Petrohué Boat Pier
Gateway to stunning Patagonian landscapes, featuring the iconic Osorno Volcano, turquoise waters of Lago Todos los Santos, and the beautiful Saltos de...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies & calm waters
Petrohué Boat Pier
Best Time
Clear skies & calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to stunning Patagonian landscapes, featuring the iconic Osorno Volcano, turquoise waters of Lago Todos los Santos, and the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué.
"The scenery is beautiful, but there isn't much to see."
📸 Capture the Volcano
The Osorno Volcano is a stunning backdrop for photos from the pier! :camerawithflash:
💧 Don't Miss the Falls
A short walk leads to the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. Worth it! :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petrohué Boat Pier Views
Petrohué Boat Pier
Stunning lake views with the Osorno Volcano as a backdrop. Perfect for photos!
Saltos del Petrohué
Short walk from the pier
Cascading waterfalls with vibrant turquoise waters, set against lush greenery.
Lago Todos los Santos
Boat tours depart from the pier
Explore the serene 'Lake of All Saints' on a scenic boat excursion.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Petrohué
Navigating Petrohué & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Volcano
The Osorno Volcano is a stunning backdrop for photos from the pier! :camerawithflash:
💧 Don't Miss the Falls
A short walk leads to the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. Worth it! :water_wave:
⏳ Short Boat Tours
Boat tours are scenic but brief, around 30 mins. Manage expectations. :boat:
🚗 Parking & Facilities
Parking is available, but facilities could use tidying. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Volcano
The Osorno Volcano is a stunning backdrop for photos from the pier! :camerawithflash:
💧 Don't Miss the Falls
A short walk leads to the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. Worth it! :water_wave:
⏳ Short Boat Tours
Boat tours are scenic but brief, around 30 mins. Manage expectations. :boat:
🚗 Parking & Facilities
Parking is available, but facilities could use tidying. :parking:
🗺️ Gateway to Cruce Andino
This pier is a key stop for the Andean Crossing to Argentina. :bus: :ferry:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Petrohué, particularly the iconic Osorno Volcano backdrop and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lago Todos los Santos and the Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. While the scenery is consistently praised, some find the boat tours to be quite short and the facilities at the pier could be improved.
"Must see. Beautiful area."
Ana Blanco
"It's just a short boat ride out on the lake and back.
The scenery is beautiful, but there isn't much to see.
There's not much explanation, and it's just a matter of sailing, so it's a bit disappointing."
346
"Excellent parking, but it needs some tidiness and a bathroom. Upon arrival, you can choose which catamaran to take with the guides outside for different tours of the lake."
Joaquín Avilés
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus, which takes you to the Saltos del Petrohué area, including the pier. The journey offers scenic views of the region. Some visitors also opt for organized tours that include transportation.
Yes, you can drive to Petrohué. There is parking available near the pier and the Saltos del Petrohué. The drive itself is quite scenic, passing by Lago Llanquihue.
The Cruce Andino involves a combination of bus and boat. From Puerto Varas, you'll take a bus to Petrohué, then a boat across Lago Todos los Santos to Peulla, followed by another bus to the Chilean-Argentine border.
While taxis might be available from Puerto Varas, they can be expensive for this route. Ride-sharing services are less common in this more remote area. Buses are generally the most practical and cost-effective option.
Petrohué is approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) from Puerto Varas, a drive that typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Petrohué Boat Pier itself is generally accessible as part of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. There is an entrance fee for the park, which covers access to the Saltos del Petrohué and the surrounding areas.
Boat tour prices can vary. One review mentioned a Zeus boat tour costing 6,000 euros per person, though this might be for a private or premium option. Standard catamaran tours are generally more affordable.
Yes, various boat tours operate from the pier, offering different routes and durations on Lago Todos los Santos. You can often choose based on your time and interest.
Tickets for boat tours are typically available for purchase directly at the pier from the tour operators. It's advisable to check schedules and availability, especially during peak season.
Operating hours for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and the boat tours can vary by season. It's best to check the official park website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information, particularly outside of the summer months.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the scenic views of Lago Todos los Santos and the Osorno Volcano, taking a boat tour, and visiting the nearby Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying nature.
Most boat tours from Petrohué are quite short, typically around 30 minutes. They offer a glimpse of the lake's beauty but don't cover extensive areas.
Absolutely! The Saltos del Petrohué are a must-see, with their stunning turquoise waters cascading over volcanic rock. They are easily accessible from the pier area.
Expect breathtaking natural beauty: the deep blue waters of Lago Todos los Santos, the majestic Osorno Volcano, and lush surrounding forests. It's a quintessential Patagonian landscape.
Yes, there are walking paths around the Saltos del Petrohué, including the 'Sendero de los Enamorados' (Lovers' Trail) and the 'Mirador Martin Pescador' (Kingfisher Lookout), offering different perspectives of the falls and river.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be some basic snack options or small kiosks, dedicated restaurants are limited directly at the pier. It's advisable to pack snacks or plan to eat in Puerto Varas before or after your visit.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the area. There are beautiful spots to enjoy a picnic with a view.
Dining options are scarce right at the pier. For a wider selection of restaurants, you'll need to return to Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, which offer a variety of Chilean cuisine.
Given the limited dining facilities at the pier, it's highly recommended to have your meals in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt before heading out to Petrohué to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
While Petrohué itself is more about natural attractions, the broader region of Los Lagos is known for its seafood, particularly salmon and trout, and traditional Chilean dishes. You'll find these in the larger towns.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier itself offers fantastic angles with the lake and volcano. For the Saltos del Petrohué, explore the various viewpoints along the trails for different perspectives of the falls.
Morning light often provides clear skies and calm waters, ideal for capturing the Osorno Volcano. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and volcano views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the waterfalls or distant landscapes.
Drone regulations can change and vary within national parks. It's crucial to check the current rules and regulations for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
A sturdy tripod is helpful for capturing the waterfalls with a smooth water effect. Waterproof protection for your camera is also a good idea, especially near the falls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing snacks and drinks is highly recommended, as dining options are limited. Encourage kids to look for wildlife and enjoy the fresh air. The sheer natural beauty of the Osorno Volcano and the lake will likely impress even the youngest travelers. Remember to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in Patagonia.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting in the morning for clear light and calm waters, or in the late afternoon for golden hour hues. A wide-angle lens is ideal for the expansive landscapes, while a tripod can help achieve silky smooth water effects at the falls. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and protect your gear accordingly.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Puerto Varas
If traveling independently, take a morning bus from Puerto Varas, spend a few hours exploring the falls and taking a boat trip, and return in the afternoon. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes, as dining options are minimal. The drive itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and countryside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lago Todos los Santos
Many visitors find the boat tours to be a highlight, providing a peaceful respite and stunning photographic opportunities. While the tours are typically short, they offer a memorable introduction to the lake's beauty. The clarity and color of the water are often remarked upon, making it a visually captivating destination. Remember to check the schedules and book in advance if you're traveling during peak season to secure your spot on the water.
The Majestic Osorno Volcano
From the Petrohué Boat Pier, the Osorno Volcano offers a spectacular backdrop for photographs. Its presence adds a sense of grandeur to the entire landscape. While climbing the volcano itself is a more strenuous activity requiring specific gear and conditions, simply admiring its majestic form from the pier or during a boat tour is an unforgettable experience. The volcano is a constant reminder of the powerful geological forces that shaped this stunning region of Patagonia.
The Enchanting Saltos del Petrohué
Well-maintained trails, including the 'Sendero de los Enamorados' (Lovers' Trail) and viewpoints like 'Mirador Martin Pescador,' allow visitors to experience the falls from various angles. These paths are relatively easy to navigate, making the Saltos del Petrohué accessible to most visitors. The combination of the vibrant water, the dark volcanic rock, and the surrounding greenery makes this a highly photogenic spot and a must-visit when in the Petrohué area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit