HD A Journey into Chile's Oldest National Parks

Duration: 1 day

Highlights: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Petrohue Rapids.

Half day excursion taking in the highlights of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Petrohue Rapids.

Itinerary

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
This excursion takes in the main attractions of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and the Petrohué Rapids, one of southern Chile’s most beautiful attractions.

Departing from the pier, the drive heads directly to one of the most famous beauty spots in Chile’s Lake District; Petrohué Rapids. The scenic journey follows the road to the village of Alerce, with views of charming wooden houses and churches, pristine farmland, and lush green forest, before taking the road that skirts Lake Llanquihue.

The arrival to the village of Ensenada, at the foot of the Osorno Volcano, marks the entrance to the oldest National Park in Chile; the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Founded in 1926 it covers an area of 251,000 hectares (619,970 acres), incorporating the park's centrepieces Lake Todos los Santos, the Petrohué Rapids, and three commanding volcanoes; Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo.

The mighty Petrohué is one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers, and you will marvel at the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Upon arrival to the rapids, enjoy the spectacle of the inky-green waters as they crash through lava channels formed after the eruption of the Osorno in 1850.

Head back west in the direction of Puerto Varas, where a short stop will be made. This tidy little town, with its lovely architecture and bustling centre, is mainly residential and thrives on tourism thanks to its grand setting on Lake Llanquihue and proximity to the nearby National Parks. Here there will be an opportunity to take a photograph or two across the waters of Lake Llanquihue to the mighty Osorno Volcano. The city was built by the sweat and tenacity of German immigrants, and later it became a port for goods being shipped from the Lago Llanquihue area to Puerto Montt (mostly timber). Today most of the area's middle- and upper-middle-class residents call Puerto Varas home and commute to Puerto Montt and other surrounding places for work.

Return to Puerto Montt, stopping briefly at an observation point for a view across Tenglo Bay with the ship in port, followed by a short orientation tour through the centre of the city for a glimpse of highlights such as the redwood cathedral on the city's plaza, which is the city's oldest building, dating back to 1856.

The transfer will end either on the pier or for those who choose to browse for bargains, at the Angelmó Handicraft Market, just a few minutes’ walk from the dock gates.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Take in the main attractions of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and the Petrohué Rapids, one of southern Chile’s most beautiful attractions. Magnificent scenes of villages, lakes, waterfalls and volcanoes abound on this journey into Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 - 01:00 Drive from the pier to Petrohué
01:00 - 02:00 Petrohué
02:00 - 02:45 Drive to Puerto Varas
02:45 - 03:30 Puerto Varas; comfort stop
03:30 - 04:00 Return drive to the pier OR Angelmó Handicrafts Market

Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide
- Bottled mineral water included
- Participants may be dropped off at the Angelmó Handicrafts market at the end of the tour
- Activity level is Easy