What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

May 3, 2025

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

Llanquihue Lake Scenic Drive

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

I strongly disagree with the notion of calling Osorno the “little Fuji of South America.” It simply doesn’t do justice to its unique beauty and character.

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

On May 2nd, the rain poured relentlessly, and the morning of May 3rd greeted us with more of the same—dreary, overcast skies. Our plans to hike to Petrohue and explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park were met with disappointment as the weather hindered our ability to capture any stunning photographs.

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

However, the afternoon brought a surprising turn of events when the clouds parted, revealing a glorious, sunlit landscape. Seizing the opportunity, we embarked on an impromptu drive around the entire lake.

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

Initially, our plan was to visit the charming German town on the west side and then head towards Petrohue from the southeast after seeing the volcano. But fate had other ideas. As it turned out, the northeastern part of the lake, dotted with picturesque farms, was the most breathtakingly beautiful. The Calbuco volcano, though mostly shrouded in clouds, left us with a touch of regret, but it also provided a perfect reason to return and explore this enchanting region again.

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?

PENTAX K10-D
SMC 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

What's the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
What’s the Best Self-Guided Tour Route for Osorno Volcano on a Budget?
Choose a language: