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Hello,

Has anybody been on Villarica Volcano ?

It is not a major climb, however it is said to be very nice, as the volcano is still active (boiling lava in the crater).
I was wondering whether you can go on your own, as it seem to be compulsory to hire a local guide... any information ?

Thanks for any help.

The authorities and tourist agencies in Pucon say you have to hire a guide. But if you arrive at the park gate and you appear as a experienced climber (used crampons and ice axe outside of your backpack) you have to pay the entrance fee and can go on your own (at least in 2002). When you walk around the gate in the forest you can even save this ~10US$.

The other way is to appear as a hiker and don't tell them about your summit plans.

For the climb I recommend crampons, since Villarica is steep in the summit region. And take care of the wind direction since the sulfur steam is very nasty. The level of the lava lake changes from season to season, sometimes the lava appears very close other times it's deeper than you can see. at least you can enjoy the nice view to Lanin and down to the lake district.

Good luck

I climbed Villarica by my own. There´s no restriction to do it.
Even been very easy, it is a woderfull place... Very good sigth and amazing view from it´s boiling lava...
I recommend

There are restrictions. You are not supposed to climb it w/o guide.
Reality is, however, that you can climb it w/o guide. I never was there in busy summer (I skied it twice) though, they could control more strictly.

You might as well just try. Probably you will have no problems.
Btw - the lava cannot always be seen. When the fumarolic/sulfuric activity is high, you won`t see a thing but smoke (that also smells and hurts in the eyes!).

Llaima is restriction free, quiter, with mostly H20 vapour out of the large crater.

For Villarica and all the other volcanoes crampons are recommended; the most enjoyable way up there is in winter/spring with skis. Less people, and a nice descent.

Cheers,
Peter

Thanks to everybody for the advice !

- Would you recommend an ice axe as well ?
- Rope and harnesses ?
- Are there crevasses on the way ?
- Is it possible to hire crampons (and other snow/ice equipment) in Pucon ?

THIN AIR :
You're talking about Volcano Llaima... where is it located ?
What gear is necessary ?

Myzantrope wrote:Thanks to everybody for the advice !

- Would you recommend an ice axe as well ?
- Rope and harnesses ?
- Are there crevasses on the way ?
- Is it possible to hire crampons (and other snow/ice equipment) in Pucon ?
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Ice axe - huh, not sure. but then - where you need crampons an ice axe is not a bad idea.
Crevasses - well, there are some and I won't tell youthat you do not need a rope. Ask around the guide agencies in Pucon, what they think.
Yes, all can be hired in Pucon, but not the best gear. But it works. My Chilean climbing partner is a guide in Pucon, should you decide to take one, let me know.

Myzantrope wrote:THIN AIR :
You're talking about Volcano Llaima... where is it located ?
What gear is necessary ?

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... laima.html

same gear as for Villarica.

Cheers,
T.A.

Merci T.A !

How much does your guide friend charge to take two people (including gear) ?
Is there a special SP member price ?

I will ask, I need to drop him an email anyways. When will you be down there?

I would recommend an ice axe. Villarrica is steeper at the top as one would expect from the bottom view. If you slip an ice axe is good to stop otherwise you will develop a nice speed downwards.
I don't remember crevasses at the normal route on the Pucon side, on the opposite there are a lot. For the normal route it's ok without a rope.
I think, a guide is not necessary at these hills.

Gehlhaar : thanks for your comment

Thin Air : we would be there at the very beginning of January

Make sure you visit the amazing hot springs on the slopes of Villarica (you can get a bus from Pucon easily with any of the outdoor companies), and I have to say it's one of the best hot springs i've ever been to! (Although this was 3 or so years ago).

RC,

Thanks for the tip !!!
We will ;o)

We climbed Villarrica Volcano on January 4th, on our own.
It went all perfect.

Thanks to everybody for the advice

Congratulations and thanks for this message. Did you see the magma in the crater? How about the current volcanic activity?

Good luck for your Puna ambitions.