Saltos del Petrohue Waterfalls

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Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.
Saltos del Petrohue Cascades

Saltos del Petrohué is a must-see attraction in Chile's Tenth Region. This series of waterfalls, located on the Petrohué River, is situated within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Spanning 253,780 hectares, it is Chile's oldest national park, established in 1926.

The site features well-constructed bridges and walkways that offer visitors stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding natural beauty. The average water flow of the falls is 270 cubic meters per second, though it can significantly increase during the rainy season. The river begins at Lake Todos los Santos and flows into the Reloncaví Estuary after traveling approximately 36 kilometers. Petrohué is an excellent destination for enjoying nature and participating in activities such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and photography.


Best time to visit Petrohué, Climate

The best time to visit Saltos del Petrohué is during the summer months, from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere. During this period, temperatures are mild, averaging around 19°C (66°F), with daily highs of about 25°C (77°F). These conditions make it ideal for exploring the area and enjoying all the activities that this type of tourism has to offer.

The region has a temperate and rainy climate, with abundant evergreen vegetation thriving not due to high temperatures, but because of the overall climate. The rainiest months are June, July, and August, while the least amount of rain is recorded in January, February, and March. However, winter is when the river flow increases, making the waterfalls even more stunning.

The river and its surroundings  

Excursions in Petrohue
Image: partamos.cl

 The origin of the Petrohué River dates back to the retreat of glaciers and the formation of the Osorno Volcano. Originally, the entire area was one large lake, but repeated eruptions of nearby volcanoes divided this lake into two, forming what we now know as Lake Llanquihue and Lake Todos los Santos. The Petrohué River became the sole natural outlet for Lake Todos los Santos, giving rise to one of the most captivating watersheds in the Los Lagos Region.

The famous cascades were formed about 600 years ago by the accumulation of lava rocks from the eruption of the nearby Osorno Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. As in much of southern Chile, the vegetation here is abundant and evergreen, thriving not in high temperatures but in a temperate, rainy climate.

The viewpoints of the Saltos del Petrohué attract over 600,000 visitors each year, making Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park the most popular national park in the country.

Numerous excursions are available from the neighboring cities of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and Osorno. Additionally, many tourists traveling to the Argentine city of San Carlos de Bariloche stop here to enjoy the stunning views. 

Location

How to Get There

The main nearby cities are Puerto Montt, 78 km away; Osorno, 112 km; and Puerto Varas, 61 km. You can reach the area by bus or car from Puerto Varas, heading towards the towns of Ensenada and Saltos de Petrohué. Access is via Route 225, where you’ll be treated to views of the evergreen forest, Llanquihue Lake, and the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes.

Excursions

The Petrohué Waterfalls and the surrounding area offer a diverse range of excursions that cater to all interests and activity levels, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • The most striking feature of Los Saltos del Petrohué is its small cascades of turquoise water flowing through volcanic rock formations. These waters originate from Lake Todos los Santos and flow through the Petrohué River, creating a stunning audiovisual spectacle. The vibrant color of the water is due to the minerals it carries from the glaciers of the Andes Mountains.
  • One of the main activities is a 15-20 minute boat trip on the choppy waters of the river to visit the falls; however, the navigation is safe and conducted by professionals.
  • Hiking Trails: The area features several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural surroundings and enjoy stunning views of the waterfalls. The trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
  • Interpretive Trails: In addition to hiking trails, there are interpretive trails that provide information about the local flora, fauna, and geology. These trails offer a more educational experience for visitors interested in learning about the natural history of the area.
  • Excursions to Nearby Attractions: Visitors can also take excursions to nearby attractions such as Laguna Verde, Cascada de Los Novios, and Rincón del Osorno. These excursions allow visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the region.
  • Volcano Tours: For more adventurous travelers, there are excursions to explore the nearby Volcán Osorno. These tours offer the opportunity to hike to the summit of the volcano and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Water Activities: The Petrohué River and Lake Todos los Santos offer opportunities for water activities such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing. These activities allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective.

As previously mentioned, both in the area and within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, there are numerous trails to explore and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. Below is a list of trails within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, as published by CONAF (National Forestry Corporation of Chile):

  • Saltos del Petrohué Trail, recreational, 600 meters, easily accessible and suitable for all visitors, 30 minutes
  • Laguna de Los Enamorados Trail, recreational, 900 meters, 45 minutes
  • Laguna Verde Trail, recreational, 180 meters, 20 minutes
  • Cascada de los Novios Trail, recreational, 400 meters, 25 minutes
  • Los Pilleyos Trail, recreational, 1200 meters, 45 minutes
  • Carilemu Trail, interpretive, 1200 meters, approximately 45 minutes
  • Paso Desolación, excursion of 10 km, 6 hours
  • Rincón del Osorno, excursion of 5 km, 4 hours
  • El Solitario, excursion of 6 km, 2 hours
  • Laguna Margarita, excursion of 8 km, 8 hours
  • Termas del Callao, excursion of 8 km, 5 hours
  • Los Alerzales, excursion of 3.4 km, 4 hours
  • Cayutué, excursion of 25 km, 5 hours
  • Cerro Rigi, excursion of 8 km, 5 hours
  • Paso Vuriloche, excursion of 40 km, 5 days (on horseback)
  • Volcán Osorno, excursion of 6 km, 10 hours

  • For sport fishing enthusiasts, the Petrohué River flows through one of the most scenic settings in southern Chile. Surrounded by lush forests along its entire length, the river originates from Lake Todos Los Santos and, after a 36 km journey, flows into the Seno de Reloncaví near the city of Puerto Montt. The waterways in this part of Chile are renowned for trout and Patagonian salmon fishing.

Learn more about the south of Chile....

 



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