Petrohue Waterfalls | Vicente Perez Rosales

The destination

Black volcanic water
with Osorno behind

Located in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (Chile's oldest, created in 1926), Petrohué Falls offer one of Patagonia's most impressive natural spectacles. The emerald waters of the Petrohué River descend through intricate channels of black basaltic volcanic rock.

Just minutes from the falls, the Petrohué jetty is the departure point for the legendary international lake crossing to Lago Todos los Santos and on to Argentina.

The dramatic contrast between the green water, black rock and snow-capped Osorno Volcano in the background is the most photographed scene in southern Chile. Especially spectacular from December to March.

The place

Saltos del Petrohué cascadas roca volcánica negra volcán Osorno al fondo

Río Petrohué aguas turquesa canales volcánicos Patagonia Chile

Saltos del Petrohué cascadas sobre roca volcánica negra con volcán Osorno nevado al fondo Patagonia Chile

What to do

Activities &
trails

Petrohué Falls Trail

An impeccable circuit of wooden boardwalks positioned directly above the roaring cascades. Multiple viewpoints with the classic Osorno Volcano backdrop. Universal access, very simple and family-friendly.

Easy <1 km 30–45 min

<1

km

Rincón del Osorno Trail

An immersive walk towards the slopes of Osorno Volcano, through dense native forest of coihue and olivillo trees, with openings offering panoramic mountain and valley views.

Moderate 3 km ~1,5 hrs

3

km

Boat trip to Lago Todos los Santos

A few minutes from the falls, the Petrohué jetty is the departure point for catamarans and boats sailing the turquoise waters of Lago Esmeralda. The lake crossing to Argentina also departs from here.

Navegación — km 2–4 hrs

—

Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Torrent Duck

An endemic Andean bird, expert swimmer adapted exclusively to life in ferocious river currents. Visible from the boardwalks.

Kingfisher

Brightly coloured bird frequently observed darting into the water from the boardwalks in search of food.

Condor

The world's largest flying bird, occasionally spotted soaring on the thermal currents above Osorno Volcano.

Coihue

The dominant and colossal tree of this ecosystem, the cornerstone of the evergreen forest surrounding the falls.

Olivillo

Large native species highly representative of the humid forest, contributing to the dense shade of the understorey.

Arrayán

Famous for its bark that feels cold to the touch and its distinctive cinnamon colour, which contrasts beautifully with the green of the forest.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→Arrive early (before 10:00 am) to enjoy the boardwalks in peace before tourist buses and cruise passengers arrive.

→Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket — the spray from the falls will soak you even on a completely sunny day.

→Access to the main falls is very straightforward, with ramps suitable for young children, prams and elderly visitors with reduced mobility.

→Combine with Osorno Volcano on the same day — the paved road to its ski centre starts just 15 km away in Ensenada.

→If you plan to sail on Lago Todos los Santos, check catamaran departure times at the jetty — they vary by season.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

Take Route 5 Norte to Puerto Varas, then Route 225 towards Ensenada, continuing 15 km to Petrohué (all paved). Approximately 1 hour by car (70 km). Multiple agencies offer daily tours.