Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas.
Day 2: Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls.
Day 3: Chiloé Island: Penguins Colony.
Day 4: Hike in Alerce Andino National Park.
Day 5: Petrohué Falls Rafting Experience.
Day 6: Frutillar and Puerto Octay.
The Chilean Lake District is notable for the abundance of its natural resources, authentic culture, and spectacular landscapes that are today considered the door to Chilean Patagonia. It is a destination that stands out for its large protected wild areas, its lakes such as Llanquihue, Puyehue, Todos Los Santos, and Rupanco; a series of Andean rivers, native forests, volcanoes, and islands. The most famous of these islands is the archipelago of Chiloé, considered a land of myths and legends, with unique architecture and incredible gastronomy that is truly worth exploring.
Private Transfer.
Upon your arrival to Puerto Montt, a representative of Ecochile will be waiting for you right outside the baggage claim area to take you to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
After your hotel check-in, you will have enough time to go out for a walk and discover the city of Puerto Varas. Your travel expert will provide you more information about the different activities/places to visit and restaurant options.
Meals: None.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Private Full-Day Tour: Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls.
After breakfast, a van will pick you up to begin your tour to the beautiful Llanquihue Lake, one of the largest lakes in South America.
You will first head for the biggest and oldest National Park in Chile, Vicente Perez Rosales. Here, your first stop will be the “Saltos del Petrohué”, a waterfall created by the forces of nature, 19th-century volcanic eruptions, and glacier retreat. Next, you will go to “Todos Los Santos” Lake, famous for its emerald waters, volcanic stone beach and native trees. Then, you will go on to the Osorno Volcano, where you will go up to the viewpoint located at 3,000 meters above sea level. From there, you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, Llanquihue Lake, Petrohué river, Calbuco volcano beautiful mountains around. Once the activity is complete, you will head back to the city of Puerto Varas.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Private Full-Day Tour: Chiloe Island.
After breakfast, you will head to the island of Chiloé. To get there, you will cross the Chacao channel by ferry – you have a good chance of seeing a Chilean dolphin on your way there!
Once you are on the island, your first stop will be Caulín Bay, where oysters are farmed and the main line of work is fishing and other sea-related work. This has an influence on the area’s traditional cuisine. You will also be able to spot several native species of animal and a colony of penguins living in Puñihuil, the only place on earth where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest alongside each other.
During this tour, you will also see churches built after the Spanish conquest, when the native Huilliche people were converted to Catholicism. These buildings are a World Heritage Site.
*If it’s not penguin viewing season, you will visit the towns of Ancud, Castro & Dalcahue.
When you arrive on the island, you will start off towards the town of Castro – the island’s capital – noted for its buildings on multi-colored stilts and unique dwellings, built in order to withstand the high tide. You will also be able to explore the church and town square. Then, you will travel to the north of the island, to Ancud, where you can visit the Spanish fort, the local market, and Ancud Museum. This building has authentic architecture and preserves the area’s cultural and historical heritage. Next, you will stop off for lunch in a restaurant, ending your journey with your return to Puerto Varas.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Private Full-Day Tour: Hiking in the Alerce Andino National Park.
The Lakes District of Chile is distinguished by its picturesque volcanoes, lush forests, and, of course, its stunning lakes. Today’s adventure takes you to explore all three elements in Alerce Andino National Park. Situated just south of Puerto Varas, this national park boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, including ancient Alerce conifer trees that have thrived for millennia.
During our visit, we’ll hike for a several hours through temperate rainforests, traversing rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons nestled amidst steep mountains cloaked in age-old forests. Our knowledgeable guide will share insights about the diverse plants and animals inhabiting this unique environment.
En route to and from the park, we’ll travel along Patagonia’s northernmost oceanic fjord—be on the lookout for Chilean dolphins and other local wildlife!
Returning to Puerto Varas for the night provides you with additional time to explore the charms of this delightful town.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Shared Half-Day Tour: Petrohué Falls Rafting Experience
Head out on a thrilling adventure down the Petrohué River – world renowned for its epic falls and white waters. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Vincent Perez National Park, enjoying a scenic drive along the edge of the magnificent turquoise-blue Llanquihue Lake. Once you’ve put on your wetsuits and safety gear and listened to a short safety briefing, you’ll be on your way to start this adventure!
You’ll navigate through rapids ranging from levels II and III, even reaching level IV during peak river flow. Glide serenely through a river stretch offering breathtaking views of the majestic Osorno Volcano and the picturesque landscapes of Vincent Perez Rosales National Park. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of rafting, you’ll reach the base on the Hueñu Hueñu River. Here, you can change into fresh clothing and indulge in a delightful Patagonian-style snack, savoring the flavors of the region.
Following the tour, you’ll return to Puerto Varas.
*Minimum age applies. For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for persons with visual or hearing impairments.
Meals: Breakfast and snacks.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Shared Half Day Tour: Frutillar and Puerto Octay.
Departing in the morning from your hotel, we are going to surround Llanquihue Lake heading north. Large old residences and gardens steeped in Chilean-German culture is one of the proposals offered by Frutillar, surrounded by its charm and music will be part of a perfect combination. We will start our tour visiting Llanquihue; city founded by German settlers, characterized by the production of cecinas and place that gives origin of the Maullín River, located on the shores of the Lake. We will continue our trip along the old Route of the Settlers, bordering the west bank of Lake Llanquihue we will arrive at the beautiful city of Frutillar; which stands out for its architecture, the care of its gardens, the imposing Teatro del Lago that annually offers us the famous “Musical Weeks of Frutillar” and an incomparable view of Osorno and Puntiagudo Volcanoes. We will visit the German Colonial Museum and after that we will go to the city of Puerto Octay; picturesque town marked by the German colonization declared “Typical Zone” recently by the Council of National Monuments.
Private Transfer: Puerto Montt Airport
In the afternoon, your private transfer will take you to the airport at Puerto Montt for your flight to Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast.
2024 – 2025 SEASON RATES
Price per person
>> USD 2,440
* Please note that international and domestic flights are not included in this price. Price based on double occupancy.
Price Includes
Meals as mentioned on the Itinerary:
Not included
Why is this trip sustainable?
Our Health and Safety Promise
As the world continues to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that travelers, while eager to once again get out and explore the world, also want to be careful and only travel where and when it’s safe to do so. Just as you take your health and safety seriously, as well as the health and safety of the destinations and communities we visit, so do we. That’s why, in compliance with national and international health and safety regulations and recommendations, we’ve optimized our operations and tour itineraries to provide you with the safest itinerary possible.
This tour was specifically designed with social distancing in mind, avoiding overly crowded places without sacrificing the experience of discovering the destination. We only partner with hotels and tour operators that are similarly committed to putting their clients’ health first, frequently using cleaning and sanitizing services, and only offering tours and excursions when it’s fully safe to do so. All this and more are just some of the ways we’re innovating travel itineraries for a healthier, safer future.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding the health and safety procedures of this and other EcoChile tours, please let us know so we can answer your question or accommodate your request. Your safety is our top priority.
Duration: 6 days
Price: from USD$ 2,440 / person
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