Llanquihue National Reserve

The destination

Calbuco Volcano and its
88,000-hectare reserve

Created in 1967 with 88,000 hectares, this reserve surrounds the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue, with the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes as its backdrop. The dense native forest shelters a rich endemic wildlife.

The main access is through the village of Río Blanco, following Route V-65 south from Puerto Montt towards Lago Chapo. Río Blanco has basic fuel and supplies.

The main attraction is El Blanco Waterfall, a spectacular cascade on the slopes of Calbuco. The volcano, after its violent 2015 eruption, left a geologically fascinating landscape that is now an attraction in its own right.

The place

Salto El Blanco cascada 40 metros faldas volcán Calbuco Reserva Llanquihue

Ribera sur Lago Llanquihue con volcán Osorno Reserva Nacional

Cascada Salto El Blanco en la Reserva Nacional Llanquihue con bosque nativo y volcán Calbuco Puerto Montt

What to do

Activities &
trails

El Blanco Waterfall

A spectacular 40-metre waterfall on the slopes of Calbuco Volcano. The trail winds through native forest with views of the volcano along the way.

Easy 3,5 km 1,5 hrs

3,5

km

Calbuco Volcano Trail

A route approaching the volcano's slopes. Allows walking over the fascinating ash and modified terrain left by the 2015 eruption, with panoramic views over Lake Llanquihue.

Moderate 6 km 2–3 hrs

6

km

Lake Llanquihue Shoreline

A gentle walk along the southern shore of the reserve with direct views of Osorno Volcano. Perfect for combining with fishing or kayaking on the calm lake waters.

Easy 2 km ~45 min

2

km

Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Pudú

The world's smallest endemic deer, hiding in the dense humid forest.

Culpeo Fox

Chile's largest canid, frequently seen crossing the trails or foraging in open clearings.

Coipo

Chile's largest native semi-aquatic rodent, easily spotted swimming or resting on the lake shore.

Magellanic Woodpecker

Imposing bird with black plumage and bright red head (male), whose presence is betrayed by its strong drumming.

Cormorant

Aquatic diving bird, usually seen in groups resting with wings spread on semi-submerged logs.

Torrent Duck

A species highly adapted to rapids, common in the lakes and torrential rivers descending from the volcano.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→The main access is through the village of Río Blanco, following Route V-65 south from Puerto Montt towards Lago Chapo.

→The 2015 Calbuco eruption transformed part of the landscape — the volcanic ash and altered riverbeds are now an attraction in themselves.

→El Blanco Waterfall is easier to reach in summer, but in winter the cascade reaches its maximum and most thunderous flow.

→Confirm that trails are open with CONAF before going, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt season.

→Río Blanco has basic fuel and supplies before entering the reserve.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

From Puerto Montt take Route 7 (Carretera Austral) south and turn onto Route V-65 towards Río Blanco and Lago Chapo, where the access points to the southern lake area are located. Approximately 45 minutes by car.