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Trekking to the glacier of the Osorno

Trekking to the glacier of the Osorno

A hike to the glacier of Osorno Volcano that rewards the effort with sunrise over the Andes and a sweeping panorama of the Llanquihue lake basin.

from
CLP$ 100.000
per person
Puerto Varas
1 day
Duration
1–9 pax
Group
1 guide per 3 clients
Guide ratio
Start / End
Puerto Varas
Season
Jul – Feb
Difficulty
Max. altitude
2,100 m
Distance
± 8 km (round trip)
Elevation gain
+1,000 m

The Osorno Volcano Glacier Trek follows one of the most emblematic routes in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, climbing from the volcanic slopes up to the glacier that covers the upper reaches of the massif. It combines mountain hiking, volcanic landscapes and a direct encounter with one of the most accessible glaciers in the Los Lagos Region.

The route begins among scree fields and old volcanic deposits, gaining height gradually until it reaches the edge of the glacier. As you climb, the landscape opens up towards Lakes Llanquihue and Todos los Santos, while the closeness of the ice reveals the dynamics of a glacial environment and the constant transformation of this mountain.

Sunrise, the quality of the light and the sheer scale of the landscape make this one of the most memorable trekking experiences in southern Chile. A demanding route, yet accessible to those who want to get close to the glacial world of the Andes without a summit climb.

  • Weather conditions. The weather on southern Chile's volcanoes is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Andean relief. Frontal systems bring frequent precipitation for much of the year and, with altitude, wind, cloud cover and the likelihood of snow increase, favoring rapid changes in mountain conditions.
  • Bilingual trekking/mountain guide (ES/EN), led by guides who are members of ANGM Chile
  • Trekking poles; technical equipment as conditions require (helmet, harness, crampons/snowshoes, ice axe)
  • Transport to and from Puerto Varas
  • Entrance to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
  • Complementary accident insurance
  • Seguro complementario de accidentes
Not included: Tips, additional services or any item not specified in the itinerary · Optional entrances, activities or visits not included in the program · Clothing and equipment that is the participant's responsibility · Personal life, travel-assistance, medical, evacuation or repatriation insurance · Pack animals, porters or other logistical support unless expressly stated · Personal expenses in town · Meals and drinks not listed or additional to the set menu · Alcoholic beverages · Costs arising from voluntary changes to the itinerary · Anything not expressly stated as included
Day 1 · 5 am
Transportation to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
Day 1 · 6:30 a.m.
Registration at the park ranger's office and the beginning of the trekking towards the end of the ski slopes.
Day 1 · 8 am
The following kilometers are the most impressive: the views of the glacier, the seraks, the cracks and the volcano, but also the sunrise.
Day 1 · 9:30 a.m.
Our goal is to reach the glacier. Normally we find it around 2,000 or 2,100 meters above sea level
Day 1 · 10:30 a.m.
At our highest point, we will have a complete view of the Llanquihue Lake area, the Puerto Montt bay, and of course the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
Day 1 · 12 pm
Return at the beginning of the journey, transport to Puerto Varas.
Day 1 · 3 pm
End of service.
Cancellation policy
Cancel up to 5 days before and receive the refund according to the program's conditions.
Payment methods
Book by paying only the reservation fee by bank card or transfer; the balance is paid before the program starts.

Participation requirements

To take part you need a level of fitness in keeping with the program's demands and a willingness to follow the guide's instructions in the field. No prior technical experience is required unless the program states otherwise. If you have any health condition, tell us when booking so we can advise you; if in doubt, consult your doctor.

Safety and mountain conditions

This is a mountain activity, subject to the conditions of the environment. The guide in charge continuously assesses the weather, the terrain and the group, and decides to adjust the route, the pace or to suspend the activity when safety requires it. Coming back safely always comes before reaching the objective.

Changes due to weather conditions

The mountain decides whether the activity can take place. A reliable forecast is available a few days beforehand, so we are flexible with advance bookings: if conditions do not allow a safe departure, we look for an alternative date or refund your deposit. If we start the program by mutual agreement and conditions prevent reaching the objective, the activity is considered completed.

Equipment the participant brings

The program includes the necessary technical equipment; you bring your mountain clothing, suitable footwear and personal items (backpack, water, snack, sun protection). The exact detail is in the program checklist, and if you are missing anything we have rental gear: let us know when booking.

Suggested clothing

Dress in layers for changeable mountain weather: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer, plus a hat, gloves and suitable socks. Footwear must be suited to the program's terrain. The full detail is in the checklist.

Good to know
Frequently asked questions

The weather conditions are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. However, an accurate and somewhat reliable weather forecast can only be had about five (5) days before the planned date for the trip, so we try to be as flexible as possible with reservations made in advance: To be able to book a date we only require the payment of the reservation fee, and once we have a reliable forecast we re-confirm the date and coordinate the payment of the difference. But if it is not possible to start the ascent because we foresee that there will be poor visibility in the glacial area (precipitation or clouds that reduce visibility to only a few meters) we will look for an alternative date or the refund of the booking fee. However, if by mutual agreement we decide to start the program (that is, to go out to pick you up or to meet at the lodge), either because the forecast looks good, acceptable, or unclear, and the conditions do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the proposed objectives, there is no refund of the payment!

Yes! The minimum to perform the program is one (1) person, so there is no problem in doing the program just for you. But keep in mind that it is a shared service, so if there is another person interested in the program and the date they could share the service. But don't worry we'll let you know if that happens!

Yes, we have available trekking poles, mountain boots, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses for rent. So if you need something do not forget to let us know in the booking process.

While most of our programs are small groups and it's almost always just the group you've booked together, our regular programs are shared services. So if you would like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced accordingly to the capacity of the clients that the guide or guides could have on that trip. Write to us to see it in detail!

The program includes the transportation from/to Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Picking or dropping from Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar have an extra cost of $15.000 CLP per way. Other places are available upon request. If you want to get to the meeting point on your own, let us know and we will coordinate to meet you! There are some programs that include transportation from other cities, if indicated in the description, so it will be!

The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe. So they basically only require their mountain boots, clothes, and accessories (glasses, backpack, gloves). Anyway you can see the checklist to verify that you have what you need and / or let us know if you need something! Some programs may also include other items (such as sleeping bags or trekking poles), so if it is indicated in the program it will be available in the program.

Because most of our trips are small groups, it will be just you or a couple of other people, we rent the car from the guide (or our family) to develop the program: A normal car, clean, in good condition and of course with all the required permits. For bigger groups, we hire a driver with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or similar.

Each program closes its online bookings some days before the start date: from 2 days for the 1–2 day ascents and treks, and more days for longer programs (up to several weeks for the expeditions). This margin lets us coordinate in time the logistics external to HAE —transport, refuges, permits, muleteers and other third-party services— essential to run the program safely. If you're interested in a date closer to the cutoff, write to us and we'll assess feasibility.

Yes. Booking in advance is the best way to secure our availability for your program. Mountain conditions cannot be predicted weeks or months ahead. That's why, as the activity approaches, we continuously monitor the forecast and keep you informed in good time about how conditions are developing. If everything is favorable, we confirm the departure; if conditions are not suitable, we'll assess the available options with you — whether rescheduling the activity for another date, running an alternative program, or cancelling the booking in accordance with our policies.

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