Puerto Varas & Osorno Volcano: Guided Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Explore Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls from Puerto Varas with a local guide

You’ll travel from Puerto Varas along Llanquihue Lake with a local guide, explore Osorno Volcano’s slopes, stand beside Petrohué’s roaring waterfalls, and breathe in the forest air by Todos los Santos lake. Expect laughter, quiet moments, hotel pickup and drop-off — plus stories you’ll want to tell later.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a mug of coffee that tasted faintly smoky — maybe it was just the mountain air — I watched clouds drift over Osorno Volcano. Our guide, Camila, had already pointed out the snowy cap as we drove along Llanquihue Lake, but seeing it up close felt different. The bus windows fogged up every time someone laughed too hard or tried to wipe off the condensation for a photo. I remember thinking how green everything looked, even in that early morning drizzle.

We stopped at the ski center, where Camila joked about the “eternal snow” (her words), and some of us took the lift higher up. I chickened out — heights aren’t really my thing — so I just wandered around and tried to pronounce “Llanquihue” like she did. She grinned and said I was getting closer. The wind up there made my cheeks sting a bit, but it also made the coffee taste better somehow. You could see all the way to Calbuco volcano when the clouds parted for a second; everyone went quiet then.

Later, at Petrohué Waterfalls, you could hear the river before you saw it — this low rumble under your feet as you walked across black volcanic rock. The water was this weird shade of blue-green, almost unreal against all that dark stone. Camila explained how lava flows shaped everything here; she picked up a small stone and handed it to me — smooth but gritty at the same time. I still have it somewhere in my backpack.

The last part was Todos los Santos lake. Some folks took a boat ride (I didn’t — ran out of pesos), but just standing by the shore was enough for me. There was this smell of wet earth and pine needles, and for a minute nobody said anything at all. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day trip from Puerto Varas — not just the views, but these tiny moments when you feel like you’re part of something old and wild.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Tour

• Start from Puerto Varas city
• Visit Osorno Volcano sightseeing (60)
• See Petrohué River Falls (30)
• Sail on Lake Todos los Santos (40)

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Osorno Volcano tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is centrally located in Puerto Varas.

Does this day trip visit both Petrohué Waterfalls and Todos los Santos lake?

Yes, both Petrohué Waterfalls and Todos los Santos lake are included in the itinerary.

Can I take a boat ride on Lake Todos los Santos during this tour?

You have the option to take a 40-minute boat ride on Lake Todos los Santos if you wish.

Are entrance fees to national parks included?

No, entrance fees to national parks are not mentioned as included in this tour.

Is lunch provided during the Osorno Volcano day trip?

No lunch is provided; however, there is time to buy coffee or snacks at stops along the way.

What languages does the guide speak on this tour?

The guide speaks Spanish, English or Portuguese throughout the visit.

How long do we spend at each main stop?

You’ll spend about an hour at Osorno Volcano’s ski center; other stops vary depending on group pace.

Is this tour suitable for children or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Varas, transportation by car or minibus with a local guide who speaks Spanish, English or Portuguese throughout your visit. You’ll have time for sightseeing at each stop and can purchase snacks or drinks along the way before returning in the evening.