Introduction

The route Los Alerces, also known as Los Alerzales, is one of the classic routes in the Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales and runs along the southeast slope of the volcano Osorno, the southern slope of Cerro La Picada and the western shore of the Lake Todos los Santos.

One part of this trail was originally a livestock transportation route along which animals were moved between Lake Todos los Santos and Lake Llanquihue via Paso Desolación and La Picada. According to the park rangers, there were once many Alerce trees in this area, before it was made into a National Park and Alerces were considered a protected species. Unfortunately there are very few left today and there are difficult to spot in the forest. The author of this route could only find three.

This route can be completed in two ways depending on the return journey: 1) semi-circuit: start at the eastern side of the volcano Osorno, then a complete circuit of Los Alerces and finish on the eastern side of the volcano Osorno again; 2) circuit: start at the eastern side of the volcano Osorno, then complete the west-north-east leg of the route Los Alerces, and return along the western shore of Lake Todos los Santos. This route describes the first option, as it is the official route of the park rangers.

Appropriate season

The route can be completed all year round, although ideally between November and April as the sky clearer for you to enjoy the view and the water is warmer for bathing. In January there may be many insects along the route (different kinds of flies and horseflies). You will have to cross a number of dry river beds, which on very rainy days can be fast flowing.

Access

Private Transport

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 south (right) and then east (left) along the road that leads to the Saltos de Petrohué (9.4km from Ensenada) and then to Lake Todos los Santos (5.8km from Saltos de Petrohué; gravel road). From the park facilities, head to the Conaf hut to register and then to the carpark at the Playa Petrohué campsite, where the route begins.

If you cannot travel via private transport, you can use the tourist buses between Puerto Varas and Lake Todos los Santos.

Permits / Prices

Entrance to Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales is free. However, if you are planning to complete hiking activites, you should notify the rangers in the Conaf hut, mainly for their statistics and to ensure that you complete the hike safely and successfully.

Accommodation / Facilities

In this area of the park there are two options for accommodation:

• Playa Petrohué campsite: 1-5 persons CLP$10.000 (approx. USD$20); additional person CLP$2000 (approx. USD$4). Each camping area has a campfire area and a table, there is drinking water, electricity and shared bathrooms. 
• Petrohué lodge

Recommendations

• Take enough water with you, the only place where it possible to fill up is in Los Alerces river which you will get to half way through the route.
• There are areas along the route where you will have mobile phone signal.
• This route can also be completed on mountain bike.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Trekking poles
• GPS (optional)

Schedule

1. Puerto Varas – Los Alerces route - Puerto Varas