Vicente Perez Rosales National Park

Vicente Perez Rosales National Park is located northeast of Puerto Montt in the southern half of Chile.  The park encompasses an area of 977 square miles(2,520 sq km).  The national park is neighbors with Puyehue National Park in Chile and Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanin National Park which are both in Argentina.

The collaborative national parks create a protected area that expands across 5,792 square miles (15,000 sq km).  It is a mutual investment between the two counries to protect the beauty and ecological signifance of the region.

The heart of the park is grounded around Lake Todos los Santos.  Mountains surround the lake adding to exquisite landscapes.  Boating on the lake is a commo activity and a great way to appreciate the mountainous terrain that surrounds the lake.

Puntiagudo, Tronador, and Volcan Osorno are three mountains overlook the park while also serving as part of the astounding landscapes.  Tronador is the tallest reaching a height of 11,380 feet (3,470 m).  All three mountains remain snow-capped throughout the year.

The park ecosystem represensts a Valdivian temperate rain forest with the type of forest varying depending on altitudes.  Dombey's beech, also known as coigue or officially as Nothofagus dombeyi, is the most common trees seen in the park.

The wildlife is diverse with approximatley 30 species of mammals, 80 species of birds, and many other fish and reptiles.  The cougar is one of the most hopeful animal sightings with the kodkod cat being a unique feline encounter.  Mustilids, the lesser grison, and the hog-nosed skunk are three smaller carnivores calling the park home.

Photos

Vicente Perez Rosales National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

As the oldest national park in the country, Vicente Perez Rosales provides visitors with remarkable landscapes and picturesque views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls.  The cornerstone of the park is Lake Todos Los Santos.

Lake Todos Los Santos

Lake Todos los Santos is surrounded by mountains creating one of the most magnificent and photographic landscapes.  The lake features a catchment area of 1,172 square miles (3,036 sq km) and a surface area of 68.9 square miles (178.5 sq km).  The surface of the lake sits at 620 feet (189 m) while reaching a depth of 1,106 feet (337 m).

Petrohue Waterfalls

Petrohue Waterfalls is classified as a chute-type waterfall.  Osorno Volcano sits as the backdrop behind the waterfalls creating one of the most picturesque landscapes.  This photographic spot is a highlight for most visitors.  The trailhead is right off the road and provides easy access for travelers who want a beautiful sight without much of a hike.

Vicente Perez Rosales National Park Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular activities throughout the park.  There are at least 10 different trails for visitors to trek and explore.

Petrohue Waterfalls Trail

One of the most popular trails featuing a chute waterfall with a volcano mountain backdrop.  The 1.1 mile (1.77 km) trail is rated easy and features an elevation gain of only 124 feet (37.79 m). The hike treks along the river with potential views of wildlife, waterfalls, and wildflowers.   You will also enjoy meandering througn the forest on this kid friendly trail.

Orsorno Volcano Trail

This easy-rated loop trail covers a distance of 1.7 miles (2.74 km) and an elevation gain of 413 feet (125.9 m).  This shadeless excursion provides panoramic views of the stunning stratovolcano.  There are opportunities to depart from the loop trail and trek to the summit of the volcano.

El Solitario Trail

This trail is rated moderate to slightly challenging.  It features an elevation gain of 954 feet (290.8 m) while trekking up the 6.8 mile (10.9 km) journey.  Hikers will trek through forests with chances to see both wildflowers and wildlife, however, the highlight is the consistent views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.

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Park Protection

Vicente Perez Rosales National Park wasa the first national park created in Argentina in recognition of the striking landscapes and immeasureable ecological importance.  There is an abundance and diverse collection of both flora and fauna that are protected by the park.  The significance of the national park was affirmed with three neighboring national parks created between Chile and Argentina protecting the surrounding ecosystem and landscapes.