Petrohue River, Frutillar & German Settlers Museum

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Puerto Montt and its surrounding areas are a mix of multiple personalities. With its gingerbread architecture and quaint, narrow streets you may think you're vacationing somewhere in Bavaria. But with the snow-capped Osorno volcano looming off in the distance you may get the feeling you're in Japan. But, of course, with regional icons such the Petrohue Falls you definitely know you're in Chile.

This full day guided tour captures every side of these personalities. First, you'll board your transportation at the pier. As you make your way through Puerto Montt and out to the scenic countryside your guide will point out many areas of interest including Isla Tenglo, the tiny offshore island, which is one of the locals' favorite beaches. You'll then head north towards Chile's famous Lake District. The enjoyable 90-minute drive will take you through the magnificent Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Chile's oldest national park. Covering over 619,900 acres, it's thick with evergreen trees and home to three active volcanoes - Tronador, Puntiagudo and Osorno, which is often called the "Fujiyama of South America."

Continuing on, you'll make your way to Petrohue Falls. When you arrive you'll disembark for 45 minutes to take pictures, explore (be careful, the rocks may be slippery), breathe in the fresh, clean air and marvel at the brilliant green water as it thunderously roars over the volcanic rocks. Have your cameras ready, you may get a glimpse of a deer, gray fox, long-muzzled weasel or little mountain monkey.

Your next destination is the charming town of Puerto Varas. Resting on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas was founded by German immigrants over 150 years ago and is well known for its German traditions, food and architecture. You'll stop at a handicraft market where you can shop for local artwork, craftwork and souvenirs.

By now, you've probably worked up an appetite so you'll climb back aboard your transportation for lunch in Puerto Varas. Sit down and enjoy Chilean and German favorites including cheese empanadas, vegetable soup, grilled fish and kuchen, a German word for cake that's made from a sweet dough and topped with fruit and custard or latticed crust. Your choice of water, wine, coffee or tea will accompany your meal along with a Pisco sour, which is a traditional South American cocktail. After lunch you'll travel to Frutillar, another small hamlet that embraces its Germanic heritage. Take a tour of the German Colonial Museum, which resembles a small Swiss chalet. Here, you can see how the town's early settlers lived as you stroll the lovely garden, and walk through the mill, grain house, blacksmith shop and house.

At the end of the day, you'll return to Puerto Montt, once again taking in the breathtaking views of the Osorno volcano as you make your way back to the pier.

Special Notes:

Views of the volcanoes are dependent on weather conditions.

Transportation may not be air-conditioned.

Child Price:

12 years & under only