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The Osorno Volcano is an imposing cone, with smooth lines, that rises next to Lake Llanquihue, whose transparent waters separate it from the city of Frutillar. His image, omnipresent in the landscape of the region, is visible from the province of Osorno to Chiloé. Its volcanic inactivity has lasted for more than a century.



On its slopes there are shelters that, in winter, allow the practice of skiing and white sports. In summer, when the snow melts, the volcanic fissures that have made it a treacherous fame reappear. On its cracked slopes, many mountaineers and expedition members have disappeared who, before the surprise eruption of clouds, came down practically blind, without knowing that the slope leads to a nest of cracks.



When the bad weather worsens and the Osorno is overcast with his white cap, it is recommended to stay fixed in a safe point, and not to advance in any direction, contrary to what might seem reasonable. Just as it came, the cloud can also suddenly leave the hill. It is therefore necessary to wait and bet on rapid climate change.



The best time to climb the volcano is when the heavy snowfalls and the incessant cold have subsided; In other words, the end of spring (November and December) is recommended, when the snow begins to harden due to the sun. In summer, the heats of January and February melt the snow, leaving only the ice layer that is underneath, as the ascent is very dangerous and difficult. However, climatic surprises are always present in this area, and instability and the rapidity of climatic changes in Osorno must be kept in mind.



It is located in the X Region of Los Lagos, at 41º 6 ’South Latitude and 72º 29’ West Longitude.



Puerto Varas is located 20 km from the city of Puerto Montt, 25 km from Frutillar, 48 km from Puerto Octay and 1,005 km from Santiago de Chile.



By car

Coming from the North or the South by the Pan-American Troncal Highway of Chile you will access Puerto Varas on the coast of Lake Llanquihue



By plane

From El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, only 20 km away from Puerto Varas. From Santiago, frequent departures to Puerto Montt.



By bus

There are constant frequencies from Puerto Montt, Frutillar, Osorno and other southern destinations. Check with the respective Road Terminals.





A lesser known attraction of this volcano is a large ice cave about 200m from the summit. It is not on the west slope - along which the normal route passes - so it is difficult to find it by chance.

Legend has it that it is the snow that extinguishes the fire of the volcano, so as not to let out the Pillán, an evil spirit that roars inside the volcanoes, and that shows its power by vomiting smoke and sulfur.



You can also enjoy the flora and fauna of the place such as: the pudú (deer of 40 cm in height), the chingue, the culpeo fox, the quique and the puma. Taking refuge in the humid forests such as La Picada, the trumpeted weasel, the huet-huet birds, the hummingbird, the kestrel, the cachudito, and a great variety of woodpeckers.

The hills belong to everyone, keep them clean. Put down all your trash and any other you find

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