We rank these on four things: what you actually see, the quality of the guiding, value for money, and what real travellers say afterwards. Ratings and review counts come straight from GetYourGuide and are checked regularly — where a tour is new and has few reviews yet, we say so.
We earn a commission if you book through the links below, at no cost to you. The cheapest tour on this page is not the one that pays us best, and the ranking reflects that.
- Best overall
From Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls Day Tour
The most-reviewed tour in Puerto Varas and the one that shows you the essentials in a single day: the volcano, the lake views and the Petrohué falls. Well priced and easy — book it for your clearest day.
First-timers with one clear day
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- Best bucket-list journey
Cruce Andino: Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche
The Cruce Andino is one of the great travel days in South America: three lakes, two countries and a string of volcanoes between Puerto Varas and Bariloche. Expensive, one-way — and unforgettable.
Travellers heading on to Argentina
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- Best boat day
Puerto Varas: Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour
The first, most beautiful stretch of the lake crossing turned into a return day trip: emerald water, volcanoes and the road-free village of Peulla, with the Petrohué falls on the way.
Seeing the lake without going on to Argentina
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- Best half day
Puerto Varas: Half-Day Tour to Frutillar and Llanquihue
Frutillar and Llanquihue in four easy hours, small group and highly rated. The ideal plan for an arrival afternoon or a grey day when the volcano is hidden.
A gentle afternoon or a rainy-ish day
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- Best adventure
Puerto Varas: Petrohué River Rafting & River-Kayaking Tour
Rafting the turquoise Petrohué beneath the Osorno volcano is the Lake District’s signature adrenaline activity, and this four-hour trip is short, well priced and perfectly reviewed.
Active travellers and families with teens
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- Best Chiloé day trip
From Puerto Varas: Chiloé Island Full-Day Tour
The most-booked way to see Chiloé from Puerto Varas: ferry, Castro’s palafitos and Dalcahue in one long day. Ratings are mixed because the drive is long — go in with realistic expectations.
Seeing Chiloé when you only have one day
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- Best rainy-day plan
From Puerto Varas: Termas del Sol Hot Springs & Cochamó Valley
The Reloncaví estuary, the village of Cochamó and an afternoon in forest hot springs. It is the one trip that is just as good under cloud as in sunshine.
A relaxing day after hiking or rafting
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- Best if short on time
Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-Conditioned Van
Five hours, straight to the volcano and back. For travellers who want Osorno but also want a free afternoon for Frutillar, rafting or a long lunch.
Short on time
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- Best small-group volcano tour
Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls Small-Group Day Trip
The classic Osorno-and-Petrohué route in a smaller group, with a strong rating. Worth the few extra dollars if you dislike big-bus tours.
Couples who prefer a smaller group
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- Best alternative for Peulla
Puerto Varas: Peulla Day Trip
A second strong option to reach Peulla by boat, useful when the other departure is full, and with time in the village for a walk or an activity.
Nature lovers who want the lake at its wildest
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- Best for heritage
Puerto Varas: Llanquihue, Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Goes further than the usual Frutillar tour to include Puerto Octay, the quietest and most authentic of the German lake towns.
Heritage and architecture fans
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- Best from Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt: Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour
If you are sleeping in Puerto Montt or arriving by cruise ship, this is the well-reviewed way to see Puerto Varas, the volcano and the falls in one day.
Visitors staying in Puerto Montt
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- Best small-group Chiloé
Traditional Chiloé: The Soul of the Archipelago
A newer, smaller-group take on Chiloé that concentrates on the island’s traditions. Early reviews are excellent; the price is a little higher.
A more personal Chiloé day
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- Best for Puerto Montt
Puerto Varas: Half-Day Puerto Montt Sightseeing Tour
A short, small-group visit to the regional capital, built around the Angelmó seafood market. Useful as an add-on on the day you fly out.
Seafood and market lovers
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- Best forest hike
Alerce Andino Park: Ancient Forests and Trails
A guided day among the ancient alerce trees of Alerce Andino. A new listing with no reviews yet — but a unique forest you will not see elsewhere.
Hikers and forest lovers
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- Best serious hike
Trekking the Paso Desolación Trail, Vicente Pérez Rosales NP
Guided trek to Paso Desolación on the flank of Osorno, with enormous views over Todos los Santos lake. New and demanding — for fit hikers only.
Fit hikers
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- Best private paddle
Puerto Varas: Half-Day Kayak Tour on the Maullín River
A calm, private kayak trip on the Maullín river. Pricier than a group activity, but ideal for beginners, couples or families.
Beginners and private groups
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- Best airport transfer
Puerto Varas: Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport (El Tepual)
A cheap, simple ride from your hotel to El Tepual. Book it the day you arrive so an early flight is one less thing to think about.
Stress-free departures
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- Best arrival transfer
Puerto Montt Airport – Puerto Varas Private Transfer (English)
A private driver waiting at arrivals, English-speaking, straight to Puerto Varas. Worth it after a long flight or with children.
Late arrivals and families
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How we rank these tours
We look at four things, in this order:
- What you see. A volcano tour on a cloudy day still has to deliver — waterfalls, forest, lake shore.
- Guiding. A guide who explains the volcanoes, the forest and the German settlement makes the day.
- Value. Not the lowest price — the most trip per dollar.
- What reviewers say afterwards. We read the three-star reviews, not just the five-star ones.
Still not sure?
Browse everything currently bookable, with live prices and availability, on our full tours page — or read the travel guide first if you are still working out how many days to give the Lake District.
