- Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls) — Turquoise water thunders over dark volcanic basalt in a compact, photogenic series of cascades. It’s an easy, well-marked loop (20-40 minutes) so you can enjoy the view without breaking a sweat — great for sunset light and spotting fast-moving river birds like torrent ducks.
- Lago Todos los Santos — An intense emerald lake ringed by volcanoes; the color alone is worth the trip. You can stroll the shore, paddle, or join the regular boats that cross the lake. The reflections of the cones on calm days are unreal, and the water’s clarity makes it a favorite for photographers.
- Boat trip to Peulla (on Todos los Santos) — My personal favorite. The hour-or-so boat ride feels like a mini adventure: mirror-water, craggy peaks, and a tiny rainforest village at
- Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls) — Turquoise water thunders over dark volcanic basalt in a compact, photogenic series of cascades. It’s an easy, well-marked loop (20-40 minutes) so you can enjoy the view without breaking a sweat — great for sunset light and spotting fast-moving river birds like torrent ducks.
- Lago Todos los Santos — An intense emerald lake ringed by volcanoes; the color alone is worth the trip. You can stroll the shore, paddle, or join the regular boats that cross the lake. The reflections of the cones on calm days are unreal, and the water’s clarity makes it a favorite for photographers.
- Boat trip to Peulla (on Todos los Santos) — My personal favorite. The hour-or-so boat ride feels like a mini adventure: mirror-water, craggy peaks, and a tiny rainforest village at the far shore. Peulla has short rainforest walks, waterfalls and basic lodges — perfect for a low-key overnight without spending much.
- Volcán Osorno — That classic symmetrical cone you see on postcards. You can take a chairlift or hike from the base; both options give superb panoramic views over the Lakes District. On a clear day the summit views make the effort worthwhile, though weather can flip fast — pack layers.
- Trail networks through lenga and coihue forests — The park’s trails range from short interpretive circuits to longer day hikes, winding through open beech forests with mossy trunks and views over rivers and lakes. They’re quiet, scenic and excellent for birdwatching and a bit of peaceful solitude.
- Peulla-area waterfalls and short jungle hikes — Around the boat terminus there are quick hikes through dense Valdivian-type forest to hidden falls and lookouts. They’re not long or technical, but the rainforest vibe and the sound of waterfalls make them feel wild and remote.
- Fishing, kayaking and river life — The park’s rivers and lakes are popular for fly-fishing (rainbow and brown trout) and paddling. Even if you’re on a budget, you can rent a kayak for a few hours or join a local low-cost fishing trip — good ways to get out on the water and see wildlife from a different angle.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
v2.webp)











Best Backpacking
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.