Situated in the heart of Villarrica National Park and surrounded by other iconic Andean peaks, Villarrica Volcano boasts plenty of incredible scenery to explore while on a mountaineering expedition. The approach to the foot of the peak takes cimbers through the Valdivian temperate rainforest. Once the ascent begins and climbers get above the treeline, the peak boasts incredible views out over the other nearby mountains and volcanoes.
Country Code:
+56
Language:
Spanish
Currency:
Peso (CLP)
Best time to visit:
October to March, although some guides offer trips year-round
How to get there:
Any trip to Villarrica Volcano likely begins with a flight into Pucón Airport (ZPC), which can be reached from Santiago. Most guides will opt to meet you here and provide transport to the start of the trip
What’s the weather like?
During the summer months, average daily temperatures at the base of Villarrica Volcano hover around 15 ºC (60 ºF) and drop to below freezing toward the summit. The summer is also the driest time of year, with minimal rainfall
Situated in central Chile, the Villarrica Volcano is the westernmost of three large stratovolcanoes that run from the center of the country all the way to the Argentine border. The mountain is quite popular for novice mountain climbers, as it requires very little technical ability to summit. While the summer months are the most popular time to climb, the peak is accessible all year round. In the winter, it becomes a popular ski mountaineering destination, with climbers ascending on skins and enjoying some world class descents after reaching the top. Villarica Volcano, itself, only takes one day to climb (about 7 to 8 hours). However, many mountaineers who make it to this exquisite corner of the world opt to extend the trip to three or more days and summit several other nearby mountains and volcanoes too. Spending three days in the region and climbing Lonquimay and Llaima before Villarica is one of the most popular options
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