Villarrica is a beautiful, cone-shaped, and very active volcano located at the northern end of Chile's "Lakes Region". Villarrica dominates the horizon south of the outdoor recreation mecca of Pucón.

Due to it's accessibility and non-technical nature, Villarrica is climbed by thousands of people, Chilenos and non-Chilenos alike, annually. Climbers are also drawn to Villarrica to experience the volcano's active crater. From the crater rim you can peer down into the lava, and (*cough*) experience the clouds of sulphur gas eminating from within the mountain.

Villarrica's standard route is non-technical. It's level of difficulty, in terms of altitude, steepness, and duration, is similar to that of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State. Crevasse danger on the standard route is non existent. Still, climbers should carry an ice axe and bring crampons in case of icy conditions, as the hazard of uncontrolled slides onto rocks is a concern. Climbing rope is not required. Skiers should also find the long, smooth slopes of Villarrica especially inviting.

Getting There

From Santiago de Chile, drive, bus, or fly south to the city of Pucón, located on the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica. Here you can obtain lodging, a guide (see info under "Red Tape" below), gear, and food.

Pucón is approximately 780 km from Santiago by bus.

Flight information: LanChile
Bus information: Tur Bus

From Pucon, head back west on the Villarrica-Pucon highway, then head up a dirt road to the enterance of Villarrica National Park (7 km from the highway, 12 from Pucón.) Here you will need to pay a park entry fee (again, see "Red Tape" section below.) Continue up the road to the Villarrica ski resort. From here, a lift can carry you up to about 1600 meters for 3000 pesos, or you can walk to the top of the lift (approximately 45 minutes on foot.) From here, the standard route starts to the left of the lift station.

Red Tape

Entry fee to Villarrica National Park is approximately 1000 Chilean Pesos (About $1.50 USD.)

The Chilean Forestry Service (CONAF) requires that all climbers who wish to attain the summit of Villarica either climb with a guide authorized by CONAF to lead trips up the mountain, or be an accredited member of a mountianeering or climbing club, with documented experience in such activities.

See the Guides section below.

Climbing Without a Guide
CONAF's official policy on climbing Villarrica without a guide does not appear to be well published, but a representative from CONAF emailed me the following information on Feb. 13 2003:

In order to climb Volcán Villarrica without guide you must provide credentials that show you are a member of some climbing/mountaineering club or institution where your experience in this type of activity is specified.

If you're interested in climbing Villarica without a guide service, you should contact CONAF (visit http://www.conaf.cl, or inquire at the park entrance.

The other option is to climb without authorization. This should be very easy to do, considering the apparent lack of climbing rangers, and it's easy to "blend in" with one of the multitude of tour groups heading for the summit. In other words, enforcement of the rule doesn't appear to be a top priority for CONAF.

When To Climb

Villarrica can be climbed year-round. Great ski touring conditions can be had in Winter and spring (May-November). The peak climbing season is the Austral Summer (Jan-Feb). Be prepared for crowds during this time of year.

Camping & Lodging

Camping in the wild is permitted throughout Villarrica National Park. There does not appear to be any fees associated with camping in the park. Hotels, Hostels, Cabins, and Bed and Breakfasts are abundant in Pucón.

Recommendation:
Kila Leufu Guesthouse as a fantastic base for exploring the Pucón Region. They have private rooms as well as shared. The food is EXCELLENT, and the hosts offer excursions (on foot or horseback) to various lakes, peaks, and hotsprings in the vicinity. Definitely worth hanging out here for a week or longer.

Mountain Conditions

Visit http://www.onthesnow.com/CL-SO/759/weather.html for current weather conditions for Villarrica.

Guides

Guide services in Pucon are not difficult to come by. Just about every block in the city has at least one tour company that will be willing to take you up the mountain. The going rate seems to be in the realm of 20,000-30,000 Chilean Pesos (about $27-$40 USD, based on Feb 2003 exchange rates.) This fee covers your transportation to and from the mountain, equipment (jacket, pants, pack, gaiters, ice axe, crampons, etc.), Park entry fees, guides, and maybe a glass of beer at the end of the day. Some will even provide gas masks. You should pack your own food and water.

Check around with more than one service in town to find the one that's right for you. Be sure to inspect your equipment before heading out. It's a good idea to book a spot at least one day ahead of time, but I had no problem finding an open spot last minute by showing up at one of the guide service's offices in the morning before they left (Most tours leave Pucon at about 8 AM.)

Below is a short list of local CONAF-authorized Guides operating out of Pucón (with web links where available):

Politur
Sol y Nieve
Sur Expediciones (email)

SP Member jbebop writes:

As far as guides go, Pulitour are pretty inexpensive, 30USD per person. Compare that with the price of guides here at home. Since so many people climb Villarica, the guides are used to beginners.
At Pulitour, I have used both Hermann and Claudio as guides and they were professional and knowledgeable.

External Links

Politur
Mountain Guides for Villarrica. Located in Pucón.
CONAF
Chilean Forestry Service
Kila Leufu Guest House
A fantastic base for exploring the Pucón area.
POVI - Villarrica Observation Project
Very informative site with tons of information on the geology, eruptive history of Villarrica. Lots of photos and video footage too.
Villarrica Volcano Visual Surveillance Project
This site (since 1996) provides extensive information about the eruptive history of Villarrica. Visual observations by local residents and periodic crater visits are the basis of detailed logs of daily activity and photographs.

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