Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is Chile's oldest, stretching from Osorno Volcano to the Argentine border. Most visitors come for the Saltos del Petrohué and the turquoise-green Lago Todos los Santos, plus hiking trails through rainforest and lava fields.
Sehenswürdigkeiten
Discover the most important sights and attractions
1Mirador La Picada
The viewpoint is located on the path to Paso Desolación on the northern flank of Osorno volcano; the starting point is La Picada sector. In clear weather, you have views of Osorno and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. The path there requires fitness.
The small museum in Petrohué commemorates researchers and pioneers connected with the region, including Vicente Pérez Rosales and the naturalist Santiago Roth. One exhibit is the reconstruction of an Andean cable car from around 1900. A brief visit that combines well with the boat trip from the pier.
The Río Petrohué here forces its way over solidified lava into narrow channels and cascades, with the Osorno Volcano behind it. Short wooden boardwalks lead from the roadside parking lot to several viewpoints. Tickets can be bought in advance online via pasesparques.cl; for foreign adults, the entrance fee in 2026 was 8,200 Pesos.
The lake in the center of the park shimmers turquoise-green due to mineral suspended particles and is surrounded by the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador. From the Petrohué pier, excursion boats and the ships of the Andean Crossing depart for Peulla.
The almost symmetrical, glaciated cone, at 2,652 meters, is the landmark of the Lake Region. A branch road from Ensenada leads up to around 1,200 meters to the ski center; from there, chairlifts take you higher up.
Restaurant in Petrohué on the Río Petrohué, near the boat dock. The name refers to the Fogón, the open fireplace of Southern Chilean cuisine. Outside of season, check beforehand if open.
Within the park, options are limited. If you're after more than a snack, eat in Ensenada or bring something from Puerto Varas.
Venues in Petrohué
On the lakeshore in Petrohué, near the boat dock, are several simple restaurants. Practical for lunch before or after the boat trip. Off-season, check beforehand if they are open.
Restaurants in Ensenada
In the town on the east shore of Lago Llanquihue, at the access to the park, you'll find more restaurants. Out of season, not all are open.
Self-catering
There are no supermarkets in the park, so it's better to shop in Puerto Varas. For longer hikes, you'll need your own supplies and water.
History of the Park
Chile's First National ParkThe park was established by decree on August 17, 1926, as Chile's first national park, and was the second in South America after Argentina's Nahuel Huapi. It covers approximately 253,780 hectares and bears the name of Chilean politician Vicente Pérez Rosales. It is managed by CONAF.An Ancient Route Across the AndesThe route via Lago Todos los Santos was used as a crossing over the Andes long before the park was founded. In 1670, the Jesuit Nicolás Mascardi traveled across the Reloncaví Fjord and Lago Todos los Santos to Lago Nahuel Huapi, where he founded a mission. By the end of the 19th century, cargo and passenger traffic began from Puerto Montt, which is the origin of today's boat connection from Petrohué via Peulla towards Bariloche.Pioneers by the LakeThe small Museo Pioneros in Petrohué commemorates the area's explorers and pioneers, including a reconstruction of an Andean cable car from around 1900. Peulla, on the lake's eastern shore, remains accessible only by boat from the Chilean side.
On-site Adventures
DirectionsThe access road leads from Puerto Varas via Ensenada to the Saltos del Petrohué, approximately 55 kilometers on paved road, and continues to the pier in Petrohué. You can buy tickets for the Saltos online in advance via pasesparques.cl. Parking is available at the waterfalls and at the boat pier.Without a car, buses run several times daily from Puerto Varas in summer, much less frequently outside the season. Many agencies offer half-day tours, often combined with Osorno Volcano.The ParkWithin the park, you get around on foot or by boat. The paths at the waterfalls are short; longer routes, such as the path to Paso Desolación, require fitness and sturdy footwear. Excursion boats and the ships of the Andean Crossing to Bariloche operate on Lago Todos los Santos.
Accommodations in National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales
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