Villarrica Volcano, one of Chile's most active, dominates the landscape around Pucón and is one of the few volcanoes in the world where you can see lava in its crater on clear days. Its ascent, along with the Torres del Paine trek, is one of the most sought-after mountain activities in the country.
What the climb is like
The ascent takes between 6 and 8 hours round trip, with more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain over snow and ice for most of the route, even in summer. No prior mountaineering experience is required, but a medium-high fitness level is, and it's done exclusively with certified guides, since the volcano is active and access is closed depending on the day's conditions.
What gear you'll need
- Crampons and an ice axe (provided by Pucón agencies along with the full equipment rental).
- Layered mountain clothing, since the temperature drops considerably near the summit.
- Good fitness: the climb is demanding even though it's not technical.
- Book ahead in high season (December to March), when daily slots sell out.
Access to the volcano depends on the day's weather and volcanic activity, so many agencies in Pucón offer a free rescheduling option if the climb is canceled for safety reasons.
