Things to do in

Puerto Varas

Discover both a lake originating from a glacier and an active volcano famous for its perfectly-shaped crater with this package. Choose to depart from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. After pickup from selected hotels in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, head to the southern shores of the Llanquihue Lake, where you'll learn about the German settlers and agriculture in the region. Once in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, admire the imposing Petrohué Waterfalls, which stun visitors with their turquoise waters. From there, make your way to the origin of the Petrohué River, Todos los Santos Lake, and visit some of its sleepy beaches. By then, you'll be at the foot of the Osorno Volcano to enjoy a stop for lunch in the village of Ensenada (lunch not included), before continuing up to the ski resort on the volcano. En route, take in stunning panoramic views of the Petrohué River Valley and the beautiful Llanquihue Lake.

Depart from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, depending on the option selected. Begin your day by taking a boat down the Chacao canal for 30 minutes, where you spot a wide variety of birds, before arriving at the village of Chacao to visit its square and church. Continue to Castro to stop for lunch at your own expense. Visit the typical stilted houses in the Gamboa district, the main square, and the Nercón Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed around 1890, the church is considered a national monument. Travel onwards towards Dalcahue, where you will stop on the waterfront to take in the wonderful natural landscape and visit the local artisan market, museum, and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national monument.

Sail on the wonderful Todos Los Santos Lake, with its emerald-colored waters and its surrounding forests. Also discover Peulla, a small ecological village of 120 inhabitants, which is on the route of the famous Andean Crossing. Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip on Todos Los Santos Lake, taking in the views of the majestic Osorno, Puntiaguado and Tronador volcanoes. However, the adventure does not end when you arrive at Peulla, as there you can choose to take part in a large variety of activities such as canopying, horse riding, and a 4x4 safari, all in a stunning setting that will take your breath away. Optional activities not included.

Begin the tour on a ferry to the Chacao Channel, separating the continent of Chiloe Island. During the sail, you might see native seals, pelicans and sea birds. The ferry berths at Chacao pier, where you will take the route to Ancud city, where you can see the San Antonio Fort; this historic place is located in the highest part of the city as one of the last Spanish fortifications. Continue the trip to Dalcahue’s market, where you can find traditional gastronomy. This market is special, this construction is named Palafito, because it is built over the water with a spectacular view. Visit the market and visit the local church, a World Heritage Site. Later, continue the trip to Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island, taking pictures at Manuel Montt palafitos. Visit the San Francisco Church in front of the main square and visit the biggest artisan market of the island.

After pickup in either Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, begin the tour in the lovely city of Puerto Varas, also known as “The City of Roses.” Stop on the lakeshore road to appreciate the view of the city from the bay and the “Aurora” sculpture with Llanquihue Lake in the background. Then, explore the city's main attractions, such as the Old Neighborhood and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, built from 1915 to 1918. Admire the Baroque style of a church that is an exact replica of one in the Black Forest, Germany, where some of the first settlers came in 1852.   After that, go to the downtown by the shore of the beautiful Llanquihue Lake. Depending on the weather, catch a glimpse of the Osorno Volcano, whose melting ice enhances the water level of the Llanquihue Lake. Continue along the Route of Settlers, passing by the village of Alerce, and access Puerto Montt. Visit the highest place in the city for fantastic views of Puerto Montt, the ocean, and Tenglo Island. From there, head to the German Monument located in the main square, the waterfront pier, and the cathedral. Enjoy the German-influence in the architecture of the houses, gardens, and buildings, and the mix of two cultures in the city. Later, make your way to Angelmó, famous in Chile because of its many handicraft and gift shops. Discover the City Central Market, where you can see how one of the principal economic activities of the area – fishing and seafood – arrives fresh from the boats to the buyers. Also, find plenty of typical cooking places here where you can savor seafood, fish, and other delicious specialties of Chilean cuisine.