Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile's oldest national park, featuring the iconic turquoise Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls and the stunning Lago Todos Los Santos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chile's oldest national park, featuring the iconic turquoise Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls and the stunning Lago Todos Los Santos.
"The waterfalls are some of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your park entry tickets in advance at pasesparques.cl to save time and guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be mixed terrain and sometimes washed out; good footwear is essential for hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saltos del Petrohué
Petrohué sector
Iconic turquoise waterfalls cascading over black volcanic rock, framed by lush forests.
Lago Todos Los Santos
Southern end of the park
A stunning emerald lake offering boat tours and breathtaking views of surrounding volcanoes.
Mirador del Cóndor
Near the park's southern entrance
A lesser-known viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of volcanoes and potential condor sightings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your park entry tickets in advance at pasesparques.cl to save time and guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be mixed terrain and sometimes washed out; good footwear is essential for hikes.
🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain
Be prepared for strong winds and sudden rain showers, especially at higher viewpoints.
🚗 Consider Transportation
While some visit without a car, having one offers more flexibility to explore different park sectors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your park entry tickets in advance at pasesparques.cl to save time and guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be mixed terrain and sometimes washed out; good footwear is essential for hikes.
🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain
Be prepared for strong winds and sudden rain showers, especially at higher viewpoints.
🚗 Consider Transportation
While some visit without a car, having one offers more flexibility to explore different park sectors.
📸 Capture the Turquoise
The water's vibrant color is stunning; bring your camera and be ready to snap photos!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, particularly the stunning turquoise waterfalls and the serene glacial lake. While the well-maintained paths make attractions accessible, some found it more of a casual walk than a strenuous hike and noted the presence of many people during peak times.
"We drove up to the volcano to hike. Great drive, easy roads and well marked. We saw a Darwin Fox on the way up the mountain. Not fast enough to snap a pic of him. It was so windy at the top! Whoa! We went on an overcast day but no rain. We went for a quick hike and got wind blown but laughed and enjoyed the adventure. Stopped at to a little restaurant at the parking lot to warm up with hot chocolate and hot tea. Highly recommend warm clothes, glasses or other eye covering for the dust/wind factor and a positive attitude. It was fun! You can do it!"
Erica Cuttitta
"The waterfalls are some of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen. It's very catered with walkways but this does make the insane views possible. You can even have a cup of tea with a sandwich while watching the water flow. If you are in for more of a hike continue to the next village and do the loop up to the Mirador. Mixed terrain and some parts appear to have been washed out, so a bit more creativity on your part, but the view is worth it."
Gijs Dierselhuis
"Amazing amount of bike trails. Beautiful views, lots of tours into the park on the other side of Lagos Todos Los Santos."
Ana Blanco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is about an hour's drive from Puerto Varas. You can rent a car for flexibility or take a bus. Some visitors opt for organized tours. +2
Yes, it's possible to visit without a car, though it requires more planning. Buses run to some areas, and tours are available.
Many visitors focus on the Saltos del Petrohué. For more adventurous travelers, hiking trails and boat tours on Lago Todos Los Santos are recommended.
Yes, the park offers numerous bike trails with beautiful views, especially around Lago Todos Los Santos.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is approximately 1.5 hours from Puerto Montt, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can be purchased online at pasesparques.cl or in person at the park entrances. Prices may vary, so check the official website for current rates.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific hours for sectors like Saltos del Petrohué may vary seasonally. It's best to check the official CONAF website or pasesparques.cl for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, tickets can be purchased on-site, but buying them online in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
Typically, a general park entrance fee grants access to most public areas. Specific activities like boat tours on Lago Todos Los Santos may have separate charges.
Information on discounts for children, seniors, or other groups is usually available on the official park ticketing website. It's advisable to check pasesparques.cl for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls are a highlight, with their unique turquoise water. Lago Todos Los Santos offers stunning views and boat trips. For a less crowded experience, consider the Mirador del Cóndor. +1
Yes, the trails around Saltos del Petrohué are generally easy and well-maintained, suitable for most visitors. Longer treks, like the one to 'la bandera', require more physical condition. +1
Keep an eye out for native birds, and if you're lucky, you might spot a Darwin Fox or even condors, especially at higher viewpoints.
While swimming is not a primary activity, some visitors enjoy the lake's beauty from the shore or during boat tours. The water can be quite cold.
Yes, facilities such as restrooms and small cafes or restaurants are available in key areas like the Petrohué sector, offering refreshments and snacks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
In Puerto Varas, Bagual is highly recommended for burgers. Within the park, there are cafes near the Saltos del Petrohué offering snacks and drinks.
Yes, there are small eateries and cafes located within the park, particularly near popular attractions like the Saltos del Petrohué, where you can grab a bite.
Expect typical Chilean fare, including empanadas, sandwiches, and hot drinks. In Puerto Varas, you'll find a wider range of dining options, from casual to more upscale.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas within national parks. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery and save money.
Options might be limited, especially in smaller cafes within the park. It's advisable to check menus beforehand or pack your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls are incredibly photogenic. Lago Todos Los Santos offers stunning lake and volcano views. The Mirador del Cóndor provides panoramic vistas. +1
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for landscape photography. However, the dramatic waterfalls are impressive in any light, even rain.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive landscapes and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be good for wildlife spotting or isolating distant peaks.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always check park regulations.
The water's vibrant turquoise color is due to glacial silt. Shooting on a slightly overcast day can sometimes enhance the color saturation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a boat trip on Lago Todos Los Santos for a different perspective and a chance to see the majestic volcanoes. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited in some areas. The park's natural wonders provide endless opportunities for discovery and fun, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Utilize public transport or carpooling if possible, as renting a car for the entire duration might be expensive. Many of the park's most stunning sights, like the Saltos del Petrohué, are accessible with just the park entrance fee, offering incredible value for money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a chance to photograph wildlife, head to viewpoints like the Mirador del Cóndor for potential condor sightings and panoramic mountain vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Saltos del Petrohué
Many visitors find the experience here to be accessible and enjoyable, even on rainy days, which can make the falls appear even more dramatic. You can often find small cafes nearby offering hot drinks and snacks, allowing you to relax and soak in the scenery. The area is perfect for photography, with the lush Valdivian rainforest providing a beautiful backdrop to the energetic water.
While the main viewpoints are easily accessible, there are also opportunities for short walks around the Petrohué sector, further immersing you in the park's natural beauty. It's a place that truly showcases the raw, untamed landscapes of southern Chile.
Adventures on Lago Todos Los Santos
Boat trips often take visitors across the lake, providing stunning views of the Cerro Tronador (Thunderer Mountain) and the park's glaciers. These excursions are a fantastic way to experience the scale of the landscape and appreciate the remote beauty of the region. Some tours may also include stops at smaller coves or points of interest along the shoreline.
For those who enjoy active exploration, the lake area also offers numerous bike trails and opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding, though these activities might require arranging rentals in advance. The sheer beauty of Lago Todos Los Santos makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring experience.
Trekking and Hidden Gems
For the truly adventurous, the Mirador del Cóndor is highlighted as a 'true jewel' of the park. This lesser-known viewpoint offers incredible vistas of the Cerro Tronador, glaciers, and is an excellent spot for observing condors. Access can be challenging, but the payoff in terms of unique scenery and wildlife encounters is significant.
These less-trafficked areas provide a chance to escape the crowds and connect more deeply with the park's wild nature. Remember to be prepared with appropriate gear and navigation skills if venturing onto more challenging trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit