Introduction

To the west of the volcano Osorno is Cerro La Picada, a mountain that is often overlooked, with many people favouring the view of the majestic volcano by its side. However, it must be mentioned that in winter La Picada offers interesting alpine routes despite its size, and one of the most interesting trekking routes in Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales can be found along its western slopes and is accessible all year round: the route La Picada.

This route is a great option for those who want to go deep into this national park and have incredible views of the southeast and eastern faces of the volcano Osorno, the western face of Cerro La Picada. It also offers the chance to walk the famous pass Paso Desolación and great views of the lakes Todos los Santos, Rupanco and Llanquihue.

La Picada is a semi circuit which is made up of two legs: the first is a path between La Picada refuge and the ravine below the western face of Cerro La Picada (4.3km; 1½h-2h; 300m ascent; 130m descent); the second is a circuit which follows most of the western face of the La Picada (6.5km; 2h-3h; 480m ascent; 480m descent) See photo 1. To finish the circuit, follow the same route back to the refuge (4.3km; 1½h-2h; 130m ascent; 300m descent).

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, as well as avoiding the snowy slopes of La Picada. In January there may be many insects along the route (different kinds of flies and horseflies) which can be very annoying when walking.

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, and then to Puerto Cloker/Bahía Cox (276km; 20-25min from Ensenada). Here there is a turning to La Picada which is signposted to the east (right). Up until this point the road is paved.

After the turning you will find yourself on a gravelled road which at first leads east and the southeast for 18.8km (½h) to the refuge La Picada where you will find a café (825m; water available; bathrooms; contact Thomas Held, +569 8545 3930, lapicada@gmail.com). After 11km along this route you will enter the Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales where you will find a Conaf control point which is occupied by park wardens from November to March.

It is not possible to reach the refuge via public transport, only via private transport.

Permits / Prices

There is no entrance fee to the Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales and you do not need a permit to complete the route La Picada. Between November and March you may need to register with the Conaf park wardens.

Accommodation / Facilities

In the area of La Picada in the Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales there is no accommodation or camping area. The refuge La Picada was inaugurated in 1936 by the Club Andino de Osorno, but sadly it burnt down in 1997.

Recommendations

• There is no water available along the route. In winter and the start of spring there may be water in the ravine which flows down from the western face of Cerro La Picada but do not drink it.
• This route is also the approach for climbing La Picada.

Gear

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

Schedule

1. Puerto Varas - Route La Picada - Puerto Varas