Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, National park in Los Lagos Region, Chile
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is a protected nature reserve in the Los Lagos Region covering 253,780 hectares, with the emerald waters of Lake Todos los Santos surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes: Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador. The landscape combines mountains, lakes, and dense forests into a striking natural setting.
The park was founded in 1926 as Chile's first national park, a milestone in the country's conservation history. The area was previously explored by Jesuit missionaries seeking routes from Chiloé Island to the pampas.
The park forms part of the Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve and is home to native tree species like coigüe, ulmo, olivillo, and arrayán that shape the landscape. These species hold cultural significance for local communities and define the forest's character.
The western entrance near Ensenada is located about 72 kilometers northeast of Puerto Montt and features ranger stations and visitor facilities in the town of Petrohué. The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are more accessible and weather conditions are more stable.
The Petrohué area receives around 4,000 millimeters of rainfall annually at 700 meters elevation, creating dense forests and powerful waterfalls that cascade over volcanic rock. This intense water flow has shaped the landscape for centuries and makes the region a dynamic ecosystem.
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