The experience of ascending the Villarrica Volcano

Attention, lovers of adventure tourism! We know that they love visiting new places and living unforgettable experiences that take their lives to the extreme. This time we are heading towards one of the most visited destinations by adventurers and tourists from all over the world: The Villarrica Volcano!

This is one of the most active volcanoes with the longest historical records in South America. We find it located to the Southeast and Northeast of the Villarrica and Calafquén Lakes respectively, in the southern Andes Mountains. Specifically, Villarrica Volcano is located in Chile, on the border of the provinces of Cautín (Araucanía region) and Valdivia (Los Ríos region).

This Chilean stratovolcano measures about 2847m (2450m, counting from its base), and its greenish conical formation is a work of nature, almost perfect in its shape, and so emblematic that it is perfectly recognizable from a distance. The ascent to the Villarrica Volcano has become one of the adventure tourism activities most carried out and recommended by mountaineers from all over the world, both beginners and experts.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about this great Chilean adventure, then we invite you to continue reading and find out a little more about the unforgettable experience of climbing Villarrica Volcano, in Chile!

How is the ascent to the Villarrica Volcano?

The ascent to Villarrica Volcano is a trekking of medium difficulty, since it is classified as medium mountain. Its duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on the pace that is maintained during the journey to the maximum height of the volcano.

The route promises incredible panoramic views of the rest of the volcanoes in the area and the lakes on their sides, as well as the wooded greens of the national park Villarrica. This place offers an incredibly wide natural variety in one place: snow, ice, rock and volcanic sand, and even lava depending on the volcanic activity of the massif! An incredible sensation from where you see it. There is really no doubt that it is one of the most impressive volcanoes in the Andes and also one of the most active in the South American volcanic range. It is not for nothing that the Villarrica Volcano has become one of the favorites for locals and adventurous tourists. Every year there are thousands who choose to go up and enjoy all this unforgettable experience.

THE EXPERIENCE OF ASCENDING THE VILLARRICA VOLCANO

You leave very early in the morning when we still haven't seen the first ray of sun, and that's why a good rest the night before is so important before setting out on our way to the top of Villarrica Volcano.

The adventure begins here, one of the best you can do in Pucón, recognized as one of the most exciting adventure tourism activities in the world. It is in fact one of the activities most requested by foreign tourists. It does not require experience or being a specialist. More than technique, a good physical condition is required at least, as well as hiring the services of companies specialized in this climb, certified to accompany you to carry out the activity.

The route goes from less to more intensity, first in inclination and second in temperature, which decreases as we approach the top. We are leaving the earth behind and we are finding its white and powdery snow.

Yes, it is possible to save energy and at least two hours ascent by taking a cable car, which is part of the centre of ski (and which works all year round) but the The truth is that trekking to the top is a crucial part of the experience, and it is more than recommended.

And it is that reaching the top feels like a complete success after a long day of traveling to the summit of Villarrica Volcano. The experience of climbing the mountain is the best, from start to finish. Of course, always taking breaks and strategic breaks for hydration, refreshments and to recover a bit of energy.

The beautiful mountain of Villarrica is a mountaineering experience that you can enjoy safely and calmly, as a couple, with friends or family, and also an excellent way to enjoy the beauties that it offers us this spectacular area of ​​Chile.

Once up, it is a bit difficult to breathe due to the gases from the Volcano, but it is precisely this that will make you feel the most that you are in front of an impressive work of nature, almost like a living and very active creature. It is one of the most impressive sensations you will feel, although if you go on a tourist route those 6-8 hours of ascent will be worth 30-40 minutes on top of the crater and you will want to enjoy every second in it. Do not be surprised that you find adventurers from all over the world, almost speechless with the natural spectacle.

The crater is amazing to see and admire, and the photos you get stay for a lifetime. All this makes the journey (perhaps long for the most inexperienced) totally worth it once you get to rest before such natural beauty. And it is also that the snowy mountainous landscapes are like those of a postcard that you would have seen some time, and that now become reality before your eyes.

And the descent is yet to come! Less intense and safer, it will seem more fun, because it offers some of the best snow slides that an adventure lover can slide down in the world. Although you already know, if you go with your skis, then the descent will only be an incredible opportunity to slide on them back to the base of the mountain.

The best thing about this whole experience is that tourism has become a priority in the area, so you will have at your disposal many options of agencies that offer a complete guide to the top of the crater.

They are very useful if you want to live the tourist experience of the place and directly receive your entrance to the National Park, especially if you are a beginner. Normally they offer all the necessary equipment, from round trip transportation and a professional guide certified by "CONAF" and the municipality of Pucón, to technical mountain equipment such as crampons, helmet, ice ax, gas mask, high mountain shoes, third layer. windbreaker clothing, and backpack.

Take into account that the rest of what is necessary will already have to come on your own. We're talking about good sunglasses, sunscreen, water, first layers of coat, etc. However, there are many excellent agencies that also offer accommodation areas and camping areas so that your visit is complete and great from start to finish.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN PUCÓN

Visiting Pucón in Chile and climbing the Villarrica Volcano will be one of the most rewarding experiences you can be a part of. But it is not the only one! And it is that this incredible area of ​​the country offers many tourism and adventure activities that you can add to your travel itinerary if you are on vacation in the area. You can also participate in:

• Excursions through the wooded areas of the area
• Rock climbing
• Trekking in the snow
• Horseback riding and horseback riding
• Ascend to the Quetrupillán Volcano
• Ascend to the Lanín Volcano
• Hikes and excursions through the Villarrica National Park
• Hikes and excursions in the Huerquehue National Park
• Climbing Via Ferrata
• Visit the El Cañi Sanctuary and even have fun hiking with snowshoes.

The truth is that trekking expeditions this interesting are never to be forgotten! If you are thinking of traveling to Chile on your next vacation, we recommend you sign up for this interesting adventure at the Villarrica Volcano.