Villarrica volcano ascent, 2,847 masl.
The Villarrica volcano, called “Rukapillan” or the house of the spirits´, in Mapudungun (the language of the local Mapuche people) sits 16 kilometers above the town of Pucón. Villarrica is the most active volcano in Chile, and its last eruption was in 2015. When we reach the summit, at 2,847 meters above sea level,you’ll be inspired by incredible views of the towns of Pucón and Villarrica, nearby lakes, and other volcanoes in the region. Depending on the amount of volcanic activity, we might even be able to see magma inside the crater !
Climbing the Villarrica volcano is one the most popular activities in Pucón throughout the year.
Since the 8th of November 2022, access to the summit has been closed, due to an increase in volcanic activity. Currently (January 2024) we are making the ascent until 2300 meters above sea level, the limit authorized by the authorities. You can check the status of the alert on the Sernageomin website.
deportivo ?
deportivo ?
Tour Itinerary.
We will meet at the Ermitaño Expediciones agency, where our guides will introduce themselves and help you prepare your equipment for the day.
The car ride to the base of the volcano takes about 40 minutes. We begin walking at 1,200 meters above sea level.
Once we arrive at the base of the volcano, the guides will give you instructions before starting the climb.
Curently, the chairlift of the ski center is not working.
During winter, the entire volcano is covered in snow. During the middle of the summer, only 50% of the volcano has snow, and at the end of the summer, only the glacier is left on the volcano – about 20% of the climb. Throughout the day, we will take several breaks to hydrate, eat snacks, take pictures, review your equipment, and talk about the volcano. Your guides will stay with you the entire day.
We will climb the last 20 minutes to the crater without a backpack. The view from the summit is magnificent and the feeling of standing at the edge of the crater is thrilling.
The crater itself is around 200 meters in diameter and 100 meters deep.
The volcano has a constant emission of gas, for which every climber is given a mask as part of their safety equipment. If you're lucky, you just might be able to see magma inside the crater !
The way down the volcano is a unique experience. Fully-equipped with waterproof pants and a sled, you’ll slide down on the snow ! This takes (between 20 minutes and one and a half hour). We´ll walk on rocks or snow for the last part. However, depending on the conditions of the snow, we might have to walk some of all the way.
We’ll arrive back at the Ermitaño agency around 4:30pm – depending on the season.
The activity ends at the agency, where you will be received with a refreshing drink or beer and a delicious snack. It’s a wonderful moment to celebrate your achievement and reflect on your experience of climbing the most active volcano of Chile !
What do I need?
What is included.
- Transportation from Pucón.
- Entrance to the National Villarrica Park.
- Certified mountain guides (1 guide/3 clients).
- Insurance.
- Photos and videos. (when conditions allow).
- Equipment:
- Backpack 35L.
- Helmet, ice axe, crampons.
- Hiking poles.
- Shoes,gaiters.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Gas mask.
- Gloves.
- Sunglasses.
- Equipment for the descent (sledge).
- Beer or juice and a snack.
What is not included.
- Food: sandwichs, fruits, nuts, cookies, chocolate etc + 1,5L of water. Plastic bag for your garbage.
- Sunscreen.
- Comfortable clothes: high socks, pants, base layer top, fleece sweater, and warm jacket.
- Optional:
- Gloves.
- Hat, beanie.
How to book a trip.
When can I go?
- Season: All year. During summer (January to February), there is a high demand for this activity so we recommend that you book with anticipation.
- Weather conditions: We only carry out our excursions under favorable weather conditions. In case we have to cancel an activity, we will refund 100% of your money.
Recommendations:
- Minors are welcome if they are 12 years and older, and only if they are accompanied by an adult.
- Our insurance covers climbers up to 70 years old.
- We recommend that you are in good physical condition for the climb. The difficulty is medium/high in winter, and medium in summer. Previous experience on the mountain is not necessary.
- You can book directly via the form below:
«Read what previous clients say about their experiences with Ermitaño Expediciones…»
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Contratamos 2 toures con la agencia: termas geometricas y ascenso al Villarrica. El proceso de reserva fue muy facil y expedito, por Whatsapp. La organización impecable en ambos casos. Con... read more las termas se trató básicamente del traslado. En el ascenso al Villarrica fuimos con los guias Marike, Cristian y Diego. Todos extremadamente profesionales, amables y atentos. Realizamos el traslado en auto con Diego, rebuena onda, quien nos dió un montón de informaciones, un crack. LLegados al lugar de estacionamiento, agarramos las mochilas con el equipo proporcionado por la agencia y nos encaminamos por unos 15 minutos sobre acarreo hasta llegar a la nieve, que en esa epoca del año (primera quincena de noviembre) casi llegaba al estacionamiento. Puestos los crampones el ascenso resultó muy facil,pués la nieve estaba firme y el agarre era optimal. Procedimos zigzagueando con Marike encabezando la fila y Cristian y Diego cuidandonos todo el tiempo. El ascenso duró 4-5 horas, en las cuales creo que nos detuvimos 5 veces por unos 15 minutos, para descansar y alimentarnos. La última parada fue en la falsa cumbre, donde dejamos las mochilas y enfrentamos los últimos metros verticales hasta la cumbre. Ahí nos detuvimos unos 15-20minutos para admirar el panorama: hermosas vistas del Lanín y Quetrupillan por un lado, y de los lagos Villarrica, Calafquén y Caburgua, el volcan LLaima y la Sierra Nevada por el otro (los cuales son visibles por todo el camino si el cielo está despejado). Y obviamente el cráter, botando humo desde rocas amarillentas por el azufre: un espectáculo impresionante. De vuelta a la falsa cumbre nos preparamos para la bajada, que realizamos deslizandonos en la nieve con el equipo proporcionado por los chicos. La nieve llegaba hasta el estacionamiento y casi no tuvimos que caminar. A la vuelta nos rehidratamos con una chela junto a los guías. Finalmente nos enviaron un excelente reportaje fotografico de la experiencia. No podría recomendarlo más!
1 January 1970