Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales, is a breathtaking showcase of the Lake District’s volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and crystalline waterways. Framed by the snowcapped Osorno Volcano and the deep blue waters of Todos los Santos Lake, this park delivers postcard-perfect scenery at every turn. Whether you’re hiking through lush trails, cruising past emerald islands, or soaking in hidden hot springs, the park feels like a living wilderness preserved in time.

Highlights & What to See

• Petrohué Waterfalls (Saltos del Petrohué): A series of thunderous, turquoise cascades framed by basalt columns. The short boardwalk provides jaw-dropping views of the churning water and, on clear days, the perfect backdrop of Osorno Volcano.
• Todos los Santos Lake: Known as the “Lake of All Saints,” this stunning body of water shifts from deep blue to jade green. Boat tours cross the lake to the Argentine border, offering glimpses of the Andes and isolated beaches.
• Osorno Volcano: A symmetrical, often snow-covered cone that dominates the horizon. In winter, it’s a ski destination; in summer, hikers can summit for panoramic views of the park and beyond.
• Sendero Los Alerces: A gentle, family-friendly trail through old-growth forest of alerce trees (some over 1000 years old), with interpretive signs about the native flora and fauna.
• Termas de Petrohué: Natural hot springs set beside the lake, where you can soak in thermal pools while gazing at the volcano—pure bliss after a day of hiking.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park’s highlights, starting with the Petrohué Waterfalls in the morning, then taking a lake cruise or a hike in the afternoon. If you’re keen on hiking Osorno Volcano or want to linger at the hot springs, plan for two days—overnight accommodation is limited but available in nearby Ensenada or Puerto Varas.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Puerto Varas: A charming German-influenced town on Lake Llanquihue, offering excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
• Frutillar: Known for its German colonial architecture and the Teatro del Lago, a world-class concert hall on the lakeshore.
• Llanquihue National Reserve: A less-visited area with pristine forests and trails around Lake Llanquihue, ideal for a quieter outdoor experience.
• Chiloé Island: A ferry ride away, this island is famous for its palafitos (stilt houses), wooden churches, and unique folklore.
• Puyehue National Park: Further south, this park boasts hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and excellent hiking through temperate rainforests.

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