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Chile🇨🇱 | national parksVicente Pérez Rosales National ParkOsorno cone, Petrohué basalt falls, emerald lake, Peulla crossing | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Vicente Pérez Rosales
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park puts a volcano, a glacial lake and a waterfall within a single day’s reach of the town of Puerto Varas, with no gear beyond sturdy shoes. It sits in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, east of Puerto Varas, around Lago Todos los Santos and the cone of Osorno. The road in follows Lago Llanquihue, and I stopped at a roadside stand in Ensenada where a woman handed me a hot sopaipilla in paper, which tells you the route is built for easy stops. Trails are short to moderate and wildlife is shy, so the draw is the view: green water, black lava and snow. Weekend buses fill in summer, and the lake crossing to Peulla needs planning. The trail to Saltos del Petrohué ends at a pool the color of mint glass.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 national park in Chile
What sets this place apart

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park suits backpackers who like to piece a trip together themselves, because the main sights sit along one paved road and public minibuses run it. You can ride from Puerto Varas to Petrohué, hike a trail, and be back by evening without a tour. The park also holds the Todos los Santos crossing to Peulla, a boat and bus route that carries you toward Argentina through Andean rainforest, so a border-hopping trip becomes part of the scenery. Climbers and trekkers get the Osorno Volcano, a near-perfect cone whose lower slopes are open to anyone with a day and decent shoes. Camping and basic refugios keep a longer stay affordable. Trail variety is narrower than in Patagonia, but the walks are quick to reach and the weather windows reward early starts.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Petrohué Falls: Turquoise glacial water squeezes through black volcanic basalt channels just off the road to Todos los Santos. Short boardwalks and viewing platforms lead to the best angles, with Osorno Volcano framed behind the spray. Entry is paid, and a visit takes 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Osorno Volcano: The near-perfect, snow-capped cone dominates the park skyline from almost every viewpoint. Most people drive up to the ski area on the slopes for a chairlift ride and views over Llanquihue Lake. Climbing to the summit needs ice gear and a guide.
  3. Lake Todos los Santos: Chile’s emerald-green lake sits in a glacial valley ringed by forested peaks. From Petrohué you can take a boat across or just walk the black-sand shore for views of Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador.
  4. Sendero Los Alerces: A long forest
… read more 👉
  1. Petrohué Falls: Turquoise glacial water squeezes through black volcanic basalt channels just off the road to Todos los Santos. Short boardwalks and viewing platforms lead to the best angles, with Osorno Volcano framed behind the spray. Entry is paid, and a visit takes 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Osorno Volcano: The near-perfect, snow-capped cone dominates the park skyline from almost every viewpoint. Most people drive up to the ski area on the slopes for a chairlift ride and views over Llanquihue Lake. Climbing to the summit needs ice gear and a guide.
  3. Lake Todos los Santos: Chile’s emerald-green lake sits in a glacial valley ringed by forested peaks. From Petrohué you can take a boat across or just walk the black-sand shore for views of Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador.
  4. Sendero Los Alerces: A long forest route of about 17 km along the slopes of Osorno and Cerro La Picada and the shore of Lago Todos los Santos passes under old alerce, coigüe and tepa trees draped in moss and ferns. It is a good place to hear Chilean pygmy owls and woodpeckers.
  5. Sendero La Picada: This longer route climbs through native forest to a high viewpoint west of Osorno. Expect volcanic sand and rocky stretches, and a real sense of being far from the roadside crowds.
  6. Peulla and the Cruce de Lagos route: The eastern end of Todos los Santos holds a small village at the foot of rainforest-covered slopes. The boat journey from Petrohué is a classic way to reach the Argentine border and Lake Nahuel Huapi.
  7. Saltos del Río Petrohué lava fields: Short trails around the falls cross black lava flows from Osorno’s past eruptions. Scrubby plants cling to the rock, and the contrast with the bright water is striking.
Most visitors turn back after the falls, yet the quiet shoreline and forest paths around Petrohué village give the best chance to watch the volcano in peace.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

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🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Summer (December to February): Dry, longest days (about 15 hours of light), highs of 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), lows near 8°C (46°F). This is peak season for Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos boat trips and Osorno volcano views. Crowds and prices are highest, and Chilean school holidays fill January.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), more rain by May, and beech forests turning red and gold. Crowds thin out fast after Easter and lodging drops.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold and wet, 3 to 10°C (37 to 50°F), with daylight of about 9 to 10 hours. Snow closes higher trails, though Osorno’s ski slopes open and prices are lowest.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 10 to 17°C (50 to 63°F), changeable skies, melting snow and blooming lupines by November. Trails are quiet.
… read more 👉
  • Summer (December to February): Dry, longest days (about 15 hours of light), highs of 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), lows near 8°C (46°F). This is peak season for Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos boat trips and Osorno volcano views. Crowds and prices are highest, and Chilean school holidays fill January.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), more rain by May, and beech forests turning red and gold. Crowds thin out fast after Easter and lodging drops.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold and wet, 3 to 10°C (37 to 50°F), with daylight of about 9 to 10 hours. Snow closes higher trails, though Osorno’s ski slopes open and prices are lowest.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 10 to 17°C (50 to 63°F), changeable skies, melting snow and blooming lupines by November. Trails are quiet.
Book February boat tours and rooms early, or come in March for the same lakes with fewer people.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
chile-national-park-vicente-perez-rosales-national-park
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Chile

Puerto Varas is the best base for backpackers, about 40 km from the park's western edge, with hostels at US$15 to 25 for a dorm bed and private rooms from US$40 to 70. It has the best restaurants, supermarkets and tour agencies, and colectivos and buses run toward Ensenada and Petrohué.

Inside the park, options are limited. Petrohué has a small, pricey lodge on the lakeshore, and Playa Larga near Petrohué has a basic campground. Rustic refugios on Osorno’s slopes sit outside the main lake area and suit hikers on the volcano routes.

Ensenada, on the road in, has cabins, family guesthouses and … read more 👉
Puerto Varas is the best base for backpackers, about 40 km from the park's western edge, with hostels at US$15 to 25 for a dorm bed and private rooms from US$40 to 70. It has the best restaurants, supermarkets and tour agencies, and colectivos and buses run toward Ensenada and Petrohué.

Inside the park, options are limited. Petrohué has a small, pricey lodge on the lakeshore, and Playa Larga near Petrohué has a basic campground. Rustic refugios on Osorno’s slopes sit outside the main lake area and suit hikers on the volcano routes.

Ensenada, on the road in, has cabins, family guesthouses and campsites from US$10 to 15 per person, plus a quieter feel than Puerto Varas. Puerto Octay, on Lago Llanquihue’s northern shore, has small hostels and a lakeside calm, with longer transport to the park. Puerto Montt, 20 minutes beyond Puerto Varas, has the bus terminal and cheapest beds, though less atmosphere. Reserve summer dorms two to three weeks ahead.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Expect to spend about US$49 to 85 a day at Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park on a backpacker budget in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$6 to 10Charged at Petrohué for the falls and lake area; foreign adults pay more than Chileans, and it is paid in pesos or by card.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 25Dorm beds in Puerto Varas or campsites in Ensenada from about US$10 to 15; private rooms start near US$40. Off-season prices fall by a third or more.
Local transportUS$6 to 12Colectivos and buses from Puerto Varas to Petrohué cost a few dollars each way; Ensenada is cheaper.
Food and suppliesUS$12 to 18Supermarket breakfasts and lunches plus a set-menu dinner (menú del día) at US$6 to 10.
ActivitiesUS$10 to 20Free hiking on most trails; the Petrohué to Peulla boat crossing
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$49 to 85 a day at Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park on a backpacker budget in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$6 to 10Charged at Petrohué for the falls and lake area; foreign adults pay more than Chileans, and it is paid in pesos or by card.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 25Dorm beds in Puerto Varas or campsites in Ensenada from about US$10 to 15; private rooms start near US$40. Off-season prices fall by a third or more.
Local transportUS$6 to 12Colectivos and buses from Puerto Varas to Petrohué cost a few dollars each way; Ensenada is cheaper.
Food and suppliesUS$12 to 18Supermarket breakfasts and lunches plus a set-menu dinner (menú del día) at US$6 to 10.
ActivitiesUS$10 to 20Free hiking on most trails; the Petrohué to Peulla boat crossing and guided tours cost far more, usually US$50 to 100.
Total Daily BudgetUS$49 to 85Roughly US$67 a day at the middle of the range.


source: conaf.cl
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsPlan your hike in Vicente Pérez Rosales: routes, terrain, and sights

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers short, well-marked walks near Petrohué plus a few longer forest routes, mostly on volcanic soil and through native forest of coigüe and alerce. Wildlife is subtle: expect birds such as the black-throated huet-huet, and with luck a pudú deer.
  • Sendero Los Alerces: About 17 km as a semi-circuit, moderate. Runs along the slopes of Osorno and Cerro La Picada and the shore of Lago Todos los Santos.
  • Sendero Rápidos: Short, about 30 minutes, easy. Follows the Petrohué River rapids over lava rock.
  • Sendero Playa Larga: About 3 km round trip, 1 hour, easy. Flat route
… read more 👉
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers short, well-marked walks near Petrohué plus a few longer forest routes, mostly on volcanic soil and through native forest of coigüe and alerce. Wildlife is subtle: expect birds such as the black-throated huet-huet, and with luck a pudú deer.
  • Sendero Los Alerces: About 17 km as a semi-circuit, moderate. Runs along the slopes of Osorno and Cerro La Picada and the shore of Lago Todos los Santos.
  • Sendero Rápidos: Short, about 30 minutes, easy. Follows the Petrohué River rapids over lava rock.
  • Sendero Playa Larga: About 3 km round trip, 1 hour, easy. Flat route to a black sand beach with views of the volcano.
  • Sendero La Picada: About 15 km as a semi-circuit, moderate. Climbs through forest and ash slopes with panoramic views.
  • Sendero Desolación: Steep and exposed, about 4 to 6 hours, moderate to hard. Crosses ash and lava fields on the volcano flanks.
Getting there is simple. Regional buses and shared minibuses run from Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt to Petrohué, and many hikers also reach it by rented car. Crowds are heaviest in January and February, especially at the waterfalls, so go early. An entry fee applies at the main sites, typically US$5 to 10, and payment is in Chilean pesos. Weather turns quickly, so carry layers and rain protection.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Vicente Pérez Rosales

Vicente Pérez Rosales is well managed and straightforward, with marked trails and rangers at the main sites. The main hazard is weather, since rain can arrive any day and Osorno’s upper slopes see wind, cold and low cloud even in summer. Carry a waterproof shell, warm layer and extra food, and start early so you are down before afternoon cloud rolls in.

Volcanic terrain means loose scoria and slippery rock on routes like La Picada, so sturdy boots and poles help. Climbing above the snowline needs a guide, crampons and an ice axe. Check conditions with CONAF at the ranger station before heading out, as trails can close after storms or volcanic alerts.

Wildlife is low risk. Pudú deer and foxes are shy, and horseflies (tábanos) bite hard in January and February, so bring repellent. Carry out … read more 👉
Vicente Pérez Rosales is well managed and straightforward, with marked trails and rangers at the main sites. The main hazard is weather, since rain can arrive any day and Osorno’s upper slopes see wind, cold and low cloud even in summer. Carry a waterproof shell, warm layer and extra food, and start early so you are down before afternoon cloud rolls in.

Volcanic terrain means loose scoria and slippery rock on routes like La Picada, so sturdy boots and poles help. Climbing above the snowline needs a guide, crampons and an ice axe. Check conditions with CONAF at the ranger station before heading out, as trails can close after storms or volcanic alerts.

Wildlife is low risk. Pudú deer and foxes are shy, and horseflies (tábanos) bite hard in January and February, so bring repellent. Carry out all trash and keep camp fires to designated spots.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Vicente Pérez Rosales

Plan on two to three days at Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. One day covers the Petrohué Falls, Lago Todos los Santos and a short walk such as the one to Laguna de los Enamorados. A second day suits the La Picada route toward Osorno, and a third allows the boat crossing toward Peulla.
Yes, public transport reaches Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park easily. Buses and colectivos run from Puerto Varas to Ensenada and Petrohué, a trip of about 1 to 1.5 hours for around US$3 to 6. From Petrohué, boats cross Lago Todos los Santos, and local shuttles and tours cover the Osorno area.
Yes, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park charges an entrance fee, paid at the Petrohué entrance in pesos or by card. Foreign adults pay roughly US$6 to 10, with lower prices for children and Chileans. Hiking trails such as La Picada generally need no separate permit, though climbing Osorno above the snowline requires a guide.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Chilean national parks near Vicente Pérez Rosales

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park fits travelers who want big volcano views without a week of hard trekking, as well as anyone crossing toward Argentina. Serious trekkers may find the trails short. I would start before the tour buses arrive and carry a rain shell.

✈️ When did I visit Chile?
I have visited Chile, together with Argentina, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Chile, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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