterfalls.
• time to explore the waterfalls and lava formations.

Times

• Every day 08:30

Before you book

Group Up to 24 1 private ›

Live guide English, Spanish and Portuguese Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Confirmation Confirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Ruta Chile

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Traveler reviews

4.00 ★★★★★ Very good 8 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts by driving through Puerto Varas along Llanquihue Lake, where Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes rise snowcapped across the water. You reach Ensenada and ascend to the Osorno ski and volcano mountain center at 1,240 meters, where you spend roughly an hour. From there the view opens to the volcano's summit with its glaciers, the lake below, and on clear days the Pacific Ocean. You can order coffee or hot chocolate at the center, or take the chairlift higher (to 1,450 meters in spring or 1,750 meters at the Glacier Station) for an even wider perspective.

From the volcano you drive to Petrohué, on the shores of Lake Todos los Santos. A gentle walk through evergreen forest brings you to the Petrohué Waterfalls, where the river drops between massive blocks of crystallized lava that have resisted erosion for centuries. The lava is studded with smaller stones fused by vitreous material, creating a landscape unlike typical waterfalls. You have time to walk the trails, photograph the turquoise water against the dark rock, and take in the Osorno Volcano framed across the lake before heading back to Puerto Montt.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is transport by private vehicle and a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. The tour runs 10 hours total. Lunch is not included, though you'll have time to eat at Petrohué before the return drive. Cruise ship passengers must provide ship name, docking time and re-boarding time at booking. Refunds are not issued if the ship arrives late.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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.

What is the Petrohué Waterfalls like when you get there?

Petrohué Waterfalls is where the Petrohué River drops between massive blocks of crystallized lava that have resisted erosion for centuries. The lava is studded with smaller stones fused by vitreous material, and the river water is a striking turquoise color. You walk gentle trails through evergreen forest to reach it, with views of Osorno Volcano across Lake Todos los Santos.

How much time do you spend at Osorno Volcano?

You spend roughly an hour at the Osorno ski and volcano mountain center at 1,240 meters. During that time you can take photographs, enjoy the views of the summit with its glaciers, Lake Llanquihue and the Pacific Ocean, and order refreshments. You can also take the chairlift higher (to 1,450 meters in spring or 1,750 meters at the Glacier Station) if you want a different vantage point.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, but you have time to eat at Petrohué before returning to Puerto Montt. Drinks are also on your own.

Does this tour work for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, the tour accommodates cruise ship passengers. At booking you must provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the guide can plan the return. Refunds are not issued if the ship arrives late and you miss the tour.

What is the drive like from Puerto Montt to the volcano?

The drive passes through Puerto Varas and follows Llanquihue Lake, where you see Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes snowcapped across the water. You continue to Ensenada and then ascend to the mountain center. The scenery frames the volcanoes throughout the approach.