Villarrica Volcano: Guided Ascent & Glacier Trek from Pucón

Summary

Climb Villarrica with real guides glacier trekking when volcano active

You’ll feel both nervous and thrilled as you gear up for Villarrica Volcano with a local guide—smelling sulfur in the air and hearing stories only someone from here could tell. Whether you’re hiking to the crater or exploring glowing glacier caves during high volcanic activity, every step feels real and earned. You’ll share laughs (and maybe sandwiches) with fellow climbers before sliding back down into Pucón with new stories—and maybe a bit of volcanic ash on your boots.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I nearly turned around when Richard handed me the gas mask. The sulfur smell hit first—kind of sharp, like burnt matches—and I thought, “Is this really happening?” But Richard (he’s the main guide at TerraVolcan) just grinned and adjusted my helmet. He’s got this way of making you feel safe even when your heart’s thumping. The others in our group were already joking about who’d slide down fastest. I was mostly hoping my boots wouldn’t squeak too loud on the ice.

The climb up Villarrica Volcano is nothing like those Instagram photos—there’s wind that whistles through your jacket and little puffs of steam curling out of cracks in the rock. Sometimes you get a whiff of snow mixed with something almost metallic. Richard kept pointing out things I’d have missed: old lava flows, weirdly blue patches of glacier ice, even a fox darting between rocks (I swear it winked at us). When volcanic activity was high, we switched to trekking across an ancient glacier instead—walking through ice caves that glowed blue inside. My hands went numb touching the walls but I couldn’t stop grinning.

Lunch was just sandwiches but somehow tasted better sitting on a boulder with everyone’s faces red from the cold. Someone tried to say “Villarrica” properly—Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her crampons. The day felt long but also like it zipped by; there’s something about sliding back down on your backside (yes, they give you special gear for that) that makes you forget how tired your legs are. By the end, my hair smelled faintly of smoke and mountain air. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that view over Pucón—the clouds moving so fast it looked like time-lapse footage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Climb Villarrica Volcano

• Meet guide Richard Diaz
• Receive top equipment
• Ascend active volcano
• Explore crater surroundings

Top questions

How difficult is climbing Villarrica Volcano?

It requires at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if the volcano is too active?

If volcanic activity is high, the itinerary changes to an extended glacier trek with cave exploration instead of reaching the crater.

Is equipment provided for the Villarrica ascent?

Yes, all necessary mountain equipment—including boots, helmet, crampons, gas mask—is included in your tour.

Who leads the Villarrica Volcano tour?

The main guide is Richard Diaz from TerraVolcan Pucon; he has 11 years’ experience guiding these climbs.

Are meals included during the climb?

No formal meal is included but there are breaks for snacks or sandwiches during the trek.

Is transportation to Villarrica included?

Yes, private transportation to and from Pucón is included in your day trip.

Can beginners join this tour?

The tour is suitable for people with moderate fitness; not recommended for those unaccustomed to mountain trekking.

What’s included

Your day includes certified local guides like Richard Diaz leading you safely up Villarrica or onto glacier caves if needed; all technical equipment such as boots, helmets, crampons, gloves—even a gas mask if required—plus private transportation from Pucón and full national park entry fees are covered. Activity insurance comes standard so you can focus on each step (and slide) without worry.