Tours and Activities:

Osorno, Much More than a Volcano

From a distancewhile climbing, the grandeur of the Osorno volcano becomes unmistakable.

Just as Puerto Varas, Frutillar, and Llanquihue sit on one side of Lake Llanquihue, on the opposite shore, the Osorno volcano rises the lord and master of the mountain. Its silhouette can be seen on the horizon and is featured in the brochures promoting these iconic cities in southern Chile.

Its 2,661 meters above sea level are imposing from every corner of the community, and even from some viewpoints on the island of Chiloé. The brown tones of its slopes, its snow-capped summit throughout the year, and the almost ceremonial bearing with which it “guards” the landscape make it a unique and unrepeatable presence.

To reach its base, you have to travel about 60 kilometers from Puerto Varas. Its slopes are protected by a colorful forest of native species, which benefit from abundant rainfall throughout the year. In the first sections of the ascent, between 200 and 1,000 meters above sea level, coihues predominate; higher up, lengas extend. Among them, the Andean larch stands out, one of the longest-living species on the planet, whose roughness and presence make each trail an unforgettable walk.

The fauna that inhabits these forests includes pudúes, chingues, culpeo foxes, quiques, and pumas, although they are not always easy to spot. In the wettest parts of the forest, the long-nosed weasel, huet-huet birds, hummingbirds, kestrels, cachuditos, and the ever-striking woodpeckers in all their varieties seek refuge.

For those who enjoy mountaineering, local guides organize six-hour climbs from Puerto Kloker, Ensenada, and Petrohué. Above 2,000 meters, snow dominates the landscape, and on the eastern side, deep blue crevasses appear, ideal for ice climbing. Previous experience is required, and above all, do not attempt to climb on your own: Osorno has technically demanding sections.

From a distance, the presence of the summit of the Osorno volcano captivates with its eternal snows. Sometimes, it seems to play hide and seek behind the clouds, only to reappear when it decides to. Up close, it offers a thousand ways to approach it, and all of them leave a unique impression.

See also: Hotels in Puerto Varas and other accommodation venues