Glacier trek and forest hike from Ensenada

In Ensenada we run two guided hikes: the trek to the Osorno Volcano glacier, on permanent ice and with crampons, and an easy walk through native forest to Lake Todos los Santos.

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Quick facts

Duration: 6 hours on the glacier, 4 hours to Rincón del Osorno
Age: 15+ on the glacier
Group: Minimum 2 people; 2 per guide on the glacier
Price: CLP 120,000 glacier, CLP 40,000 Rincón del Osorno
Gear: Boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness on the glacier
Difficulty: Easy to Rincón del Osorno

Gear
Spanish- or English-speaking guide
Insurance
Transfers from the base

Two people in helmets, roped up among the crevasses of the Osorno Volcano glacier

Two hikers on a slope, with a snow-capped volcano behind

Two hikers with poles on volcanic sand, with a lake and mountains behind

A climber in a helmet beside ice formations on the Osorno Volcano glacier

Two hikers on a volcanic scree trail below Osorno Volcano at sunset

Two people walking across the snow toward a volcano cone, with the sun behind

Two hikers with poles crossing volcanic scree at dusk

Two hikers in helmets and sunglasses smiling among ice formations

Hiker raising an ice axe next to an ice formation, with a valley behind

Ice formations on the glacier under a blue sky

Osorno Volcano glacier trek (6 hours)

The Osorno Volcano trek starts in Ensenada. We drive up to the mountain hut at 1,200 m, where the hike begins. It takes 6 hours in total and is made for people who want to see the permanent ice of Patagonia and walk on it, without going to the summit.

From the refuge to the glacier over the scree

From the hut we hike up the volcanic scree, which takes us to the glacier in about 3 hours. On this section you get a wide view of Lake Llanquihue and the Andes, with their volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Crevasses, ice walls and seracs

With crampons and poles, we walk on the Osorno Volcano glacier. You see ice walls, crevasses up to 50 meters deep and seracs, which are large ice formations. This is what sets the trek apart from an ordinary hike.

A group walks along a trail among native trees

Rincón del Osorno: native forest by the lake

Rincón del Osorno is a 4-hour hike of minimal difficulty, for nature lovers. It starts at Lake Todos los Santos, 15 km from Ensenada: one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, turquoise and with views of several volcanoes. For groups of more than 10 people there is a version with a boat trip: a launch across Lake Todos los Santos to the Rincón del Osorno area, a trek with a certified guide and return transport between the base and Petrohué. It takes 4 to 5 hours and costs CLP 35,000 per person. A half-hour stop at the Petrohue Falls can be added; the entrance fee is not included. For more outings around Ensenada, see our guide.

Through the Los Alerzales forest to the lake

We start on the Paso Desolación trail, climbing gently over the driest scree of the Osorno, with its young coigüe forest and shrubs such as murta and chaura. Then we take the Los Alerzales trail, through native forest with young alerce trees and viewpoints over the lake. Finally we cross a river that comes down from the volcano's glacier and enter a wetter, denser forest, with old coigües, ferns and mosses. Along the way you see many native trees, such as alerce, coigüe and olivillo.

What's included and what to bring

Included in the trek

The glacier trek includes the transfer from our base in Ensenada, a Spanish- or English-speaking guide, insurance and the same gear as the summit climb: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness. Rincón del Osorno includes transfers and a guide. If you want to hike on your own, you can also rent mountain clothing and gear.

What to bring

Clothing and shoes suited to hiking, a snack, water and sun protection.

Hiker with a helmet and poles on a snowy slope, with a lake in the distance

Requirements and difficulty

The glacier trek is for ages 15 and up; younger hikers can join with an adult. Each trip needs a minimum of 2 people. No previous experience is needed. On the glacier, each guide takes at most 2 people. Rincón del Osorno has minimal difficulty and also needs a minimum of 2 people; it is from age 13.

Getting there from Puerto Varas and Ensenada

Both hikes start from our base in Ensenada, which is also the starting point if you are looking for a trek near Osorno or Puerto Varas.

From Puerto Varas: 44 km on Route 225

From Puerto Varas, take Route 225 (Ruta 225) to the base in Ensenada, at km 44. From there, the volcano hut is 14 km away and Lake Todos los Santos is 15 km away. Transfers leave from our base in Ensenada.

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Trek price and season

Trekking price: CLP 120,000 per person to the Osorno Volcano glacier and CLP 40,000 to Rincón del Osorno. The trek with a boat trip, for groups of more than 10 people, costs CLP 35,000 per person. In bad weather the trip is rescheduled or the payment is refunded. To book, message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size.

More on the volcano

The Osorno summit and Trek & Bike

If you want more, there is the guided climb to the summit of the Osorno, 12 hours and from age 16. And to combine hiking and cycling, a hike and bike descent at Paso Desolación. And for another day in the park, see our guide to the Petrohue Falls.

Where to stay in Ensenada

Barlovento is the same company and the same base: you can camp in Ensenada before the trek or stay in the cabins, 14 km from the volcano's mountain center.

Trekking FAQ

How long is the Osorno glacier trek?

It takes 6 hours from Ensenada, with about 3 hours of hiking up the scree to the glacier.

What is the minimum age?

The glacier trek is from age 15; younger hikers go with an adult. Rincón del Osorno is from age 13.

Do I need experience to walk on the glacier?

No. The guide teaches you how to use the crampons and the ice axe, and each guide takes at most 2 people.

What gear is included?

The glacier trek includes the same gear as the summit climb: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness, plus insurance.

How is it different from the summit climb?

The trek goes as far as the glacier, takes 6 hours and is from age 15. The climb goes to the 2,652 m summit, takes 12 hours, is from age 16 and requires good physical shape.

Is there an easy hike in Ensenada?

Yes. Rincón del Osorno is a 4-hour hike of minimal difficulty, through native forest and with views of Lake Todos los Santos.

Can you visit the Red Crater?

We do not run it as a guided trip: it is a hike you can do without a guide.

How much does the trek cost?

The glacier trek costs CLP 120,000 per person and Rincón del Osorno CLP 40,000. For groups of more than 10 people, the trek with a boat trip on Lake Todos los Santos costs CLP 35,000 per person.

What happens in bad weather?

In bad weather the trip is rescheduled or the payment is refunded.