If you’re staying in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, don’t miss the chance to hike Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales. It’s Chile’s oldest national park and home to stunning lakefront trails, panoramic volcano views, and rugged Andean terrain that’s perfect for day hikes.
Getting There from Puerto Varas
Minibuses (colectivos) leave daily from the corner of San Bernardo and Walker Martínez in Puerto Varas. Look for the ones marked Petrohué, which is the name of the main area in the park.
- First bus: around 8:30 a.m.
- Cost: About 3000 CLP (~$3-4 USD)
- Travel time: 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic
Important Tip: Stay on the bus until the very end of the line. Some stops (like Saltos de Petrohué) look like park entrances, but the real hiking trailheads are further in.
To return, buses leave from the same spot they drop you off. The last bus leaves at 5:00 p.m., so plan your hike accordingly. **Where the bus drops you off there is a small store for coffee, drinks and food along with bathrooms
Hiking Options
1. Sendero Paso Desolación
- Distance: 13 miles (23 km) round trip
- Time: 8–10 hours
- Challenge: This is a strenuous hike for seasoned hikers. Expect sandy stretches, dried riverbeds, and long distances.
- Scenery: Epic views of Osorno Volcano, Lake Todos los Santos, and rugged Patagonian terrain.
2. Mirador Cerro La Picada
- Distance: About 8 miles (13 km) round trip
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail: Follows part of the Paso Desolación trail to a panoramic lookout.
- Bonus: You can return via a scenic lakeside trail, part of Sendero Los Alerces, for a varied route (includes sandy walking).
3. Sendero Los Alerces
- Distance: ~9-mile (14.5 km) loop
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Highlights: Gentle climbs through forest and open slopes of Osorno Volcano. Views of Lake Todos los Santos, Cerro La Picada, and the surrounding peaks. Some sandy sections and occasional bugs due to proximity to water.
My Experience: Hiking to Mirador Cerro La Picada
We started our hike around 10:30 a.m., entering through a forested trail that felt like walking through a quiet, green cathedral. Eventually, we emerged into open fields with sweeping views of volcanoes all around—absolutely breathtaking.
The trail was flat for the first hour, then gradually began to climb. It wasn’t too difficult, but it did require some endurance. We stopped often to look back and take in the views (and catch our breath).
The final push to the Mirador was the steepest part, but we were rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view. A perfect place to break for snacks, relax on a rock, and just soak it all in.
On the way back, we decided to take the beach route via Sendero Los Alerces. Walking next to the lake was beautiful but hiking in sand was tiring—still, totally worth it. After a peaceful return through the forest, we made it back to the entrance by 3:00 p.m. and caught the 3:30 p.m. bus with no issue.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a full-day challenge or a scenic half-day loop, Parque Vicente Pérez Rosales is a must. The mix of lakes, volcanoes, and quiet trails made it one of my favorite hikes in Chile.
Tips:
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Pack a lunch and plenty of water
- Start early to beat the heat and catch the bus
- Don’t skip the final climb—that view is unforgettable
