Introduction

The El Solitario route, following an old path which runs west to east along the south side of the Volcano Osorno and links the road to the volcano’s ski centre (western side of route) to the highway leading to the lake Lago Todos Los Santos (eastern side). This route was originally used for mountain-biking as well as trekking, but since 2011 there has been a parallel route exclusively for trekking. To ensure there is no confusion between the two routes, the old path will be referred to as El Solitario and the other as El Solitario Nuevo.

The El Solitario route can be completed in various ways: 1) traverse (in one single direction) west to east, 2) traverse east to west, 3) there and back along the same path, or 4) circuit with one way along El Solitario Nuevo and the other along El Solitario. For this description, the first option (traverse west to east) is documented as this is the most common form of completing the route – it is easier as it is a gentle downhill path. However, if you chose to complete the route in this direction you will have your back to the main attraction, namely the Volcano Osorno and its main glaciers, for quite long legs of the route.

You will need to sort out the logistics of how you will complete the route as you will start at one point and finish at another. Both the start and end points are by the road, and public transport to the town of Ensenada goes by both points.

Appropriate season

The route can be completed all year round, although ideally between November and April as the weather is better and the sky clearer for you to enjoy the view. In January there may be many insects along the route (different kinds of flies and horseflies). For part of the route, the path leads along a dry riverbed (many years ago it was an old lava river) which on very rain days can turn into a true torrent of water and is very dangerous to cross.

Access

From Puerto Varas follow Route 225 heading east to the village of Ensenada, located at the foot of the Volcano Osorno (45km; 45-50min). From there, continue north (left) along a road that leads to a village called Las Cascadas. A little further on you will enter the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales (free entry). After 1.7km on from the police station in Ensenada, you will see a turning to the Volcano Osorno and the ski centre on the right (northeast). Continue along the route leading to the ski centre through an old forest of Coigüe trees. After 3.5km on this road you will reach the start of El Solitario route, which you will see is well signposted. The entire route to the start of the trek is paved.

Public Transport

There are regular buses between Puerto Varas and Ensenada. From Ensenada you can take a taxi to the start of the route. At the end of the traverse (on the road to the lake Lago Todos Los Santos) you can return to Ensenada by taking one of the buses that return to the village from Saltos del Petrohué. This road has regular traffic in both directions, so the return journey to Ensenada shouldn’t be too difficult (5.9km between the end of the route and the police station in Ensenada).

Permits / Prices

No entry fees or permits are necessary.

Recommendations

• When following the part of the route with the dry riverbed, it may be difficult to find the route again, so we recommend that you use a GPS.
• There is no water along the route.
• You will need to sort out the logistics of how you will complete the route as you will start at one point and finish at another. Both the start and end points are by the road, and public transport to the town of Ensenada goes by both points.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Trekking poles
• GPS

Schedule

1. Puerto Varas - El Solitario - Puerto Varas