Puerto Varas: Private Tour to Petrohué, Todos Los Santos Lake, and Frutillar
Los Lagos Region, Chile
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Explore heritage villages, turquoise waterfalls, and iconic landscapes of southern Chile with Apu Adventure and documentary photographer Miguel Hechenleitner on a full-day private experience.
Highlights
- Private experience through the most iconic landscapes of the Lake District
- Explore Saltos del Petrohué among native forests and volcanoes
- Admire All Saints Lake with an optional catamaran ride
- Discover lakeside villages marked by German cultural heritage
- Enjoy a personalized service with flexible schedules and stops
Description
Discover the essence of southern Chile by exploring native forests, turquoise rivers, and lakeside towns marked by German influence, in a private panoramic experience where the lake and volcanoes dominate the horizon for much of the route. Designed for travelers looking for a more authentic, comfortable, and personalized way to get to know the Lake District, this tour combines iconic landscapes, local culture, history, exploration, and photography at a relaxed pace, allowing the times and stops to be adapted according to the group's interests. Guided by Miguel Hechenleitner, a documentary photographer and local expert, the experience begins in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, following paths surrounded by forests with views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, weather permitting. The first stop will be at the “Saltos del Petrohué,” where you can walk along trails and visit vantage points to see the emerald-colored waters of the Petrohué River as it flows through ancient volcanic rock formations. In addition to the waterfalls, you'll have the opportunity to explore two easy trails and enjoy one of the most powerful landscapes in southern Chile. We will then continue to Todos los Santos Lake, where the Petrohué River begins. Here you'll have the option of boarding a catamaran for a scenic cruise surrounded by volcanoes, mountains, and forests that make up one of the country's most spectacular lake settings. We will then visit “Puerto Varas,” touring its waterfront, vantage points, and historic areas with privileged views of the Llanquihue Lake and the Osorno Volcano, while discovering the influence of the German settlers who shaped the city's cultural and architectural identity. Later, we'll get to know Llanquihue, an old lakeside town where the Maullín River begins, allowing us to appreciate a more authentic and serene side of life by the lake. Our last stop will be Frutillar, known for its heritage architecture, gardens, and lakeside cafes that create a unique atmosphere. Here you'll have free time for lunch, to browse local shops, enjoy the area's cuisine, or optionally visit the Museo Colonial Alemán and the iconic Teatro del Lago. This private experience is ideal for those who want to get to know the Lake Llanquihue basin through its landscapes, heritage, and local culture. The tour is tailored to the pace and interests of each group, combining exploration, contemplation, and the information that our tour guide shares throughout the experience.Includes
Private round-trip transportation from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas by car for 2 to 3 passengers (ask about options for more passengers on a private tour) Local guide for the duration of the experience Admission tickets to Saltos del Petrohué Guided and personalized experience Stops at Petrohue Falls, Todos Los Santos Lake, Puerto Varas, Llanquihue, and Frutillar Flexibility to adapt the pace and duration of some stops according to the groupExcludes
Food and drinks (during the trip, you can receive local recommendations) Entrance ticket to the Museo Colonial Alemán (optional activity) Ticket for a catamaran ride on Todos los Santos Lake (optional activity) GratuitiesImportant Information
- Pickups available from hotels within the urban radius of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. Check availability for pickup at other locations. Experience suitable for all ages. Guests traveling with children must provide the appropriate child seat. The provider does not have child restraint systems, and each seat takes up one seat within the vehicle's capacity. The experience includes hikes on easy trails. Times are approximate and may vary depending on weather conditions, traffic, and the pace of the group. The experience takes place under different weather conditions typical of southern Chile. All our tours are led by Miguel Hechenleitner, a documentary photographer who is knowledgeable about the main tourist destinations, the culture, and the landscapes of the Lake District. At Apu Adventure, we also design private experiences and personalized tours based on the interests of each traveler.