1. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, located in the Patagonia region of Chile, is the oldest national park in the country. Established in 1926, it encompasses an area of 2,650 square kilometers (1,023 square miles) and showcases breathtaking landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests. The park is named after Vicente Pérez Rosales, a pioneer of colonization in the region.
Within the park, visitors can explore a variety of attractions. One of the highlights is the stunning Petrohué Waterfalls, where turquoise-colored water cascades over volcanic rock formations. The nearby Todos los Santos Lake, also known as Emerald Lake, offers picturesque views and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Another popular site in the park is Osorno Volcano, an active stratovolcano known for its perfect cone shape. Adventurous travelers can hike up the volcano for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and even witness steam and ash emissions from its crater.
The park is also home to several hiking trails, including the Paso Desolación Trail, which leads visitors to the tranquil Desolación Lake. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of native species, such as pudús (the world’s smallest deer), condors, and foxes.
2. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is open year-round. The park’s administration office can be contacted at +56 65 253 9000 for more information and inquiries.
3. As of 2021, the entrance fee for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is CLP 9,000 (Chilean pesos) for foreigners and CLP 4,000 for Chilean residents. The ticket allows access to the park for the entire day. Visitors can reach the park by car, taking Route 225 from Puerto Varas or Route 225-V from Ensenada. There is also public transportation available from Puerto Varas to Petrohué, where visitors can access the park’s attractions.
