Petrohué Waterfalls & German Lake Towns Shore Excursion

Petrohué Waterfalls against Osorno Volcano, then two German towns on Lake Llanquihue

This six-hour shore excursion from Puerto Montt takes cruise passengers to Petrohué Waterfalls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, then to the German-settled towns of Frutillar and Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue, with a professional guide and driver, park entrance included, and a traditional Chilean empanada plus wine tasting. The tour is timed to return you to your ship, and you travel the full day along the lake with views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes when skies are clear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Petrohué Waterfalls1h · entry included
2. Lake Llanquihuepass by
3. Osorno Volcanopass by

Explore Petrohue, Frutillar, and Puerto Varas

• Arrive at Puerto Montt port
• Travel to Petrohue Waterfalls
• Walk to Petrohue Waterfalls viewpoint
• Enjoy views of Osorno Volcano
• Drive along Lake Llanquihue
• Visit Puerto Varas town
• Walk around Puerto Varas with guide
• Visit wooden pier lookout
• Travel to Frutillar
• See Theatre of the Lake
• Try German kuchen dessert
• Return to Puerto Montt port

The experience

Petrohué Waterfalls is the centerpiece: you'll walk an easy path through thick forest to reach the falls, where water tumbles over volcanic rock in shades of blue and green, framed by Osorno Volcano rising behind. The national park entrance fee is included, and the guide handles the route so you focus on the landscape. From there the tour heads south along Lake Llanquihue, a full day of water and mountain views that frame the rest of the stops.

Puerto Varas comes next: a town founded by German settlers, now known for its German architecture, beer, seafood and lakefront position. You'll have time to walk the rose-lined streets, browse local crafts and souvenirs, or grab a German beer made in Chile. The wooden pier offers a scenic lookout across the lake and volcanoes. Then it's on to Frutillar to see the Theatre of the Lake, a monumental wooden structure, and to try kuchen, the German dessert that defines the region's pastry tradition.

Food and drink are woven through the day: a hearty baked beef empanada (vegetarian option available if you request it at booking) arrives fresh that morning, paired with a glass of Chilean wine and a pisco sour tasting. A dedicated professional driver keeps you comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle while your guide handles the narration and walking portions. The tour is built for cruise passengers: pickup and drop-off at the port are included, and the timing gets you back to your ship.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• air-conditioned vehicle with dedicated driver.
• Petrohué Falls national park entrance fee.
• hearty baked beef empanada (vegetarian option available).
• glass of Chilean wine.
• pisco sour tasting.
• cruise port pickup and drop-off.

Options for this experience

2 options

Snack-included tour by busGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeA 6-hour tour with up to 24 guests per air-conditioned bus, including a light snack and drink tastings. Duration: 6 hours. Snack: a traditional Chilean empanada with local wine and pisco sour tastings. Bus: travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus made for shared tours, with spacious seating and a smooth ride. Includes pickup.

Small group tour that comes with a snackGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeDuration: 6 hours. Snack: a traditional Chilean empanada, plus tastings of red wine, white wine and a pisco sour. Sprinter van: ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned Sprinter van built for small shared groups, with roomy seating and a smooth journey. Small Group Tour with Snack: a 6-hour shared tour with a maximum of 14 people in the vehicle. Entrance to Petrohue Falls is included. A snack with a glass of wine is included. Pickup 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 day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by GV Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the small group option if you prefer fewer passengers and a more intimate pace. The bus tour option works well for solo travelers or couples who don't mind a larger group and want the same stops and inclusions at a lower price.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

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 Petrohué Waterfalls like when you get there?

Petrohué Waterfalls tumbles over volcanic rock in the middle of thick forest, with water turning blue and green as it falls. Osorno Volcano rises behind the falls, creating the backdrop for photos. The walk to reach them is easy, and the national park entrance fee is included in the tour.

How much walking is involved in this shore excursion?

A moderate amount of walking is involved across the day: an easy walk to the falls themselves, then time on foot in Puerto Varas and Frutillar to explore the towns. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

Will I see Osorno Volcano on this tour?

Osorno Volcano is visible throughout the day if skies are clear, since you travel along Lake Llanquihue the entire time and the volcano rises from the lake's far shore. You'll have photo opportunities at every stop, weather permitting.

What food and drink does the tour include?

The tour includes a hearty baked beef Chilean empanada made fresh that morning (vegetarian option available upon request at booking), a glass of Chilean wine, and a pisco sour tasting. You'll also have the chance to try kuchen, a traditional German dessert, in Frutillar.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off at the cruise port?

Yes, cruise port pickup and drop-off are included. A professional driver and dedicated guide handle the transportation and narration, and the tour is timed to return you to your ship.

What are Puerto Varas and Frutillar known for?

Both towns were founded by German settlers and retain German traditions, architecture and food. Puerto Varas sits on Lake Llanquihue's shore and is known for its beer, seafood, rose-lined streets and local crafts. Frutillar is home to the Theatre of the Lake, a monumental wooden structure, and is famous for kuchen, a German-style dessert.