Saltos del Petrohué: the practical guide
Updated July 2026 · Written from Puerto Varas by Patagonia SimRacing
Turquoise water rushing over volcanic rock with Osorno volcano in the background: the most photographed spot in the Los Lagos region, 50 minutes from Puerto Varas.
Book the Osorno + Petrohué tour
The classic full-day combo from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt:
Saltos del Petrohué sits inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park — Chile's oldest — where the Petrohué River crashes into a bed of lava from Osorno volcano. The result is a series of emerald rapids and waterfalls you walk along on safe, well-maintained boardwalks suitable for any age.
The essentials
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance from Puerto Varas | ~60 km (50 min) on Route 225, toward Ensenada |
| Entrance ticket | Buy online (CONAF parks system) or at the gate; foreign visitors pay a higher rate |
| Opening hours | Approx. 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (varies by season; last entry ~1 hour before closing) |
| Recommended time | 1–2 h at the falls; half a day if you add Petrohué and the lake |
| Difficulty | Low: flat boardwalks, family-friendly |
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How to get there
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- By car: Route 225 from Puerto Varas along the lakeshore, through Ensenada. Parking at the entrance.
- By minibus: departures from Puerto Varas toward Petrohué; get off at the entrance to the falls.
- On a tour: almost every full-day "Osorno volcano + Saltos del Petrohué" tour includes the entrance ticket and a guide, with hotel pickup. The easiest option if you're not driving.
Approximate prices (2026, per person)
| Item | Ballpark |
|---|---|
| Park entrance (Vicente Pérez Rosales) | USD 5–8 |
| Full-day tour: Osorno volcano + Saltos del Petrohué | USD 60–100 |
| Minibus Puerto Varas–Petrohué (round trip) | USD 10–15 |
Book the Osorno + Petrohué tour
The classic full-day combo from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt:
What to combine it with
- Osorno volcano: the turnoff to the ski center is before Ensenada. Visiting the volcano first thing in the morning (better light, less wind) and coming down to the falls afterward works really well.
- Petrohué beach and Lake Todos los Santos: 6 km further on, the road ends at the "emerald" lake, where short boat rides and the catamaran to Peulla depart.
- Los Enamorados trail: an extra 1.2 km within the Saltos sector, with less crowded viewpoints.
Local tips
- In January-February, arrive before 11 a.m.: tour buses concentrate the visit around midday.
- A cloudy day doesn't ruin the visit — the water stays turquoise — but Osorno disappears from your photos. If the classic postcard shot is your priority, pick the clearest day of your stay.
- Horseflies in December-January: light-colored clothing and repellent.
- There's no reliable cell signal in Petrohué: download maps beforehand.
FAQ
How much time do I need?
1–2 hours for the viewpoints; half a day if you add Petrohué beach or the Los Enamorados trail.
Should I buy the entrance ticket ahead?
In high season, yes, online. The rest of the year you can buy it at the gate.
Can I visit without a car?
Yes: minibuses from Puerto Varas, or any Osorno + Petrohué tour with hotel pickup.
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