Villarrica Volcano: Guided Ascent, Glacier Trek & Sled Return

Summary

Climb Villarrica volcano from Pucón with glacier crossing and sledding

You’ll climb Villarrica volcano from Pucón with a local guide who keeps things safe but never too serious. Expect glacier trekking with crampons, peering into an active crater (sometimes you’ll spot lava), then sledding down most of the way before sharing beers at the bottom. It’s challenging but full of small surprises — and that summit view stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not sulfur exactly, but something sharp in the air as we stood at the base of Villarrica volcano. Our guide, Felipe, handed out helmets and showed us how to strap on crampons. I fumbled with mine (they’re trickier than they look), and he just grinned and said everyone does that their first time. The sun was barely up over Pucón but you could already hear other groups crunching over the ice ahead of us. My hands felt cold even inside the gloves — maybe nerves too.

We started climbing slow, zigzagging up past patches of old snow and black rock. Felipe kept pointing out things I’d have missed: a condor circling above, tiny wildflowers poking through gravel. He told us stories about eruptions — apparently this is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile — and how sometimes you can actually see lava bubbling at the top. I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a glacier trek but someone in our group tried to say “Villarrica” properly and it turned into a running joke for hours.

The last stretch got steep. You could feel the wind picking up, stinging your cheeks. We clipped onto a rope line for safety (I’m not ashamed to say my legs were shaking). And then suddenly there was this silence at the summit except for our breathing and a low rumble from below. Looking into that crater — honestly, it’s hard to describe. The smoke curled out in little wisps and if you leaned close enough (not too close), you could see flashes of red way down inside. I still think about that view when I close my eyes sometimes.

Going down was wild — we slid most of it on these little plastic sleds they gave us, laughing like kids all the way back to where the snow ended. My pants were soaked but nobody cared; someone cracked open a beer at the van and we just sat there grinning at each other, boots off, steam rising from our socks in the afternoon sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Villarrica volcano full-day ascent

• Climb glacier using crampons
• Reach summit and view crater
• Observe lava and surrounding landscape
• Sled down volcano slope

Top questions

How hard is it to climb Villarrica volcano?

You need moderate fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is equipment provided for the Villarrica volcano ascent?

Yes, all necessary gear like shoes, helmet, crampons, backpack, jacket, and pants cover are included.

Do I need experience to join this Villarrica volcano tour?

No prior mountaineering experience is needed; guides teach techniques during the ascent.

How do you get down from Villarrica volcano?

You’ll sled down most of the way after reaching the summit—especially in winter or spring.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Villarrica?

No lunch is included but beers are provided at the end of the activity.

Are national park tickets included in this tour?

Yes, entry fees for Parque Nacional Villarrica are covered in your booking.

How far is Villarrica volcano from Pucón?

The volcano is about 20 km from Pucón city center.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Pucón, all quality mountain equipment (crampons, helmet, ice pick, boots), national park entry tickets for Villarrica Volcano National Park, accident insurance throughout your trek, plus cold beers waiting for you when you finish back at base camp.