Guide through Los Lagos: Paso El León and Petrohué
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Two days of magical landscapes in southern Chile
2 DAYS
Embark on a scenic adventure to the most pristine corners of Patagonia. This itinerary will guide you through the beginning of the mythical Carretera Austral, bordering fjords and forests, to the Manso Valley, the end of the vehicular road. From there, you will undertake the
DISTANCIA
250 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Immersion in the Manso Valley
Departing early from Puerto Montt, take the coastal route (V-65) that borders the Reloncaví Estuary. The asphalt will take you through marine landscapes to the town of Cochamó. Continue south to Río Puelo, where you will take the key detour: Route V-689 towards El Manso.
This is a gravel road that goes into the mountains, so a high vehicle is recommended. After a total trip of approximately 4 hours, you will reach the end of the vehicle road.
Settle into your refuge: you can camp at a designated site or stay in a local rustic cabin. Take advantage of the afternoon to enjoy the incredible peace of the valley, the sound of the Manso River, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Immersion in the Manso Valley
Departing early from Puerto Montt, take the coastal route (V-65) that borders the Reloncaví Estuary. The asphalt will take you through marine landscapes to the town of Cochamó. Continue south to Río Puelo, where you will take the key detour: Route V-689 towards El Manso.
This is a gravel road that goes into the mountains, so a high vehicle is recommended. After a total trip of approximately 4 hours, you will reach the end of the vehicle road.
Settle into your refuge: you can camp at a designated site or stay in a local rustic cabin. Take advantage of the afternoon to enjoy the incredible peace of the valley, the sound of the Manso River, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Expedition to Paso El León
Today is the day of the expedition to the border landmark. It is crucial to understand that this stage cannot be done by vehicle. After breakfast, your first stop will be the El Manso police station to register your hike.
From there, the adventure begins: a 12 km trail (3-4 hours each way) or a horseback ride, if you have previously coordinated with a local guide. The trail follows the course of the Manso River through virgin forests along old muleteer trails.
The destination is Paso El León, a historic crossing surrounded by imposing mountains. Take photos at the border landmark and enjoy the feeling of isolation before embarking on the return to your refuge in El Manso. It is a day of physical effort and total reward.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Expedition to Paso El León
Today is the day of the expedition to the border landmark. It is crucial to understand that this stage cannot be done by vehicle. After breakfast, your first stop will be the El Manso police station to register your hike.
From there, the adventure begins: a 12 km trail (3-4 hours each way) or a horseback ride, if you have previously coordinated with a local guide. The trail follows the course of the Manso River through virgin forests along old muleteer trails.
The destination is Paso El León, a historic crossing surrounded by imposing mountains. Take photos at the border landmark and enjoy the feeling of isolation before embarking on the return to your refuge in El Manso. It is a day of physical effort and total reward.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Return via Petrohué and Puerto Varas
Enjoy a last breakfast in the mountains before starting the return. Retrace the gravel road from El Manso to Cochamó (approx. 3 hours) and then follow the route that borders the estuary to the Ralún junction.
From there, you will take the road to Ensenada (Route 225) to enter the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Your great stop will be the impressive Petrohué Falls, where you will see the turquoise river flowing over volcanic rock with the Osorno Volcano in the background.
After the visit, drive the final hour to Puerto Varas, where you can end this adventure by strolling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue and enjoying the local cuisine.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Return via Petrohué and Puerto Varas
Enjoy a last breakfast in the mountains before starting the return. Retrace the gravel road from El Manso to Cochamó (approx. 3 hours) and then follow the route that borders the estuary to the Ralún junction.
From there, you will take the road to Ensenada (Route 225) to enter the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Your great stop will be the impressive Petrohué Falls, where you will see the turquoise river flowing over volcanic rock with the Osorno Volcano in the background.
After the visit, drive the final hour to Puerto Varas, where you can end this adventure by strolling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue and enjoying the local cuisine.
What you should know
How to get there by air
From Santiago (SCL), you must fly to El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt (PMC). At the airport you can rent a 4×4 vehicle, which is essential to complete this itinerary safely and independently.
How to get there by land
From Puerto Montt, take the coastal route (V-65), which is the beginning of the Carretera Austral. Follow this route passing through the town of Cochamó until you reach the town of Río Puelo (approx. 115 km total). Once there, take the detour signposted as Route V-689 towards El Manso. This is the gravel road of about 40-50 km that will take you to the end of the vehicle route and the beginning of the walking trail.
Climate and clothing
The weather in the region is unpredictable. Dress in layers, always including a waterproof and windproof jacket. Sturdy trekking shoes are essential, along with insect repellent and sunscreen.
Must-Know Tips
The gravel road to get to El Manso (where you leave the vehicle) is complex and requires a high vehicle, ideally 4×4. The area is remote and does not have services, so you must bring enough water, food and fuel. It is essential that you travel with a local guide.
