Petrohué Boat Pier - Image 1
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Petrohué Boat Pier

4.5
·103 reviews·Petrohue, Chile

Gateway to stunning Patagonian landscapes, featuring the iconic Osorno Volcano, turquoise waters of Lago Todos los Santos, and the beautiful Saltos de...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies & calm waters

CrowdHigh
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Petrohué Boat Pier - Image 1

Petrohué Boat Pier

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies & calm waters

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.5
(103 reviews)

"The scenery is beautiful, but there isn't much to see."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Petrohué Boat Pier Views

Petrohué Boat Pier Views

Petrohué Boat Pier

Stunning lake views with the Osorno Volcano as a backdrop. Perfect for photos!

Saltos del Petrohué

Saltos del Petrohué

Short walk from the pier

Cascading waterfalls with vibrant turquoise waters, set against lush greenery.

Lago Todos los Santos

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

The Petrohué Boat Pier is part of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy milder weather for boat tours and exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Check park operating hours, especially outside of peak season.

Navigating Petrohué & Beyond

Petrohué is a gateway to stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Saltos del Petrohué. Many visitors combine a visit to the pier with exploring the waterfalls. If you're planning to take the Cruce Andino (Andean Crossing) to Argentina, the pier is a key transit point. Book tours and transport in advance, especially during busy periods.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clear skies & calm waters
Crowd
High
When
Spring/Fall afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La inmensidad de la naturaleza 🌧️🫶🏻 #saltopetrohue #puertovaraschile #vacacionesinvierno #chil #regiondeloslagos #rio #puertomontt
@karenrulos
50.4K likes • 489K views

📸 Capture the Volcano

The Osorno Volcano is a stunning backdrop for photos from the pier! :camerawithflash: TikTok

💧 Don't Miss the Falls

A short walk leads to the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. Worth it! :water_wave: TikTok

📌Parte 1 🇨🇱- 🇦🇷 ¿Sabias que se puede cruzar desde Puerto Varas a Bariloche navegando? - Ruta se llama 📍Cruce Andino - En este video les presentaré el trayecto desde Puerto Varas al limite de Chile - Argentina. - trayecto: - Puerto Varas a Petrohue (bus) - Petrohue a Peulla (navegacion) - Peulla a limite Chile - Argentina.(bus) - Trayecto de Puerto Varas a Bariloche dura unas 12 hrs. - Dale Mg y s...
@mauricio_.vargas
42.4K likes • 800.4K views
🌊fluye. Saltos de Petrohue Sendero de los enamorados. Mirador Martin Pescador🏞 #chile #surdechile #petrohuechile #foryou #puertovaras #blueriver #watercolor #fyp #nature #viajarporchile #lugaresbonitosdechile
@takelaphoto
40.2K likes • 938.6K views

⏳ Short Boat Tours

Boat tours are scenic but brief, around 30 mins. Manage expectations. :boat: Reddit

🚗 Parking & Facilities

Parking is available, but facilities could use tidying. :parking: Reddit

📍 Cercanías de Puerto Varas: 1.- Saltos del Petrohué: $3500. 2.- Mirador “La Chascona”: Gratis 3.- Muelle de Frutillar & Teatro del Lago: Gratis 4.- Lago Llanquihue: Gratis. 5.- Salto Las Cascadas: Donación Voluntaria 6.- Lago Todo Los Santos: Gratis. En el aire: 🎬 @Sebastián Andrés En el Off: 🎙️ @Kharmax #chileansouth #chiletravel #trekkingchile #surdechile #regiondeloslagos #puertovaras #chile...
@chileansouth.cl
37.7K likes • 955K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Volcano

The Osorno Volcano is a stunning backdrop for photos from the pier! :camerawithflash: TikTok

💧 Don't Miss the Falls

A short walk leads to the beautiful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls. Worth it! :water_wave: TikTok

⏳ Short Boat Tours

Boat tours are scenic but brief, around 30 mins. Manage expectations. :boat: Reddit

🚗 Parking & Facilities

Parking is available, but facilities could use tidying. :parking: Reddit

🗺️ Gateway to Cruce Andino

This pier is a key stop for the Andean Crossing to Argentina. :bus: :ferry: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(103 reviews)

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

Spectacular volcano views
Vibrant turquoise waterfalls
Scenic lake excursions

What People Dislike

Short boat tours
Basic facilities

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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTok+2

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. Reddit

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

Morning light often provides clear skies and calm waters, ideal for capturing the Osorno Volcano. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Petrohué offers a fantastic natural playground for families. The Saltos del Petrohué are captivating for children, with the rushing water and unique rock formations providing endless fascination. The walking paths are generally easy and safe for little ones to explore. Consider a short boat tour on Lago Todos los Santos for a gentle adventure on the water, offering beautiful views without being too long for shorter attention spans. TikTok+1

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

Petrohué is a photographer's dream, offering iconic shots of the Osorno Volcano, the turquoise waters of Lago Todos los Santos, and the dramatic Saltos del Petrohué. The pier itself provides excellent vantage points for capturing the volcano's silhouette against the lake. For the waterfalls, explore the various viewpoints along the trails to find unique compositions. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

✈️ Day-Trippers from Puerto Varas

Petrohué is an excellent day trip destination from Puerto Varas. You can easily combine a visit to the Saltos del Petrohué with a scenic boat tour from the pier. Many organized tours from Puerto Varas include transportation and guided visits to these key attractions. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Lago Todos los Santos

Lago Todos los Santos, meaning 'Lake of All Saints,' is a jewel of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Its striking turquoise color is a result of glacial flour suspended in the water, giving it a unique, almost otherworldly hue. The lake is a crucial part of the scenic Cruce Andino, a popular multi-modal journey connecting Chile and Argentina. Boat tours from the Petrohué pier offer a serene experience, allowing visitors to soak in the vastness of the lake and the surrounding Andean landscape. Keep an eye out for the lush forests that hug its shores and the dramatic peaks that frame its waters. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

The Majestic Osorno Volcano

Dominating the skyline around Petrohué is the iconic Osorno Volcano. This perfectly conical, snow-capped stratovolcano is one of Chile's most recognizable landmarks and a constant, awe-inspiring presence for anyone visiting the Petrohué area. Its symmetrical shape and pristine white summit create a dramatic contrast against the blue waters of Lago Todos los Santos and the vibrant green of the surrounding forests. The volcano is dormant, with its last eruption occurring in the 19th century, making it a safe yet imposing natural wonder. TikTok

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. TikTok

The Enchanting Saltos del Petrohué

Just a short walk from the Petrohué Boat Pier lie the Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls). These aren't towering cascades, but rather a series of beautiful, powerful waterfalls that flow over dark, ancient volcanic rock. The water's intense turquoise color, a signature of the region, is particularly striking here as it churns and tumbles through the rugged landscape. The sound of the rushing water and the mist rising from the falls create an invigorating atmosphere. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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