Visit Osorno Volcano and discover the magical surroundings of southern Chile

By: Hernan Claro - 9 January, 2024

From Saltos del Petrohué to Lake Todos Los Santos, the area surrounding Osorno Volcano offers breathtaking views that will stay with you forever.

Osorno Volcano and its surroundings are a must-see in Los Lagos Region, with lush nature and a mystical atmosphere to experience moments of peace and reflection. Here, we provide all the information you need for an unforgettable trip.

Saltos del Petrohué: The gateway

Saltos del Petrohué (or Petrohué Falls) is a beautiful waterfall located on Petrohué River, serving as the gateway to the Lake Todos los Santos. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go hiking, camping, or rafting here.

For those coming from Puerto Varas, you must travel 50 kilometers along Ruta 225 towards the Ensenada sector and then take the detour to the falls. The journey takes approximately 53 minutes by car.

Photo:@markonthemap

The falls are situated within the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which has different entrance fees:

Children under 12, seniors, and teenagers with disabilities: Free entry
Chilean teenagers and Chilean adults with disabilities: CLP $2.000
Chilean adults and foreign teenagers: CLP $3.500
Foreign adults and foreign seniors (including those with disabilities): CLP $7.000

You can purchase your tickets online here.

Lake Todos los Santos

Photo: Sernatur audiovisual bank

Following Route 225, you will arrive at Lake Todos Los Santos. This stunning lake, born from the melting of a glacier, seems to float amidst the majestic Andes Mountain Range.

This scene is perfect to capture magical photographs with three volcanoes in the background: Osorno Volcano, Puntiagudo Volcano, and Tronador Hill. While swimming is not permitted on the lake, free parking is available.

You can also take a boat and enjoy a 1 hour and 40-minute journey to the town of Peulla. It is an ecological and lakeside village that features restaurants, hotels, and activities such as canopy, horseback riding, sport fishing, and various hikes, including the trail leading to the waterfall Velo de la Novia. (Bride’s Veil).

Lake Todos los Santos got its name because the Jesuit order discovered it on 1 November, All Saints‘ Day, in the 17^th century. It is also known as the Emerald Lake, as its waters take on a greenish and crystalline hue.

An excursion to Osorno Volcano

For those seeking a greater challenge, you can climb to the summit of Osorno Volcano. The climb, taking between 4 and 5 hours promises a breathtaking panoramic view of Petrohué River, Lake Llanquihue, and other nearby volcanoes. To ensure a comfortable and smooth experience, we recommend hiring a tour operator registered with Sernatur.

Additionally, you’ll find a mountain center where you can go skiing and snowboarding. The facility also offers chairlifts, family tubing, sleds, and other services to fully enjoy the snow.

A city tour in Puerto Varas

Make the most of exploring Puerto Varas! From the Pedraplen Pier and its fantastic panoramic view of the volcanoes to Cerro Phillippi and the Craft Fair, the City of Roses boasts a wide variety of tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss.

A must-visit is the Iglesia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church), designated a National Monument in 1992. Its origin dates back to 1918 when the Catholic community of Puerto Varas commissioned architects Edmundo Niklitschek and Bernardo Klenner to build a parish inspired by the Marienkirche church in the Black Forest, Germany.

Another must-visit place is the Antonio Felmer Museum, located in the town of Nueva Braunau along Route V-50, to the west of Puerto Varas. Here, you will find an extensive collection of antiques from the German colonization period.

And you can’t miss the sculpture of Princess Likanrayen, whose legend will touch your heart and provide insights into the Mapuche worldview.