Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Waterfall · Puerto Varas, Los Lagos
Saltos del Petrohué
Rapids of the Rio Petrohué over lava from Volcán Osorno, with green-blue water and the volcano in the background, inside Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Saltos del Petrohué
The Saltos del Petrohué are located in Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales, created in 1926 as Chile's first national park. They are not a high waterfall but a sequence of rapids and small drops where the Rio Petrohué, shortly after leaving Lago Todos los Santos, runs squeezed between dark rocks.
Those rocks are basaltic lava from Volcán Osorno, dated roughly between 30,000 and 90,000 years old. The water has carved channels and steps into the stone and today passes there with a large volume, with an average flow of 370 cubic meters per second. On clear days the color varies between green and blue; during the melt the river can carry volcanic sand and darken. The site is a geosite recognized by the Chilean geological survey.
Walkways and viewpoints lead to the edge of the rapids, with Osorno's cone in the background. Two short trails complete the visit: Los Enamorados, which follows the river through the forest, and Carilemu, with panels about plants and animals of the Valdivian forest.
The Saltos are about 6 km from Petrohué, the port of Lago Todos los Santos, and are commonly visited the same day as the lake and Volcán Osorno.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours, including the viewpoints and one of the short trails.
Best time
Just after the park opens in the morning there are fewer groups on the walkways. On sunny days the water's color and the volcano in the background appear better. Summer, from December to March, is the busiest season. Check the park's operation before you go.
How to get there
It is about 55 km from Puerto Varas via Ruta 225, all paved, passing through Ensenada; by car it takes around an hour. There are buses from Puerto Varas to Petrohué that stop at the entrance, and local agencies include the Saltos on tours to Osorno.
Tip
Buy your ticket in advance through the official park pass system of CONAF to avoid lines in high season. Do not leave the walkways: wet rock is slippery and swimming in the river is not allowed. Pets are not permitted.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saltos del Petrohué
How long does it take from Puerto Varas to the Saltos del Petrohué?
About 55 km via Ruta 225, roughly an hour by car. By bus the trip is a little longer, with stops in Ensenada.
Can you swim at the Saltos del Petrohué?
No. The current is strong and the water very cold, and swimming is not permitted. Visits are via walkways and viewpoints.
Do you need to buy a ticket for the Saltos del Petrohué?
Yes, entrance is paid and controlled by CONAF. Buying in advance through the official system helps avoid queues in summer.