Quetrupillán Volcano Ascent from Pucón: Guided Summit Climb

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/16

Duration9h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · FR +1

PickupAt your hotel

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.

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.

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ermitaño Expediciones

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.