Esteban_B, nov. 2023
Different from rest of tours we had in Chile (had several out of Atacama, Santiago and Puerto Varas), this one was late versus the time they told us. Not a biggy, but I guess the other experiences make that stand out.
So, after pick up, we head towards the Saltos de Petrohue, and let me say, this place is AMAZING!!! I mean, you get to these waterfalls that have this incredible color (as in the pictures, believe me, there were no filters applied) nested against this background of beautiful mountains. The waterfalls have runways that allow you to enjoy the view of the waterfalls and the surroundings from every possible angle. There are also trails that take you down to visit other areas of the park and enjoy more of these amazing views.
From there, you go to the lake, Lago de Todos Los Santos, whose water has the same beautiful colors as the Saltos. Now, the tour guide will encourage you to take the boat tour. My take is that it is a total waste of time. You're taken near the cost but is focused on "look at the nice houses of these rich people". Sure, there were other details about the lake and so, but core of it, the houses. Here you lose time that you could had better used exploring the trails at the Saltos del Petrohue. This is optional, so you can bail out if it and save the 6 thousand pesos (~ $7) and use that money for food or souvenirs at the store near the Saltos.
After this, we went for lunch at a place next to the Llanquihue lake, great view of the lake and of the Osorno volcano. We had one of their specials, wild boar, what an amazing taste! If available, go for it, 100% recommended!
The day we went on tour, it was an unusual cold and bad weathered one, so by when we got to the entrance to the volcano, it was closed. Rangers said there was way too much snow and was deemed unsafe. This obviously was a boomer, but that's nothing one can control. Our guide took as to another section of the park where we came across a nice lagoon and then an amazing view of the the Llanquihue lake.
So, why 3 stars if views were so nice? Too little time at the Saltos del Petrohue and "tricked" into the boat tour at the Lago de Todos los Santos (btw, you got to pay in cash). I believe tour starts a bit too late to allow for enough time at the right places (the Saltos, the Volcano, etc), so it is a bit rushed.
My wife and I agreed that it is probably more efficient to just rent a car and do it by yourself. We would like to come back to Puerto Varas again, definitely we will do the car, to go back to the Saltos and finally the Volcano, but also other attractions that are at driving distance.