Vicente Pérez Rosales Overview
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, established in 1926, holds the distinction of being the oldest national park in Chile. Located in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile, near the city of Puerto Varas, the park covers an area of approximately 2,530 square kilometers (about 977 square miles). It is nestled in a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty, characterized by the majestic Andes mountains, lush Valdivian temperate rainforests, and the striking blue waters of Lago Todos los Santos (All Saints Lake).
The park is renowned for its iconic Petrohué Waterfalls, where water from Lago Todos los Santos cascades over volcanic rocks, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Another significant feature of the park is the Osorno Volcano, a perfectly conical volcano that towers over the landscape and is one of the most active in the southern Chilean Andes. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, including the Andean fox, the puma, and a rich array of birdlife.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels traverse the park, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders, including ancient forests, hot springs, and panoramic viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Kayaking and fishing are popular activities on Lago Todos los Santos, known for its clear, emerald waters.
The park’s creation was motivated by the need to preserve the natural beauty of the region and to promote tourism as a means of sustainable development. Today, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park stands as a testament to Chile’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Chilean wilderness.
Park Map
