Osorno Volcano

Osorno rises to 2,652 metres on the eastern shore of Lake Llanquihue, and its almost perfect cone, glaciated at the top, is the image on every photograph of the Chilean lake district - the comparison with Fuji is made constantly and is fair. It last erupted in 1869 and has been quiet since, which is a long gap for a volcano in this arc. A road climbs the western flank to a small ski centre with chairlifts that run in winter for skiing and in summer for the view over the lake and across to Calbuco and Puntiagudo. The summit climb is on ice and requires a guide, crampons and rope.

History

The volcano takes its name from the city of Osorno, from which the Spanish settlers could see it; the native peoples called it by other names, of which Guanauca and Hueñauca were the most used in the mid 18th century. Eleven eruptions were recorded between 1575 and 1869, the last one, and on 19 January 1835 Charles Darwin, near Ancud on the Beagle voyage, watched it erupt and wrote about it in his journal (Wikipedia, Osorno - volcano).

What's there

• A 2,652 metre glaciated cone - the lake district's defining image.
• Quiet since 1869 - a long gap for this volcanic arc.
• A ski centre on the flank - with lifts running in both seasons.
• Calbuco and Puntiagudo across - the view from the chairlift.

When to go

December to March for climbing; June to September for skiing. A full day.

What to expect

The summit is a glacier climb needing a guide and equipment, not a hike. Cloud covers the cone often - many visitors never see it clearly. The access road can require chains in winter. Lift operation depends on weather.

Nearby

Petrohue falls are east; Puerto Varas is round the lake west.

Key facts