- Volcán Osorno — A near-perfect conical volcano that gives insane 360° views over Lago Llanquihue, Lago Todos los Santos and the surrounding Andes. The hike is a steep, rewarding slog up volcanic scree and lava fields; what makes it stand out is that the summit panorama looks like a postcard from every angle, so you get classic Lake District scenery in one go.
- Saltos de Petrohué and Lago Todos los Santos — Short, accessible trails that thread along turquoise rivers through carved basalt and volcanic rock. The contrast between the milky-green water, ragged lava formations and Osorno’s snowy cone in the background is dramatic; it’s a great half-day option when you want scenery without an overnight.
- Huerquehue National Park (Sendero Los Lagos) — A layered forest hike that passes araucaria
- Volcán Osorno — A near-perfect conical volcano that gives insane 360° views over Lago Llanquihue, Lago Todos los Santos and the surrounding Andes. The hike is a steep, rewarding slog up volcanic scree and lava fields; what makes it stand out is that the summit panorama looks like a postcard from every angle, so you get classic Lake District scenery in one go.
- Saltos de Petrohué and Lago Todos los Santos — Short, accessible trails that thread along turquoise rivers through carved basalt and volcanic rock. The contrast between the milky-green water, ragged lava formations and Osorno’s snowy cone in the background is dramatic; it’s a great half-day option when you want scenery without an overnight.
- Huerquehue National Park (Sendero Los Lagos) — A layered forest hike that passes araucaria (monkey-puzzle) trees, mossy streams and a string of emerald mountain lakes with mirrors that reflect volcanoes. The mix of alpine lakes, waterfalls and old-growth trees makes each section feel different—one minute you’re in a ferny rainforest, the next you’re on a rocky viewpoint looking at Villarrica.
- Alerce Andino National Park — Home to giant alerce (Fitzroya) trees—some are thousands of years old—plus quiet lakes and boardwalks through thick temperate rainforest. The slow, green hush of the trail and those ancient trunks give it a primeval vibe you won’t get on more touristy routes; perfect if you like trees that put human history into perspective.
- Cochamó Valley — A wild granite valley with sheer cliffs, rivers and alpine meadows that more than earns the “Yosemite of Chile” tag; expect multi-day trails, river fords and wild camping. It’s my personal favorite—long granite faces for climbing, quiet campsites and a real sense of remoteness make it unforgettable, especially at sunrise when the cliffs glow orange.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.