Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Tour with Ski Lift

Six hours, three stops, one volcano you can ride to the top

This six-hour shore excursion from Puerto Montt visits Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas with a professional guide, round-trip transfer and complimentary lunch. You ride an air-conditioned vehicle to Petrohue Waterfalls in Vicente Peres Rosales National Park for an easy walk to cascades framed by volcanic rock and forest, then drive up Osorno Volcano where you can hike or take the year-round ski lift to views of Volcano Calbuco and Lake Llanquihue. Lunch is a baked beef empanada with red and white wine at the summit. The tour ends in Puerto Varas, the German-settled lakeside town known for roses and local crafts. Available as private tours for 2–14 people or small-group shared departures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Petrohue, Osorno Volcano, Puerto Varas

• Drive to Petrohue Waterfalls
• Walk to Petrohue Waterfalls
• Drive up Osorno Volcano
• Explore ski resort or take ski lift
• Enjoy picnic lunch with wine
• Visit Puerto Varas town
• Walk around town and shop

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup at your cruise port or hotel and heads straight to Petrohue Waterfalls inside Vicente Peres Rosales National Park. An easy walk with your guide leads to a pathway where the Petrohue River tumbles over volcanic rock in shades of blue and green, surrounded by thick forest and framed by Osorno Volcano behind it. The walk is short enough that the focus stays on the water and the backdrop rather than the trail itself.

From there, the drive climbs Osorno Volcano to the ski resort area. If you don't want to walk, the ski lift operates year-round and carries you to the summit views of Volcano Calbuco and Lake Llanquihue. Lunch happens at the top—a complimentary baked beef Chilean empanada with a glass of red and white wine, eaten while looking out at the landscape. The timing gives you free time to explore on foot or simply stand in the view.

The return route takes you south to Puerto Varas, a town founded by German settlers on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. The lakefront holds views of Osorno, Calbuco and Mount Tronador. You can walk streets lined with roses and historical statues, try a German beer made in Chile, or browse local crafts and souvenirs. If time allows on the way back, the tour stops at a farm where friendly llamas and alpacas can be fed.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• round-trip shared transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• complimentary lunch of baked beef empanada with red and white wine at the summit.
• access to Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas town time.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by GV Tours

Is this one for you?Book the private tour if your group wants the schedule and stops to stay exactly as planned without waiting for other travelers; choose the small-group shared option if you're traveling solo or with one or two others and prefer to split the cost while still having a guide and transport arranged.

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Top questions

What is the walk to Petrohue Falls like?

Petrohue Falls involves an easy walk along a pathway in Vicente Peres Rosales National Park to reach the cascades. The trail is short and the focus is on the water tumbling over volcanic rock with the forest and Osorno Volcano as the backdrop.

Do I have to walk up Osorno Volcano or can I take the ski lift?

You can choose. The ski lift operates year-round and takes you to the summit views of Volcano Calbuco and Lake Llanquihue without walking, or you can explore on foot during free time at the ski resort area.

What's included for lunch?

Lunch is complimentary and consists of a baked beef Chilean empanada with a glass of red and white wine, eaten at the summit of Osorno Volcano while you look out at the view.

How much time do I spend in Puerto Varas?

The tour ends in Puerto Varas after descending from Osorno Volcano. You have time to walk the town's rose-lined streets, visit shops and local crafts, or try a German beer before returning to your hotel or cruise port.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. However, a moderate amount of walking is involved at Petrohue Falls and in Puerto Varas, so comfortable shoes are recommended. If you have specific mobility needs, advise the operator at booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide conducts the tour in English or Spanish, depending on the departure you book.