Villarrica Volcano Ascent

Villarrica Volcano Ascent

NOTE: since 22 November 2024, the crater is OPEN to public again after being closed off for more than two years. This condition can change if volcanic activity increases.

The ascent to the summit of the Villarrica Volcano, is one of the most attractive tours in the region. The crater with an open lava pool makes it a one in a lifetime experience.

Villarrica Volcano seen from Pucón.

With an altitude of 2847 masl, it the most visited volcano in Chile, as well as the most active. Accompanied by our professional, bilingual and local mountain guides, it is a challenging, safe, and fun experience.

The ascent

We start early in the morning at our office in Pucón. Your guide tests the fit of your equipment and gives the indications for the day.

We take a private transport for 30 minutes, arriving to the base of the volcano, around 1250 masl.

Taking in the first views.

Here the ascent starts, taking around 5 to 6 hours of climbing. It is also possible to take a ski lift for the first section, which can save some energy. ATTENTION, the ski lift is subject to closing because of meteorological conditions.

An unforgettable experience

Our first checkpoint is the Chapel, an old ski lift and refuge overrun by the eruptions. Then we zig zag up to the Ridge, which marks half of the ascent.

The Ridge, marks half of the ascent.

Then we cross the glacier up to noticible dry lava flows coming from the summit, reaching the False Summit, considered our safety zone, where we leave our backpacks behind and put on our gas mask if necessary, and we head to the crater if the conditions are safe.

The views from the top are magnificent. Lakes, volcanoes, green lush valleys, bending rivers and the active crater, make it a unique summit.

An uncommon descent

Equipped for the sliding.

The descent is made in two ways: we mix sliding down the snow with a plastic protection and short walks to connect the different slides that the guides build. This makes the descent fun and less tiring.

Once back in our office, we celebrate the experience with an appetizer. In summary, the Villarrica Volcano ascent is a must do in the area.

Check the weather for Villarrica Volcano, here.

Trip outline

• Start at 6:30 am in our office
• 8 to 9 hours of tour
• 1400 meters of vertical ascent
• Apettizer back in Pucón

Trip Includes

• Professional, local mountain guides
• Private transport
• Technical equipment 
  
  • Helmet
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Mountain boots
  • Windproof pants
  • Windproof jacket
  • Liner gloves
  • Snow mittens
  • Protective gaiters
  • 40 liter backpack
  • Gas mask
  • Sliding protection

• Entrance to the park
•  VHF Communication
• Accident insurance
• Apettizer at the end of the activity

Review our policies clicking here.

Trip excludes

• Ski lift
• Sunglasses
• Any additional service not coordinated previously

The equipment you must bring: long sleeve hiking clothing, jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, water (1.5 liter minimum), and food.

We recommend to always consult with our guides previously on what to wear, depending on the season.