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Nature & wildlife · Puerto Varas

Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Puerto Varas

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Puerto Varas that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Tour Guiado en Kayak por Rio Maullin / Medío dia en Pto. Varas, Puerto Varas1

    1. Tour Guiado en Kayak por Rio Maullin / Medío dia en Pto. Varas

    5.0· 53 reviews· 4 hours

    The Maullín River is one of the great free rivers in the country and known as the Amazon of Chile, it still preserves much of its native vegetation. This is one of the greatest singularities of the river, since that its bed is invaded by a swampy forest. Swamp forests are extraordinary ecosystems, which develop on wetlands, hosting a rich biodiversity in which wild flora and fauna of forests and aquatic ecosystems coexist.

  2. PRIVATE-Hike to Alerce Andino National Park. Alerces Forest., Puerto Varas2

    2. PRIVATE-Hike to Alerce Andino National Park. Alerces Forest.

    5.0· 5 reviews· 8 hours

    Biodiversity is so rich that a good guide will enhance your experience of visiting this forest. Learning about ecology, the valdivian forest , curiosities about nature is unique . And you will see why!

  3. Trekking Alerce Andino National Park in Puerto Varas, Puerto Varas3

    3. Trekking Alerce Andino National Park in Puerto Varas

    5.0· 1 reviews· 7 hours

    Take a walk with us through the Alerce Andino National Park! This amazing National Park is located near Puerto Montt, and at the beginning of the Carretera Austral. You can do a trekking according to your physical condition reaching the Alerce Milenario, or a maximum walk of up to 5 hours round trip, to Lake Chaiquenes. You can enjoy all that Nature has to offer in this fun trekking.

  1. Chiloe Island - Puñihuil Tour, Puerto Varas4

    4. Chiloe Island - Puñihuil Tour

    5.0· 23 reviews

    Come and feel the mysterious atmosphere covered by history, legends and myths. Introduce your senses into these wonderful landscapes; you will be amazed of the majestic penguin colonies and their wildlife. Live the experience of those unforgettable and unique moments that only you can find there.

  2. Scenic Catamaran Tour on Llanquihue lake, Puerto Varas5

    5. Scenic Catamaran Tour on Llanquihue lake

    4.9· 50 reviews· 45 min

    Embark on a family-friendly catamaran adventure across the stunning waters of Llanquihue Lake, the second largest lake in South America and one of Chile’s most iconic natural landmarks. This relaxing and educational experience is perfect for all ages, offering panoramic views of snow-capped volcanoes, lush forests, and the charming lakeside town that dot the shoreline. As you sail, enjoy the comfort of an onboard coffee serving delicious snacks, hot chocolate, and local treats—ideal for warming up and sharing a moment with loved ones. The journey is enhanced by a guided audio tour, available in multiple languages, that brings to life the rich history, geography, and cultural heritage of the region. Whether you're traveling with kids, grandparents, or just looking for a peaceful way to explore the beauty of southern Chile, this scenic cruise is a memorable experience the whole family will enjoy.

  3. Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River, Puerto Varas6

    6. Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River

    4.9· 147 reviews· 5 hours

    Come and join us to row in one of the most beautiful rivers in Chile: Petrohué River. You will descent a type III river and will be able to admie the beauty of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Experts guides will take you for an hour and a half of descent, admiring Calbuco, Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanos.

  4. Llanquihue Lake Cirquit - Waterfalls, Puerto Varas7

    7. Llanquihue Lake Cirquit - Waterfalls

    4.8· 20 reviews

    Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Llanquihue lake and the imposing Waterfalls, a mistery place hidden inside of the great green forest. And let you enchant with the German tradition and music in Frutillar and the beautiful city Puerto Octay wich spreads history in every corner.

  5. Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour, Puerto Varas8

    8. Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour

    4.4· 29 reviews· 10 hours

    We will begin the journey on Route 225 and then set sail from the Port of Petrohué, sailing for almost two hours on Lake Todos los Santos, observing the majesty of the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes. Upon arriving at Villa Peulla, you can enjoy Ecotourism activities that can be booked on site! These include adventure and nature, in the middle of an impressive natural setting.

  6. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Puerto Varas to Bariloche, Puerto Varas9

    9. Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

    4.3· 8 reviews· 11 hours

    Depart from Puerto Varas in Chile to Bariloche, Argentina on three cruises, crossing lakes surrounded by the Andes mountains. This 11-hour trip will cross the Chilean border through the Valdivian Rain Forest, toward Peulla, Chile. Cruise across Todos los Santos Lake to Peulla. Sail the green waters of Frias Lake and admire the stunning Tronador. Across the Nahuel Huapi Lake, toward the heart of the Southern Andes. We will finish in Bariloche.

  7. OneWay Journey: Puerto Varas, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina, Puerto Varas10

    10. OneWay Journey: Puerto Varas, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina

    4.2· 39 reviews· 12 hours

    It is a scenic and tourist route that connects the cities of Puerto Varas in Chile and San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina through the Andes, a mountain range that runs through South America. This trip allows travelers to explore the lakes and mountains of Patagonia while crossing the border between Chile and Argentina. Highlights: 1- Navigation by boat: Travelers cross 3 lakes; 2 Argentinean lakes and 1 Chilean lake. Nahuel Huapi Lake, Frias Lake and Todos los Santos Lake. 2- Bus ride: Each lake is connected by 4 overland routes, scenic routes that pass through places of natural interest such as forests and waterfalls. The following points are connected by bus: Bariloche-Puerto Pañuelo, Puerto Blest-Puerto Alegre, Puerto Frías-Peulla and Petrohué-Puerto Varas. Throughout the trip you will enjoy panoramic views, rainforest and the chance to explore the wildlife, gastronomy and local culture on both sides of the border. Come and live the experience, we are waiting for you!

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