Established in 1926, Vicente Pérez Rosales is Chile’s oldest national park and one of its largest, stretching from the eastern shore of Lake Llanquihue to the Argentine border. It is named after the man who organised the German colonisation of the lake in the 1850s.
Within its boundaries are three great volcanoes — Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador — the Petrohué falls, Todos los Santos lake and huge areas of Valdivian temperate rainforest, one of the wettest and most biologically unusual forest types on the planet.
Top things to do at Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
The classic sights
The Osorno volcano road, the Saltos del Petrohué and the boat trips on Todos los Santos lake are all within the park and can be combined in one or two days.
Hike the Paso Desolación trail
From Petrohué, this long, steep trail climbs the north-east flank of Osorno to a pass with views over Todos los Santos lake, Puntiagudo and Tronador. It is a full day and suitable only for fit hikers; going with a guide is recommended.
Short walks from Petrohué
Easier trails lead through the forest to Laguna Verde, to viewpoints on the lake shore and along Playa Larga — ideal for a half day.
How to get to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
- From Puerto Varas: Ensenada, on the park’s edge, is about 47 km east on Ruta 225; Petrohué is about 65 km.
- By minibus: regular services link Puerto Varas and Petrohué in summer.
- By tour: the volcano-and-falls tours and the Peulla boat tours all visit the park.
Insider tips
- Park trails and sites are managed by CONAF; some charge an entrance fee, and trail openings can change after storms or volcanic alerts.
- Weather in the park is wetter and cooler than in Puerto Varas — pack rain gear and layers.
- Carry out all rubbish and keep to trails: the forest floor is fragile.
Best tours for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park:
Hiking from US$180 Trekking the Paso Desolación Trail, Vicente Pérez Rosales NP
One of the finest day hikes in the Lake District: a long climb through forest and across lava fields to the Desolación pass, with the lake and the Tronador massif laid out below. Demanding — you need to be fit.
- Guided trek on the Osorno volcano’s north-east flank
- Views over Todos los Santos lake and Puntiagudo
- Transport and guide included
Day trip from US$55 From Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls Day Tour
The classic Lake District day out and the most-booked tour in Puerto Varas. A guide drives you round the lakeshore to Ensenada, up the flank of the Osorno volcano for the view, then on to the turquoise Petrohué falls and the shore of Todos los Santos lake.
- Drive up the Osorno volcano to the ski and mountain centre (about 1,200 m)
- Views over Lake Llanquihue and the Calbuco volcano
- Walk the basalt channels of the Petrohué waterfalls
Day trip + boat from US$55 Puerto Varas: Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour
Takes the first half of the famous Andean lakes crossing and turns it into a day trip. You sail from Petrohué to Peulla, deep in the national park, with the Puntiagudo and Osorno volcanoes behind you, then return the same way in the afternoon.
- Catamaran across emerald Todos los Santos lake
- Free time in the car-free village of Peulla
- Stop at the Petrohué waterfalls on the way
