Pucón: Villarrica Volcano Climb & Crater Descent with Sleds

Summary

Villarrica’s open crater hike and wild snowy descent from Pucón

You’ll climb Chile’s most active volcano with a local guide from Pucón, cross snowy slopes with crampons, peer into a steaming crater, then race down on sleds. Expect gear provided, snacks at the finish line, and stories that stick with you long after you’ve left Villarrica behind.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving before sunrise, piling into the van still half-asleep, boots thumping against the floor. The drive out of Pucón was quiet except for our guide, Nico, who kept up this gentle stream of stories about the volcano — how it’s always breathing, never really silent. I remember rolling down my window just to smell that mix of pine and something faintly sulfurous in the air as we entered Villarrica’s lower slopes. There’s this odd excitement when you see the snow line getting closer, like you’re heading straight into another world.

Climbing Villarrica Volcano isn’t exactly what I pictured — it’s less about speed and more about rhythm. Nico showed me how to use crampons without tripping over my own feet (which I did anyway), and at one point he stopped us just to listen: total silence except for wind rattling our jackets. The crater itself is unreal — wide open, steaming, with these weird chemical smells that sting your nose a bit. Someone asked if you could see magma; Nico grinned and said “sometimes,” but today it was just this shifting red glow far below. Still gives me chills thinking about it.

The descent? That’s where things got weirdly fun. We strapped on these sleds — basically plastic trays — and slid down huge stretches of snow, screaming like kids. My gloves got soaked but I didn’t care; there was so much laughter echoing off the ice that I forgot how tired my legs were. At the bottom, Nico handed out beers (and sodas for those who wanted) while we peeled off layers and compared bruises. Oh — they take photos too, which is good because my phone battery died halfway up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Climb and explore Villarrica Volcano

• Enter Villarrica National Park
• Spend day at Villarrica Volcano

Top questions

How long does it take to climb Villarrica Volcano from Pucón?

The ascent and descent take a full day; expect to spend several hours climbing plus time at the summit and descending by sled.

Is equipment included for the Villarrica Volcano tour?

Yes, all necessary mountain gear is provided including boots, crampons, helmet, ice ax, gloves, backpack, gas mask, and sleds for descent.

Do I need mountaineering experience to join this tour?

No prior experience is required; guides assist beginners as well as experienced hikers during the climb.

Can you see lava or magma inside Villarrica's crater?

Depending on volcanic activity and weather conditions, you may see magma or a red glow inside the open crater.

What happens if there is snow on Villarrica Volcano?

If there is enough snow on the volcano slopes during your visit, you'll descend part or all of the way using sleds provided by your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Pucón to Villarrica Volcano with certified guides leading every step; all mountain equipment such as shoes, crampons, helmet and gas mask; entrance fees; accident insurance; plus photos and videos taken along the way. After your climb and wild sled descent (if conditions allow), you'll relax with beers or soft drinks and snacks before heading back.