Puerto Montt
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Puerto Montt: The Llanquihue Lake Experience - 6 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The town of Puerto Varas
- The Settlers Museum in Frutillar
- Angelmó Handicrafts Market in Puerto Montt
DESCRIPTION
This excursion takes in the main attractions of Puerto Montt and the nearby towns of Puerto Varas and Frutillar, both located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German immigrants and their stalwart promoter Vicente Pérez Rosales, who named the town after another promoter of immigration, President Manuel Montt. The waterfront here was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1960, which had destroyed the city's port, church, and neighbourhood of Angelmó. Today it is the capital of Chile's Southern Lake District, a thriving city that invests heavily in salmon farming, shipping, and tourism. Puerto Montt is commercially and strategically very important to this region. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, it features middle-European architecture, with high-pitched, redwood-shingled roofs and ornate balconies.
On leaving the port there will be a short visit of the Angelmó Handicrafts market located just a few minutes walk from the dock gates, before continue through the centre of the city for a glimpse of highlights such as the redwood cathedral on the city's plaza, which is the city's oldest building, dating back to 1856. Continue to the town of Puerto Varas for an orientation tour and enjoy the opportunity to take a photograph across the waters of the Llanquihue to one of the regions icons; the mighty Osorno Volcano. Puerto Varas is one of Chile's most charming towns, not only because of its privileged lakeside location, but also because of its quaint, German-influenced architecture, and its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The city was built by the sweat and tenacity of German immigrants, and later it became a port for goods being shipped from the Lago Llanquihue area to Puerto Montt (mostly timber). Today most of the area's middle- and upper-middle-class residents call Puerto Varas home and commute to Puerto Montt and other surrounding places for work.
Along the trip we will do a short stop to enjoy the delicious local beer, Drakkar and Colonos; we will also visit the brewery to learn how they produce it. Our host will be the owner who will explain us the process.
Continue to the historic town of Frutillar. Founded in 1856 by German settlers, this is one the most charming towns in Chile. A visit will be made to the Settlers Museum, which features a collection of 19th-century antiques, clothing, and artefacts gathered from various immigrant German families around the area. There will also be a visit to the Teatro del Lago Concert Hall, an open-air venue that is gaining prestige on both a national and international level, and which is home to Frutillar’s famous Music Festival. Once an event for local and regional artists, this annual festival now draws international performers.
Light lunch will be served at “Lavanda Casa de Té”, an old barn where Opa Pancho spended many hours dedicated to one of his hobbies, mechanic; today, it has been turned into an exclusive tearoom immersed in lavender plantation. Among aromas, flavors and memories of an unforgettable time, we will taste the finest flavors of tea accompanied by the best local pastry
After light lunch return to Puerto Montt, stopping briefly at an observation point for a view across Tenglo Bay with the ship in port.
Operational notes :
Duration : 6.15 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Light lunch & mineral water
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion site.
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Puerto Montt: A Journey into Chile's Oldest National Park - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The Petrohué Rapids
- The town of Puerto Varas
- Puerto Montt and the Angelmó Market
DESCRIPTION
This excursion takes in the main attractions of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and the Petrohué Rapids, one of southern Chile’s most beautiful attractions.
Departing from the pier, the drive heads directly to one of the most famous beauty spots in Chile’s Lake District; Petrohué Rapids. The scenic journey follows the road to the village of Alerce, with views of charming wooden houses and churches, pristine farmland, and lush green forest, before taking the road that skirts Lake Llanquihue.
The arrival to the village of Ensenada, at the foot of the Osorno Volcano, marks the entrance to the oldest National Park in Chile; the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Founded in 1926 it covers an area of 251,000 hectares (619,970 acres), incorporating the park's centrepieces Lake Todos los Santos, the Petrohué Rapids, and three commanding volcanoes; Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo.
The mighty Petrohué is one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers, and your guests will marvel at the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Upon arrival to the rapids, one can enjoy the spectacle of the inky-green waters as they crash through lava channels formed after the eruption of the Osorno in 1850.
Head back west in the direction of Puerto Varas, where a short stop will be made. This tidy little town, with its lovely architecture and bustling centre, is mainly residential and thrives on tourism thanks to its grand setting on Lake Llanquihue and proximity to the nearby National Parks. Here there will be an opportunity to take a photograph or two across the waters of Lake Llanquihue to the mighty Osorno Volcano. The city was built by the sweat and tenacity of German immigrants, and later it became a port for goods being shipped from the Lago Llanquihue area to Puerto Montt (mostly timber). Today most of the area's middle- and upper-middle-class residents call Puerto Varas home and commute to Puerto Montt and other surrounding places for work.
Return to Puerto Montt, stopping briefly at an observation point for a view across Tenglo Bay with the ship in port, followed by a short orientation tour through the centre of the city for a glimpse of highlights such as the redwood cathedral on the city's plaza, which is the city's oldest building, dating back to 1856.
The transfer will end either on the pier or for those who choose to browse for bargains, at the Angelmó Handicraft Market, just a few minutes’ walk from the dock gates.
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Mineral water
**Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Puerto Montt: The Route of the Pioneers - 7 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A walk on the Osorno Volcano
- Breathtaking mountain and cold rainforest scenery
DESCRIPTION
This excursion follows route taken by the German, Swiss and Austrian pioneers in 1850, looking for a way to reach Argentina from Chile.
This programme commences with a drive north out of Puerto Montt towards the village of Alerce, with views of charming wooden houses and churches, pristine farmland, and lush green forest. Then take the road to Colonia Tres Puentes. This small, sleepy town is located at the foot of the Calbuco Volcano. A stop will be made at a nearby forest of the ancient alerce trees.
Continue the journey to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, climbing the Osorno Volcano to the Ski and Mountain Centre, at an altitude of 4,200 feet above sea level. When you reach the La Burbuja sector, you will take a short trek to enjoy the panoramic views and will be able to take pictures of the summit of Osorno and Calbuco with their snow-covered peaks, and of Lake Llanquihue. You will also enjoy the views from the chairlift.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, before continuing to one of the most famous beauty spots in Chile’s Lake District; Petrohué Rapids. The mighty Petrohué is one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers, and your guests will marvel at the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Upon arrival to the rapids, one can enjoy the spectacle of the inky-green waters as they crash through lava channels formed after the eruption of the Osorno in 1850.
Return to Puerto Montt to rejoin the ship.
Notes:
Duration : 7 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Mineral water
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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11/01/2025 |
11/01/2025 |
Punta Arenas
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
DESCRIPTION
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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11/06/2025 |
11/07/2025 |
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