Peulla Day-Trip from Puerto Varas: Sail Todos los Santos and Explore Vicente Pérez Rosales
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Approximately 12 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; expect short walks, boat boarding, and optional light hikes.
Overview
Cross Todos los Santos Lake from Puerto Varas to the forested village of Peulla, visit the thunderous Petrohué Falls, and choose from canopy tours, horseback rides, or 4x4 safaris in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This full-day navigation blends dramatic volcano views with accessible outdoor adventure.
Peulla Day-Trip from Puerto Varas: Sail Todos los Santos and Explore Vicente Pérez Rosales
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Morning light on Llanquihue often arrives with a quiet insistence: glassy, cool, and wide enough to make you feel like you’re about to cross into another world. The day begins in Puerto Varas, where travelers board a minibus for a short climb into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The first stop is the Saltos del Petrohué, a river that pushes through smoothed volcanic rock and dares you to lean closer to its spray.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for sudden weather shifts
The Lake District changes quickly—bring a lightweight waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer for comfort on both boat and shore.
Grip up for streams and falls
Saltos del Petrohué and Peulla trails have wet rock; wear shoes with good tread and avoid slick edges.
Protect camera gear
Spray from the falls and lake wind can be intense—use a weather-sealed bag and lens cloth.
Carry local cash
Small vendors and some activity operators in Peulla accept cash only—bring Chilean pesos for snacks and souvenirs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Magellanic woodpecker
- Andean fox (zorro)
History
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park protects waterways shaped by glaciation and volcanism; the lake routes were important travel corridors for indigenous Huilliche communities and later settlers.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and pack out waste; local lodges work with park authorities to limit impacts on fragile forest and shoreline ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Varas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during lake winds and sudden rain common in the Lake District.
Grippy hiking shoes
Necessary for wet volcanic rock at the falls and uneven forest trails in Peulla.
Daypack with dry bag
Keeps layers, camera, and snacks organized and protected from spray.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Useful for spotting birdlife and framing distant volcano silhouettes across the lake.