Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour
Location: North Chile, Chile
Price: $51 per person
Duration: 10 hours
Rating: 4.3/5 (33 reviews)
A Perfect Day for Nature Lovers and Curious Travelers
If you’re dreaming of Chilean Patagonia’s wild beauty, this tour offers a great way to experience it without a week-long trek. For about $51, you’ll spend roughly ten hours exploring one of the most picturesque lakes in the region, Todos Los Santos, and visiting Villa Peulla, an eco-conscious village that feels like a step back in time with its tranquil charm and stunning setting.
What makes this experience stand out are two specific highlights: the spectacular boat cruise across Todos Los Santos Lake, where you’ll gaze at towering volcanoes and lush forests, and the chance to wander through Villa Peulla, a tiny community with a focus on sustainability. Plus, the views of Osorno, Puntiaguado, and Tronador volcanoes are genuinely breathtaking.
A potential consideration might be the length of the day — ten hours can be a long trip, especially if you’re not used to full-day tours. The activities in Villa Peulla, such as canopying or horse riding, are optional, so you can choose how much adventure you want to pack in. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy scenic landscapes, moderate walking, and a relaxed pace, as well as couples, nature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see the iconic Patagonian scenery without strenuous hiking.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Stunning Views: The boat cruise offers unparalleled vistas of volcanoes and forests.
- Eco-Friendly Village: Villa Peulla emphasizes sustainability and offers a peaceful, authentic setting.
- Flexible Activities: Options like canopying and horse riding can be added if you want more adventure.
- Roundtrip Transportation: Convenient pickup from Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, or nearby hotels makes logistics easier.
- Guided Experience: A live guide ensures you learn about the landscape and local environment.
- Value for Money: For $51, this tour packs in scenic beauty and cultural insight, with optional activities available.
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A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience
Starting Point and Transportation
Your day begins at the designated meeting point in Puerto Varas, either at Turistour’s office or your hotel if you opt for the pickup service. The tour provides roundtrip transportation, which simplifies logistics and keeps the focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about travel plans. The pickup begins about 30 minutes before the tour starts, so be ready and waiting in the hotel lobby. This is a practical perk that saves you the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging your own transfers.
The Lake Cruise: Todos Los Santos in All Its Glory
The core of this experience is the 2-hour boat ride across Todos Los Santos Lake, a highlight according to most reviews. The lake’s emerald waters are a visual feast, especially when framed by the towering Osorno volcano and the snow-capped Tronador. We loved the way the guide pointed out the volcanic peaks and explained their significance, adding context to the sweeping views.
Passengers often comment on the serene atmosphere and stunning scenery. One review mentions, “The views of the volcanoes from the boat are simply unforgettable,” emphasizing how this moment captures the essence of Patagonian grandeur. During the cruise, you’ll get a front-row seat to the natural artistry of this region — forests spilling down from the mountains, the shimmering lake surface, and the occasional bird swooping by.
More Great Tours NearbyVilla Peulla: A Hidden Gem
After the cruise, your journey continues to Villa Peulla, a small village with just 120 inhabitants. This eco-friendly community has chosen sustainability as its way of life, making it a meaningful stop for environmentally conscious travelers. Once there, you’ll find a variety of optional activities, such as canopying, horse riding, and a 4×4 safari—each offering a different way to connect with the landscape.
While some reviews note that activities are optional, they’re a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the region to the fullest. One traveler said, “The village’s peaceful vibe and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break,” making it clear that even without participating in activities, just wandering around offers a sense of tranquility and authenticity.
The Views and Atmosphere
The scenery throughout this tour is what keeps most visitors coming back. From the glassy lake waters to the looming volcanoes and the lush forests, it’s a landscape that seems almost unreal in its beauty. The guide’s insights help you appreciate not just the sights but also the environmental importance of this area.
Flexibility and Personal Choice
Since the activities in Villa Peulla are not included in the baseline price, you can tailor your experience. If you’re not keen on adventure sports, simply enjoy the peaceful walk, or relax at a local café. If you want more adrenaline, options like canopying or a 4×4 safari are available, which can add excitement and a different perspective on the landscape.
Ending the Day
The tour returns you to your starting point in Puerto Varas, with plenty of time to reflect on the stunning vistas or plan your next adventure in southern Chile. The entire day, though long, feels well-paced; the company’s guide keeps things engaging and informative, making the 10 hours feel like a worthwhile investment.
Analyzing Value and Practicality
At $51, this tour offers a solid value for those wanting a scenic, culturally rich day without breaking the bank. The inclusion of roundtrip transportation and a guided boat cruise ensures you see the key highlights efficiently. The optional activities, while not included, give you opportunities to customize your day based on your energy level and interests.
The small group size and live guide are advantages, fostering a more personal experience. Plus, the flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) provides peace of mind—an important aspect when planning trips that depend on weather conditions, which can be quite variable in Patagonia.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers seeking spectacular nature views and an authentic taste of Chilean Patagonia without extensive hiking or camping. It’s suitable for those who appreciate relaxing boat rides, striking scenery, and small-scale villages. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace and interesting commentary will find plenty to love.
Final Thoughts
This tour of Todos Los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla strikes a thoughtful balance between natural beauty and manageable travel. It offers a window into the raw, untouched landscapes of southern Chile, with the added bonus of a charming village and optional adventures. The views are genuinely captivating, and the experience provides a good introduction to the region’s volcanic scenery and eco-conscious communities.
While it’s not a full-day hike or intense adventure, it’s a highly worthwhile day trip if you want a snapshot of Patagonia’s grandeur without the logistical hassle. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want scenic comfort, engaging guides, and the flexibility to choose their level of activity.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including transportation, cruise, and free time in Villa Peulla.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Turistour in Puerto Varas and ends back at the same meeting point; pickup from hotels is available at select locations.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially considering the cool, sometimes breezy Patagonian climate.
Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something in Villa Peulla if desired.
Can I participate in activities like horse riding or canopying?
These are optional activities and are not included in the price. You can choose to partake or simply enjoy the scenery.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally appropriate for most age groups, the long duration and optional activities may require some planning for young children.
What about weather conditions?
Patagonia’s weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and be prepared for rain or wind, which can affect boat trips and outdoor activities.
Is the guide bilingual?
Yes, the live guide speaks both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.
How much does the tour cost?
It costs $51 per person, which includes transportation and the boat cruise, offering good value for the scenery and experience.
To sum it up, the Todos Los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla tour provides a beautifully balanced day of scenic cruising and culture. It’s a practical choice for travelers craving authentic views of Chilean Patagonia within a manageable schedule, all at an accessible price point. For anyone who loves dramatic landscapes, peaceful villages, and optional adventures, this trip hits the mark with a combination of visual splendor and relaxed exploration.
You can check availability for your dates here: