The Osorno Volcano is a 2,652-metre stratovolcano in Chile's Los Lagos Region, about 45 kilometres northeast of Puerto Varas, and its almost perfect cone, covered in snow all year, is the most recognisable image of Lake Llanquihue. You can drive up a paved road to the ski and mountain resort, whose chairlifts work as a viewpoint in summer, and its base lies inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile's first national park.
It is an active volcano: it ranks 8th in the ranking of Chile's most dangerous volcanoes by Sernageomin, the national geology and mining service (2023), although it has not erupted since the 19th century. This guide sums up how to get there, what to do and when to go.
Osorno Volcano key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 2,652 m above sea level |
| Location | Between the provinces of Osorno and Llanquihue, Los Lagos Region, east of Lake Llanquihue |
| Distance from Puerto Varas | About 45 km as the crow flies, to the northeast |
| Protected area | Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, created in 1926 (253,780 ha) |
| Volcanic risk | 8th of 87 volcanoes in Sernageomin's specific risk ranking (2023) |
| First recorded ascent | 1848, by Jean Renous, according to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia |
Sources: Chilean Ministry of the Environment, protected areas registry (SIMBIO); Sernageomin, 2023 ranking; Wikipedia for the height and the first ascent.
How to get to the Osorno Volcano
| From | Route | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Varas | Route 225 along the southern shore of the lake to Ensenada, then the road up to the ski resort | About 1 hour |
| Puerto Montt | Route 5 to Puerto Varas, then Route 225 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Puerto Octay or Las Cascadas | Road along the northern and eastern shores of the lake towards Ensenada | Depends on the section; part is gravel |
| Without a car | Tours and transfers from Puerto Varas | Half day or full day |
The road up is paved and reaches the refuges area, where the ski resort and the café are. In winter you may need chains; check conditions with Vialidad, the road authority, before driving up. If you are staying in the area, read our guide to things to do in Puerto Varas.
The Osorno Volcano ski resort
The Volcán Osorno Ski and Mountain Centre opened its 2026 season on Sunday 28 June, with the Glaciar (Primavera run) and Zorros lifts, the ski school and equipment rental in the Zorros area, the Mirador restaurant and the Enlace panoramic chairlift, according to Nevasport. It is a small resort with direct views of the lake, and one of the few where you ski on the slopes of a volcano with a sea of lakes at your feet.
To compare prices and sizes with the big resorts in central Chile, see our guide to where to ski in Chile.
Do you offer tours, accommodation or equipment rental in Puerto Varas or Ensenada? Reach travellers planning their visit to the Osorno Volcano.
See advertising optionsThings to do on the Osorno Volcano all year round
| Activity | Season | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Skiing and snowboarding | June to September, depending on snow | Volcán Osorno Ski and Mountain Centre |
| Panoramic chairlift and viewpoints | All year, weather permitting | Views of Lake Llanquihue and the Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes |
| Hiking on the slopes | Spring to autumn | Trails over volcanic scoria and lenga beech forests |
| Summit ascent | Summer, with a guide | Requires glacier gear (ice axe and crampons) and experience |
| Petrohué Falls | All year | Turquoise waterfalls at the foot of the volcano; summer hours from 9:00 to 18:00 |
Sources: the ski resort (via Nevasport) and Pases Parques for the Petrohué Falls opening hours (December to March, 9:00 to 18:00; March to November, 9:00 to 17:00). Park tickets are bought online. More details in our guide to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
When to visit the Osorno Volcano
- December to March: long, clearer days; the best time for viewpoints, hiking and guided ascents.
- June to September: snow season; the road may require chains and the summit is often covered.
- Spring and autumn: fewer people and colour in the forest, but the weather changes fast.
- Always: the volcano is active; if Sernageomin changes its technical alert, follow the instructions of Senapred and Conaf.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Osorno Volcano?
2,652 metres above sea level.
Can you drive up the Osorno Volcano?
Yes, up to the ski and mountain resort, on a paved road from Ensenada. From there you continue on foot or by chairlift.
Is the Osorno Volcano active?
Yes. Sernageomin ranks it 8th in its 2023 risk ranking, although it has not erupted since the 19th century.
