6 Days in Puerto Varas & Osorno: Volcanic Lakes & Rainforest Hikes

Puerto Varas, Chile · 6 days, 5 nights · mid-range · from about $1500 per person · best in January, February, December

Puerto Varas sits at the heart of Chile's Lake District, where snow-capped volcanoes rise above emerald lakes and dense forests. This trip combines a sunrise summit of Osorno, kayaking in pristine national parks, and multi-day rainforest treks—a wilder alternative to tourist-heavy Peru.

What to expect

Climb Osorno Volcano (2,652 m) with panoramic views of three lakes and distant peaks
Kayak Lago Llanquihue with Osorno as backdrop; explore Petrohué Rapids
Trek the Saltos de Petrohué trail through native forests to cascading waterfalls
Day hike Laguna Fría in Puyehue National Park; emerald water and no crowds
Explore Frutillar's German heritage architecture and lakeside beaches

Day by day

1: Arrival in Puerto Varas & Orientation

Arrive Puerto Varas; pick up rental car. Check into hotel on the lakefront.

Walk the Costanera waterfront; visit Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón (iconic 1918 church).

Early dinner at local fish restaurant; scout viewpoints for sunset.

2: Osorno Volcano Summit

4 a.m. pick-up for guided climb; drive to Antillanca ski lodge (start 1,700 m); begin 4-hour summit push.

Reach snow line and crater rim (2,652 m); 360° views of Llanquihue, Todos Santos, and Rupanco lakes.

Descend (2 hours); return to Puerto Varas; rest and stretching.

3: Petrohué Rapids & Rainforest

Drive to Petrohué; kayak Lago Todos Santos with Osorno framed in distance (2-hour paddle).

Land and hike Saltos de Petrohué trail; pass through native coihue and bamboo forest to white-water rapids.

Return to Puerto Varas; dinner with Osorno sunset views.

4: Puyehue National Park & Laguna Fría

Drive 1.5 hours east to Puyehue; hike to Laguna Fría (6 hours, moderate, 14 km round-trip).

Emerald crater lake surrounded by beech and araucaria forest; pristine and rarely crowded.

Return to Puerto Varas; spa or hot springs optional at park facilities.

5: Frutillar & Llanquihue Lake

Drive to Frutillar; tour German-style colonial town and Museo de la Cultura.

Kayak from Frutillar Beach across Llanquihue Lake; lunch on Pelluco Island with bird watching.

Return to Puerto Varas; final sunset aperitif on the Costanera.

6: Departure or Saltos Chico de Cortés

Optional short hike to Saltos Chico de Cortés waterfall (2 hours) before heading to airport.

Drive to Puerto Montt airport or continue south to Carretera Austral.

Make this trip yours.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free