Quetrupillán Volcano Guided Hike from Pucón: Summit Tour

Summary

Full-Day Quetrupillán Volcano Trekking Experience

If you want a real taste of southern Chile’s wild side, this Quetrupillán volcano hike is for you. You’ll cross forests, climb over snow, and stand on a glacier-crater summit with views you can’t get anywhere else. Plus, you get all the gear, expert guides, and a cold beer waiting at the end.

What’s the experience like?

It’s still dark when we pile into the van in Pucón, boots dangling from backpacks and coffee warming our hands. The drive out is quiet—just the soft hum of the heater and the odd joke from our guide, Matías, who’s done this trek more times than he can count. Forty kilometers melt away as the sun starts to peek over the Villarrica volcano, painting everything in that chilly, pinkish light you only get in southern Chile.

The trail starts off soft, winding through patches of native forest. You can smell wet earth and hear the crunch of old leaves underfoot. Every so often, a Magellanic woodpecker hammers away somewhere above us. As we climb, the trees thin out and the ground changes—first to loose volcanic rock, then, higher up, to snow. I remember Matías stopping to point out a cluster of ancient Araucaria trees, their branches twisting against the sky. He handed us crampons and showed us how to strap them on, making sure everyone felt steady before we hit the icy stretch.

Reaching the summit at 2,370 meters, I felt my breath catch—not from the altitude, but from the view. Lanín volcano loomed ahead, and below us, the crater of Quetrupillán held a glacier that looked almost blue in the morning light. You could see lakes scattered in the distance, and on a clear day, even the Andes spilling into Argentina. The wind up there is sharp, and it carries this odd, clean smell—like snow and rock mixed together. We took photos, shared a few quiet minutes, and then, for those who wanted, came the best part: sliding down on little sleds, laughing like kids all the way back to the tree line.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ascent to Quetrupillán Volcano

• Start full-day ascent from Pucón
• Hike through native forest, snow, and volcanic rocks
• Observe local fauna and flora
• Enjoy panoramic views of Araucaria forests, volcanoes, lakes, and lagoons
• Reach summit at 2370m and view glacier in crater
• Admire Lanin volcano from summit
• Descend volcano, optionally sledding if snow-covered

Top questions

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s great for beginners with moderate fitness. The guides go at a steady pace and help with gear like crampons and ice axes.

What should I bring for the Quetrupillán volcano tour?

Just wear comfortable layers and bring a water bottle. All technical gear, snacks, and even mountain shoes are provided.

How long does the whole trip take?

It’s a full-day adventure, usually starting early morning from Pucón and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is there snow all year round on Quetrupillán?

Snow is common most of the year, especially at higher elevations. In winter and spring, expect more snow and sledding on the way down.

What’s included

You’ll get private transport from Pucón, certified guides, all mountain gear (including crampons, helmet, ice axe, gloves, backpack), entrance to Villarrica National Park, accident insurance, plus photos, videos, snacks, soft drinks, and even a beer at the finish line. Everything’s covered so you can just focus on the climb.