Villarrica Volcano Travel Guide: Hike One of Chile’s Most Active Volcanoes

As a professional tour guide in southern Chile, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to lead travelers from around the world up one of the country’s most thrilling natural landmarks—Villarrica Volcano. Towering above lush forests and glittering lakes, this majestic active stratovolcano is more than a scenic highlight—it’s an adrenaline-filled experience.
 

Known locally as Rucapillán, or "House of the Spirit" in the Mapuche language, Villarrica Volcano is located near the charming town of Pucón, in Chile’s Araucanía Region. It’s part of the Villarrica National Park and is one of the most climbed volcanoes in South America—for good reason.

In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Villarrica Volcano: from hiking the summit, skiing in winter, safety regulations, and cultural significance, to what to pack, how to get there, and when to go.

📍 Where Is Villarrica Volcano?

Villarrica Volcano stands at 2,847 meters (9,341 ft) and is located:

In southern Chile’s Araucanía Region

Just 10 km from Pucón

Near Villarrica Lake and the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve

It is part of the Andean volcanic chain, within the Llaima–Villarrica volcanic zone, and sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Villarrica is also one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, with regular fumarole activity and occasional eruptions—making it a living, breathing geological wonder.

🚶 How to Climb Villarrica Volcano

🥾 The Classic Ascent to the Crater

Hiking to the summit of Villarrica is a bucket-list adventure that typically takes 4–6 hours to ascend and 2–3 hours to descend. Here's how it usually works:

Start point: Base camp near Pucón (or ski resort)

Altitude gain: Around 1,400 meters

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Main highlight: Peering into the lava-filled crater

Only certified guides are allowed to lead climbs due to safety regulations. No independent climbing is permitted, and for good reason—the volcano is active.

⚠️ Important Safety Regulations

Because of its activity, Villarrica is under constant monitoring. Here’s what you need to know:

Climbing is only permitted when volcanic activity is low.

Climbers are required to wear:

Crampons

Ice axes

Helmets

Gas masks (for volcanic gases at the summit)

Weather conditions can change rapidly—tours can be canceled last minute for safety.

❄️ Winter Adventures: Skiing & Snowboarding

From June to September, the Villarrica Ski Center opens its slopes. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can:

Ski on an active volcano

Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and surrounding lakes

Take beginner to intermediate ski and snowboard lessons

A highlight in winter is ski mountaineering—ascending the peak and skiing down, guided by local professionals.

🧭 Other Ways to Explore the Volcano

If climbing to the top sounds too intense, no worries! There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the volcano:

🌳 Villarrica National Park Trails

Hike forested trails with views of the volcano

Observe local wildlife, like Andean foxes, woodpeckers, and peucos (hawks)

Visit waterfalls and lava caves

🚁 Helicopter Tours

For a bird’s eye view of the crater and lava lake, some operators offer aerial tours from Pucón.

🛶 Lakeside Adventures

Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on nearby Lake Villarrica, with the volcano providing a dramatic backdrop.

🏞️ Cultural and Spiritual Significance

For the indigenous Mapuche people, Villarrica is more than a volcano—it is a sacred place, associated with spiritual beings and ancestral legends. The name Rucapillán means “House of the Great Spirit,” and locals believe the volcano connects earthly and spiritual worlds.

Today, many local guides and tour agencies share these cultural stories to help visitors understand the deeper significance of the volcano beyond its beauty and thrills.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Villarrica Volcano

☀️ Summer (December–March)

Best time for climbing and hiking

Warmer temperatures, clearer skies

Peak tourist season—book tours in advance

❄️ Winter (June–September)

Great for skiing and snowboarding

Colder weather, more chance of summit closures

🌧️ Shoulder Seasons (April–May, October–November)

Fewer tourists

Unpredictable weather, some trail closures

🚗 How to Get to Villarrica Volcano

✈️ By Air

Fly to Temuco Airport (ZCO), about 100 km from Pucón

Direct flights from Santiago daily

🚌 By Bus

Overnight buses from Santiago to Pucón (approx. 10 hours)

Daily service by operators like Turbus and Pullman

🚘 By Car

From Temuco: ~1.5 hours drive to Pucón

Rental cars available in Temuco or Pucón

🏨 Where to Stay in Pucón

Pucón offers a wide variety of accommodation options:

Luxury lodges with hot springs and volcano views

Budget hostels for backpackers

Cabins and eco-lodges in nature

Recommended places:

Hotel Antumalal (mid to high-end, great views)

Tree Lodge Nidos del Bosque (unique treehouse stays)

Hostal French Andes (budget-friendly, clean, and close to town)

🍽️ What to Eat in the Region

After a volcano hike, you’ll want something hearty. Luckily, Chilean Patagonian cuisine has you covered:

Pastel de choclo – Corn pie with meat and eggs

Empanadas de queso – Cheese empanadas, perfect for snacks

Curanto – A Mapuche-style seafood and meat stew

Cazuela – Traditional Chilean chicken soup

And don’t forget to try local craft beers and Chilean wines in Pucón’s lively food scene.

🧳 What to Pack for Villarrica Volcano

Here’s what I recommend as a guide for climbers and day-hikers:

For Climbing the Summit:

Waterproof jacket and pants

Thermal base layers

Hiking boots (stiff sole)

Sunglasses + sunscreen

Backpack with 2L of water

Gloves, beanie, and neck buff

Gas mask (usually provided by tour operators)

For General Visits:

Comfortable shoes

Windbreaker

Binoculars

Camera with zoom

Swimwear (if visiting nearby hot springs)

📸 Photo Tips from a Tour Guide

Sunrise climbs offer dramatic lighting over the Andes—ask your guide about early departures.

The crater’s lava lake (when visible) glows red—use a zoom lens and fast shutter.

Best wide-angle shots are from Lake Villarrica or the town of Pucón at sunset.

🧠 FAQs About Villarrica Volcano

Is Villarrica Volcano safe to climb?

Yes—when open to the public, it’s closely monitored. Authorities close it during periods of elevated volcanic activity. Always go with licensed guides.

Can beginners climb Villarrica?

Yes. You need to be in moderate physical condition, but no technical climbing experience is needed. Guides will train you on using ice axes and crampons.

How active is the volcano?

Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, with small eruptions or lava flows every few years. Current activity is monitored by Chile’s SERNAGEOMIN.

Are there hot springs nearby?

Yes! Relax in Termas Geométricas or Termas Los Pozones—natural hot springs just outside Pucón, perfect after a long hike.

✨ Final Thoughts from Your Tour Guide

Climbing Villarrica Volcano is more than a hike—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining adrenaline, geology, and culture. You’ll walk through snowfields, past steaming vents, and if lucky, you’ll peer into the lava-crackling heart of the mountain.

Whether you climb to the summit, ski down its slopes, or admire it from the lakeshore, Villarrica will leave a fiery mark on your travel memories.

So lace up your boots, grab your gas mask, and let the spirit of Rucapillán guide your journey.

🔗 Related Articles You Might Like:

Top Things to Do in Pucón, Chile

Chilean Volcanoes You Can Climb Safely

Best Hot Springs in Southern Chile

Exploring Araucanía Region: Lakes, Forests, and Mapuche Culture