Petrohué between the lake, volcanic landscape and boat routes

Petrohué brings together different landscapes and travel experiences: Lago Todos los Santos begins at Puerto Petrohue, a hiking trail passes through lush vegetation, and boat connections help orient visitors in the region. You can explore the area according to whether you are especially interested in nature, water routes or the geology of the landscape.

Lake and volcanic landscape

Lago Todos los Santos has intensely emerald-green water of glacial origin. In Petrohué, there is a dock for boat trips across the lake; the road ends at Puerto Petrohue, where Lago Todos los Santos begins. This geographic location makes Petrohué a notable transition between road and lake. A boat trip across Lago Todos los Santos goes as far as Villa Peulla, a small border town on the eastern shore.

The Saltos del Río Petrohué are also located in the wider surrounding area. Their formation is closely linked to the volcanic landscape: lava flows from eruptions of Volcán Osorno solidified into basalt rock when they came into contact with the water of Río Petrohué. The contrast between water and dark rock offers a different perspective on the landscape than the emerald-green lake. Those interested in the forces that shape a landscape will find a concrete geological connection here.

A trail through the lush landscape

The Sendero Los Alerces is in the Petrohué sector of Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales. It passes through an area of native vegetation and lush landscape; small climbs, wooden bridges and boardwalks characterize the route. Alongside the lakeside scenery, a trail through the vegetation offers a distinct focus. If you would rather spend your time hiking than taking a boat trip, you can factor the trail’s small climbs, wooden bridges and boardwalks into your plans.

These different aspects of nature are not interchangeable: the lake is defined by glacial waters and the crossing, the Sendero Los Alerces by its vegetation, bridges and boardwalks, and the Saltos by the formation of basalt rock. This distinction can help you decide which interests to prioritize during your stay, without combining all the experiences into a single outing.

Buses, docks and travel routes

Buses Interlagos connects Ensenada with Petrohué, Buses JM runs as far as Petrohué, and local buses connect Puerto Varas with the Petrohué sector. The dock in Petrohué is another point of reference if you plan to take a trip across Lago Todos los Santos.

In the wider surrounding area, Turismo Andino del Sud connects Salto del Petrohué and Peulla by catamaran. This is separate from the boat trip described across Lago Todos los Santos to Villa Peulla. Puerto Petrohue is also the departure port for the Cruce Andino, which connects Puerto Varas with the city of Bariloche in Argentina. If you plan to use one of the boat connections, check the relevant schedule before you travel.

Choosing Petrohué as your base

When choosing a vacation rental, consider which of the aspects mentioned will be most important during your stay: the dock and the connection across the lake, the Sendero Los Alerces, or the regional geology of the Saltos. Bus connections are another factor to consider when planning your arrival. The key is deciding which of these topics you want to focus on; this offers a practical basis for choosing where to stay without treating different routes and experiences as if they were the same.

If you are traveling with children, the lake, boardwalks and the formation of basalt rock can each offer a different starting point for exploring together. Which ones suit your travel plans depends on your interests and the specific arrangements you make.

Discover more destinations:

Fresia, Carelmapu, Quillaipe, Las Gualas, Llanquihue, Maullín, Calbuco, Frutillar

For the main travel overview: Provincia Llanquihue.