Ascent to Villarrica Volcano

We begin our exciting adventure to Villarrica Volcano early in the morning, meeting at our office in downtown Pucón. Our experienced guides will provide all the necessary instructions for the ascent day, ensuring you are prepared for this unforgettable experience.

The adventure starts with a private transport ride to the base of Villarrica Volcano, located about 30 minutes away at an altitude of 1,500 meters. In winter, the starting point is generally at 1,250 meters of altitude.

From the base of the volcano, we will embark on an exciting ascent hike, which lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours. For those who wish to save energy, there is an option to take a cable car in the first part of the route, subject to the availability of the Pucón Ski Center and weather conditions.

As we ascend, we will reach La Capilla and then, through a series of zigzags, we will arrive at the El Filo sector, which marks the halfway point of the ascent. From this point, we will cross the glacier, which in summer is usually covered with volcanic ash, and head towards the final stretch of the ascent.

In the last stretch, we will reach the “False Summit,” a safety zone where our guides recommend putting on gas masks as a precaution against possible gas emissions from the summit. We will leave our backpacks in this area and, if conditions permit, make the final ascent to the crater of Villarrica Volcano.

The panoramic views from the summit are indescribable: lakes, other volcanoes, the imposing Trancura Valley, and, on many occasions, lava, make this experience truly unique in life.

The descent from the volcano is a mix of sliding in the snow using protectors and plastic, and short walking sections, following the routes traced by our guides. This is the most fun and least exhausting part of the descent. As long as there is snow, we will slide down, enjoying the spectacular view of the majestic Villarrica Lake.

Upon returning to our agency in Pucón, we will celebrate the experience with a snack.

In summary, the ascent to Villarrica Volcano is an essential experience for any visitor to the region, combining adventure, nature, and impressive views in one trip.