Villarrica Volcano: Guided Climb, Snow Slides & Local Pickup

Summary

Climb Chile’s Villarrica volcano with a guide and gear included

You’ll climb Villarrica Volcano with a certified local guide from Pucón, using real mountaineering gear and learning about Mapuche culture along the way. At the summit you’ll peer into an open crater before sliding back down on snow sleds — it’s challenging but playful, and you might find yourself thinking about that view long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ll go slow — the mountain decides the pace,” our guide Matías said, grinning as he handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of pine resin and cold metal. We started out from Pucón just after sunrise, the van windows fogged up from our nervous breaths. I kept glancing at the volcano — it looked both inviting and a little menacing, steam curling from its top like it was thinking about something.

The first stretch through Villarrica National Park was quiet except for the crunch of our boots on old snow. Matías pointed out where last week’s wind had carved strange patterns into the drifts. I tried to repeat the Mapuche name for the volcano — Ruka Pillán — but honestly, I probably butchered it. He laughed anyway. The air tasted sharp and clean, and every so often you’d catch a whiff of sulfur when the wind shifted. It’s weird how you get used to that smell after a while.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing near the crater’s edge. The lava wasn’t exactly bubbling over, but you could see this orange-red glow down in the throat of the volcano — kind of hypnotic. Everyone went quiet for a minute, except for one guy who just whispered “wow” under his breath. My legs were shaking, partly from effort but also just… awe? Or nerves? Hard to say.

The way down was nothing like I imagined — we slid on these little plastic sleds Matías pulled from his pack (he called them “culipatín”). It was ridiculous and fun and honestly I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. Snow got everywhere; my gloves were soaked but I didn’t care. Even now, sometimes when I close my eyes I can hear everyone yelling as we flew down those slopes together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Climb and descend Villarrica Volcano

• Ascend to Villarrica volcano summit
• Visit the open crater
• Enjoy landscape views
• Descend using snow slides

Top questions

How difficult is climbing Villarrica Volcano?

The climb requires moderate physical fitness but isn’t technical; most healthy travelers can do it with guidance.

Is equipment provided for climbing Villarrica?

Yes, all necessary mountain equipment is included: helmet, ice ax, crampons, backpack, trouser cover, windbreaker, and more.

Do tours to Villarrica Volcano include hotel pickup?

Private transportation is included from Pucón; check if your accommodation is within pickup range when booking.

Can you see lava at Villarrica's crater?

Yes, this volcano has an open crater where lava can often be seen glowing inside.

Is there a guide during the Villarrica Volcano climb?

A certified bilingual local guide leads every group up and down the volcano.

Are there age or health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Pucón to Villarrica National Park with all entry fees covered. You’ll be guided by certified bilingual locals who provide all necessary mountain equipment—helmet, ice ax, crampons, backpack, windbreaker—and lead you safely up to the crater and back down by snow slide before returning in comfort.