Quetrupillán Volcano Ascent from Pucón: Guided Summit Climb
Ascend an inactive volcano and descend by sled through snow and volcanic rock
A full-day guided ascent of Quetrupillán volcano from Pucón takes you 40km into the Andes to reach a 2,370-meter summit ringed by glaciers, crater views and a 360° panorama of lakes, volcanoes and the Argentine border. Private transport, all climbing gear, a certified guide in your language, and park entry are included. When snow covers the peak, the descent becomes a sled run down the mountainside. Children from age 10 can join.
What’s included
- Private transportation from Pucón to the trailhead and back.
- certified guide in English, Spanish or French.
- all climbing gear including mountain shoes, crampons, ice ax, helmet, gloves and a 35-liter backpack.
- Villarrica National Park entrance.
- accident insurance.
- photos and videos from the day.
- beers, soft drinks and snacks at the end.
Times
- Every day 06:00
Before you book
Operated by Ermitaño Expediciones
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
You start in Pucón and drive 40km to the trailhead, crossing into Villarrica National Park. The ascent itself crosses three terrain types (native Araucaria forest, volcanic rock and snow), so the landscape shifts as you climb. A certified guide leads the way, and you'll move at a pace that works for moderate fitness. The full day is nine hours from start to finish, with the guide watching the group's rhythm and adjusting as needed.
The summit sits at 2,370 meters, and when you reach it the view opens in all directions: the Lanín volcano rises directly in front of you, an immense glacier fills the crater below, and you can trace the Andes ridge into Argentina. Lakes and lagoons spread across the valleys, and on clear days the scale of the range becomes the whole point of the climb. You'll have time to stand there and take it in before the descent begins.
If snow covers the upper slopes (which it often does), the descent becomes something else entirely: you sled down the mountainside sitting down, sliding the length of the volcano. If the snow is gone, you walk down the same route you came up. Either way, the guide carries an ice ax and crampons for traction, and you wear them too. At the end, back at the base, the group shares beers, soft drinks and snacks while the guide photographs the day and hands over the images. Private transport takes you back to Pucón.
Is this one for you?The nine-hour day and moderate-to-strenuous climbing mean this ascent suits travelers with solid fitness who want a full mountain experience, not a short walk. The pace is steady and the guide adjusts it to the group, but there's no shortcut to the summit or the views.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and French.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the Quetrupillán volcano like when I reach the summit?
Quetrupillán sits at 2,370 meters with a massive glacier filling its crater and a 360-degree view that includes the Lanín volcano directly ahead, several lakes and lagoons across the valleys, and the Andes ridge stretching into Argentina. The crater and surrounding peaks make the summit the main event of the day.
Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Quetrupillán?
No, the ascent is designed for beginners as well as experienced climbers. You need at least moderate physical fitness to handle nine hours of climbing and descent, but the guide adjusts the pace to the group and provides all technical gear including crampons, ice ax and helmet.
What happens on the way down if there's snow?
When snow covers the upper slopes, you sled down the mountainside sitting down, sliding the length of the volcano. If there's no snow, you descend the same route you climbed, using crampons and the guide's support on steeper sections.
What gear do I need to bring myself?
Bring your own trekking clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen. The operator provides mountain shoes, gloves, jacket covers, trouser covers, a 35-liter backpack, helmet, crampons and ice ax. Bring your own food and water or plan to refuel at the end with the included snacks and drinks.
Is the drive from Pucón long, and what's included in the price?
The drive to the trailhead is 40km and takes about an hour. Private transport is included in the price, along with park entry, all climbing gear, a certified guide in English, Spanish or French, accident insurance, and refreshments at the end of the day.
Quetrupillán Volcano Ascent from Pucón: Guided Summit Climb
9h · EN · ES · FR
from US$ 180 per person
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