Exploring Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Waterfalls Day Trip in Puerto Montt From Puerto Varas

Discover a unique side of Chile in the breathtaking landscapes around Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls on this day trip from Puerto Varas!

Puerto Varas is a small but beautifully picturesque city nestled along the shores of Lago Llanquihue in the Chilean Lake District. Just to the south is Puerto Montt – the region’s largest city, with connections to the rest of the country by air, sea and road. It’s here in Puerto Montt that you’ll find some of the most spectacular landscapes in this part of Chile.

One of the best ways to find them is to embark on a guided day trip from Puerto Varas to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls. This full-day excursion generally starts around 9:15am ending around 5:00pm, allowing you enough time to take a leisurely walk in the volcanic terrain, followed by a trip to the thunderous Petrohué Waterfalls.

What to Expect on this Day Trip

Your journey starts with a pickup from your hotel in Puerto Varas. You’ll catch your ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan or minibus – depending on the size of your travel party – and head south towards Puerto Montt. After this 1.5-hour journey you’ll make your first stop at the majestic Volcán Osorno.

Set on the southeastern edge of Lago Llanquihue – the second largest lake in South America by surface area – you’ll find an imposing stratovolcano rising majestically from the surrounding landscape. This perfectly conical volcano stands proud at 8,724 feet; be sure to bring your camera, as you won’t want to miss capturing some incredible photos of Volcán Osorno for memories that will last a lifetime. We advise bringing layers of clothing with you during this part of your trip too, as the weather can change quickly at elevation.

After your explorations at Volcán Osorno, you’ll hop back in your minibu and continue south towards Petrohué Waterfalls. This stretch of the journey takes around 30 minutes, passing through farmlands and countryside along the way.

The Petrohué Falls Experience

The thunderous Petrohué Falls are a real sight to behold! Here, you’ll be presented with a panoramic window into one of Chile’s most impressive waterfalls. Situated on the Petrohué River – or “river of smoke” – these thunderous falls tumbled wildly into a deep basin filled with cobalt blue waters and jutting rocks. This is one of Chile’s must-see natural wonders and you’ll definitely want to do more than just snap a few photos here!

You’ll be given up to two hours of free time at these spectacular falls. Enjoy a leisurely stroll taking in the picturesque views along the way, perhaps even relaxing in one of the riverside restaurants over lunch (this isn’t included in your tour package). The area also provides a number of different hikes, ranging from easy loops – lasting only a couple of hours – to more challenging expeditions over several days and nights.

Explore Other Points of Interest

Your tour guide may also be able to include other points of interest on your day trip from Puerto Varas. Options include lengthening your stay at Petrohue Falls for more time spent exploring, or throwing in some other nearby attractions such as Lake Todos Los Santos and Rupanco Lake for an all-encompassing experience of Chile’s Lake District. Make sure to book your excursion at least seven days in advance so that there’s enough time to customize your itinerary and make sure that these extra points interest are included.

Your adventure ends with a return transfer to Puerto Varas, which takes around 1.5 hours and generally arrives around 5pm.

Best Time To Go

The best time to explore both Volcán Osorno and Petrohué Waterfalls is during September through November when temperatures are comfortable and skies are clear, however it should be noted that both locations are almost always affected by some degree of cloud cover or rain throughout the year.

Conclusion

A day trip from Puerto Varas to Osorno Volcano and Petrhoué Waterfalls is one of Chile’s most beautiful excursions for nature-lovers and photographers alike looking provided with amazing views of these two beautiful spots. With its snow-capped peak, stunning waterfalls and beautiful locations, an Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Waterfalls day trip from Puerto Montt is a must-do if you’re visiting the region around Puerto Montt!

For an unforgettable experience in this part of South America, book yourself an organized day trip from Puerto Varas with trustful tour operators such as GetYourGuide. The guides here are knowledgeable and friendly, providing you with both an informative tour and an eye-opening experience in one! Click the link and book this activity that really fully explores both sites while creating incredible memories along the way!