Osorno Volcano Seracs Trek from Puerto Varas: Walk on Glacier Ice

Walk between towering blocks of glacier ice at 2,652 meters on Osorno Volcano.

A full-day trek on the Osorno Volcano glacier from Puerto Varas, starting at the CONAF office and climbing to the seracs: massive ice formations where you walk between cracks and hear the glacier shift beneath you. The operator provides all technical equipment, a Spanish-speaking guide, insurance and transport. The route covers roughly 7 kilometers round trip over stone, volcanic sand, snow and ice.

The experience

You leave Puerto Varas early and drive to the foothills of Osorno Volcano, stopping at the CONAF office at 1,200 meters to gear up and receive a technical briefing. From there, the ascent takes at least 3 hours on a mix of volcanic sand and stone, then snow and ice depending on the season. The route climbs 3.5 kilometers to the seracs: the towering ice blocks that define this trek.

Once you reach the glacier, you rest and spend time observing the formations up close. The ice shifts audibly. You may hear underground creaks or witness small landslides. After taking in the panorama, you retrace the same route downward, unequip at the designated point, and return to Puerto Varas by transport. The full outing runs about 8 hours from start to finish.

The operator equips you with all technical mountain gear and provides a snack during the day. Spanish-speaking guide, accident insurance and entrance fees are included. You'll need at least moderate fitness for the sustained climbing and the technical sections on ice. The trek is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, cardiovascular concerns or vertigo.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Puerto Varas.
• full mountain technical equipment.
• mountain shoes.
• snack during the trek.
• adventure tourism accident insurance.
• entrance ticket to the glacier area.
• Spanish-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mapu Activa

Is this one for you?The guide leads in Spanish, so you'll follow comfortably if you speak Spanish or are comfortable with a Spanish-only guide. The trek demands at least moderate fitness and sustained climbing over 8 hours, making it best suited to travelers in good cardiovascular health with no spinal, pregnancy or balance concerns.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high does the trek climb on Osorno Volcano?

Osorno Volcano stands at 2,652 meters, and you ascend to the seracs near the summit, starting from 1,200 meters at the CONAF office: a gain of roughly 1,450 meters over the 3.5-kilometer climb.

What is the route like underfoot?

The lower section follows volcanic sand and stone. As you climb higher, the terrain transitions to snow and ice, depending on whether you're trekking in summer or winter.

What happens when you reach the seracs?

The seracs are massive blocks of glacier ice where you can walk between cracks and crevasses. You'll rest there, observe the formations, and listen to the ice (you may hear underground creaks or see small landslides) before descending the same route.

Is the guide fluent in English?

The guide speaks Spanish. If you need commentary in another language, confirm availability when booking.

What should I bring that is not provided?

Bring your own clothing layers, personal items, backpack, sunglasses and gloves. The operator supplies all technical mountain gear. Bottled water is not included, though a snack is provided during the trek.