Scottish Independent Hostels Blog

Yesterday we climbed the Volcano Villaricca. The height gain from the road-head is around 1650 metres and the round trip is probably in the region of 12 kms. Therefore, not a climb for unfit people! We started early from Pucon at 0430 and made the summit around 1200. We rented very good equipment from Araucana Tours All tours can be organised from Backpackers Pucon run by Claudio Carvacha, a local guide, who has climbed Volcano Villaricca 1500 times so far. We have stayed in Claudios hostel for a week now and it is a good base. Very friendly with lots of passing backpackers.

View from the rim. More volcanoes

Volcano Villaricca dominates the adventure town of Pucon on a clear day.


Sunshine and smiles.


An hours sleep on the summit on the summit. Cold beneath and hot on the top!


Happy in descent. Plenty of snow mushrooms.


Earlier in he day, before fatigue sets in. However, starting early does avoid the blistering heat and slushy snow.



The route starts up through a ski area, which looks just great for novice skiers. It would also be fairly simple as a ski tour to the summit, with a straightforward descent. Uplift can make it even easier.



Happy in the knowledge that the summit is close.


In descent and still smiling at the views.



The best part of the day might just be the huge easy slopes that allow a 'BUM SLIDE' for long distances. In fact most tour companies provide .."Arse-covers".. that protect the fabric of the expensive mountain clothing, whilst allowing a simple slide with a good run-out. This has to be better than walking down through soft afternoon snow.


Formation 'Arse-sliding'. Ready, steady go! Don't forget to whoop. It's great fun.


All the groups we saw were kitted out really well, with good clothing, boots, crampons, axes and rucsacs. The tour companies in Pucon appear to do this for all the activities and that is just great.