The Saltos del Petrohué are the most visited sight in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and one of the most photographed places in southern Chile. The Petrohué river, draining Todos los Santos lake, meets a bed of hard black basalt from an old Osorno lava flow and has carved it into chutes, potholes and cascades of astonishing blue-green water.
It is not a single high drop but a wide, roaring set of rapids, and the best view — water in the foreground, the Osorno volcano behind — is from the main platform just a few minutes from the entrance.
Top things to do at Petrohué Waterfalls
Walk the viewing trails
A short loop of paths and boardwalks runs beside the falls and through native forest. Allow 45 minutes to an hour; the paths are easy and suitable for most visitors.
Try the forest walks nearby
Two short nature trails start from the falls area, and more walks begin at Petrohué village a few kilometres further on, beside Todos los Santos lake.
Raft the river
Downstream of the falls the Petrohué becomes one of Chile’s most scenic rafting rivers. Operators in Puerto Varas run half-day trips suitable for beginners.
How to get to Petrohué Waterfalls
- By tour: almost every Osorno volcano tour includes the falls — see our ranked tours.
- By car: about 60 km from Puerto Varas via Ensenada on Ruta 225, roughly an hour.
- By bus: minibuses from Puerto Varas to Petrohué run several times a day in summer and stop at the entrance.
Insider tips
- There is an entrance fee managed by the park authority (CONAF); rates differ for Chileans and foreigners — check current prices before you go.
- Arrive early or late in the day in January and February, when tour groups peak around midday.
- Do not climb onto the rocks by the water: the current is powerful and the basalt slippery.
- Bring insect repellent in summer — the tábano horseflies can be persistent in January.
Best tours for Petrohué Waterfalls
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Petrohué Waterfalls:
Day trip from US$58 Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls Small-Group Day Trip
The same superb route as the classic day tour but in a smaller group, which means more flexibility at the stops and a guide who has time to talk about the volcanoes, the forest and the German settlement of the lake.
- Small group, hotel pickup in Puerto Varas
- Osorno volcano viewpoints and ski centre
- Petrohué falls and the Todos los Santos shore
Day trip from US$69 Puerto Montt: Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour
The classic volcano-and-waterfalls route for travellers based in Puerto Montt, with a stop in Puerto Varas on the way. Well reviewed and a sensible choice if you are sleeping near the airport or arriving by ship.
- Pickup in Puerto Montt
- Puerto Varas, the Osorno volcano and Petrohué falls
- Popular with cruise passengers
Adventure from US$45 Puerto Varas: Petrohué River Rafting & River-Kayaking Tour
The Petrohué is one of the most beautiful whitewater rivers in Chile: clear, cold and turquoise, flowing between lava rock and native forest. Guides run it for first-timers and families as well as thrill-seekers.
- Run the glacial-blue rapids of the Petrohué river
- Wetsuits, safety kit and instruction included
- Snack afterwards, with the Osorno volcano overhead
