Osorno Volcano is a cone-shaped mountain that serves as a constant reminder to the people of the small town of Puerto Varas of nature’s power. Its snow-capped peak is an emblem of southern Chile’s stunning terrain, hovering over the southeastern section of vast Lake Llanquihue. Marvel at the mountain and take advantage of the unique opportunity to ski down a volcano.
Take a tour to the peak, where you will find the ski center. Rent equipment and go skiing or snowboarding or take lessons. Plenty of slopes provide varying difficulty for beginners as well as experts.
Sit on a chairlift for a scenic ride over the glacier at the summit. On a cloudy day, look down to a sea of fluffy white. When the weather is clear, enjoy the view of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt beside the lake. You can even spot Calbuco Volcano in the distance. View one of the volcano’s extinct craters near the picturesque site of the Petrohué River Valley on the way up or down from the peak.
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the top of the mountain. Stop at a café or several shops with a spectacular view.
In warm weather, try mountain biking along the trails on the volcano. The surface of the paths consists mostly of cinders with black and red rocks.
The site is one of the most active volcanoes in the Chilean Andes, with 11 eruptions recorded between the 16th and 19th centuries. It is said that evolutionist Charles Darwin witnessed an eruption in 1835.
Pay a single fee for a tour with guide and transportation. The chairlifts have an additional fee.
Osorno Volcano is on the southeastern shore of Lake Llanquihue, opposite the town center of Puerto Varas. Tours of the volcano run year-round and generally last for half a day. Take a bus from the town along the southern shore of the lake, which takes about 50 minutes.
