Volcanoes of Araucanía and the Lake District - Expeds
Hike in Chile

Volcanoes of Araucanía and the Lake District

from
£4,780

Discover the Volcanoes of Araucanía and the Lake District like never before. Once past the Rio BíoBío, which is a climatic barrier between the centre of Chile and the south, we enter a world of green glittering lakes that are surrounded by mystic volcanoes. Many of these volcanoes are still active, which adds to the beauty of the location. It is also the Mapuche country and the forest kingdom of Araucarias. This is also a region of breeding and fruit production due to its temperate climate.

On this trip, we discover the country by back roads and climb some of the most significant volcanoes. One of the most visited volcanoes of Araucanía is the Sollipulli. Sollipulli with its crater glacier, which is a rare formation that can be found in Iceland or Kamchatka apart from Chile. We also get to explore Villarica and its crater that is still glowing, which gives breathtaking views and memorable selfies. The magnificent Osorno nicknamed the Fuji Yama of South America is also one of the world-famous active volcanoes that we get to see on this trip.

  • Reviews 0 Reviews
    0/5
  • Style Type
    Trekking
  • Level Moderate
    3/8
  • Group Size Medium Group
    4-8
All about the Volcanoes of Araucanía and the Lake District.

Discover the Volcanoes of Araucanía and the Lake District like never before. Once past the Rio BíoBío, which is a climatic barrier between the centre of Chile and the south, we enter a world of green glittering lakes that are surrounded by mystic volcanoes. Many of these volcanoes are still active, which adds to the beauty of the location. It is also the Mapuche country and the forest kingdom of Araucarias. This is also a region of breeding and fruit production due to its temperate climate.

On this trip, we discover the country by back roads and climb some of the most significant volcanoes. One of the most visited volcanoes of Araucanía is the Sollipulli. Sollipulli with its crater glacier, which is a rare formation that can be found in Iceland or Kamchatka apart from Chile. We also get to explore Villarica and its crater that is still glowing, which gives breathtaking views and memorable selfies. The magnificent Osorno nicknamed the Fuji Yama of South America is also one of the world-famous active volcanoes that we get to see on this trip.

 

Highlights of this trip are;

  • 7 climbs of different volcanoes of Araucanía in 15 days
  • The Chilean Andes and the Lake District
  • Crossing Sollipulli and its crater glacier
  • Villarica still active and Osorno and its perfect cone

 

  • Chile travel advice
    by GOV.UK on 13/06/2024 at 1:59 pm

    Information that the Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) has issued a warning for heavy rain across several regions of Chile on 13 and 14 June (‘Safety and security’ page).

  1. Day 1 EUROPE - SANTIAGO OF CHILE

    Flight to Chile

  2. Day 2 ARRIVAL SANTIAGO - FLIGHT TO TEMUCO

    Transfer to the Mallalcahuelo area. About two hours drive.

    Transport: private, 2 hours
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or small hostel in Mallalcahuelo
    Meals: dinner 

  3. Day 3 ASCENSION OF THE LONQUIMAY VOLCANO 2 865 M

    Early in the morning, we take our vehicles to the foot of the Lonquimay volcano and the top of the ski slopes. From here begins the climb to the crater in ashes and volcanic rocks that are always easy to walk. The last 35° slopes may require the use of crampons if there is hard snow. The view from the top is striking and reveals a dozen beautiful volcanoes. Back to the vehicle, we reach Cherquenco in two and a half hours.

    Transport: private, 2 to 3 hours drive
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or refuge in Cherquenco
    Number of hours of walking: 4 to 6 hours
    Elevation: + 600 to 1,000 m / – 600 to 1,000 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  4. Day 4 ASCENSION OF VOLCANO LLAIMA 3 125 M

    We first go by vehicle to the top of the ski slopes. It remains about 1000 m and a good distance to climb the summit, we progress with the usual equipment of the mountaineer. Back to our accommodation.

    Transport: private, 1 hour drive around
    Accommodation: Cabaña night or refuge in Cherquenco
    Number of hours of walking: 6 to 8 hours
    Elevation: + 1,200 m / – 1,200 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / having dinner 

  5. Day 5 CROSSING THE CRUISE OF THE VOLCANO SOLIPULLI 2 282 M

    A few kilometres of the track give access to the hut of the Guardaparques. We then cross the forest and go up the fields of lava and slag to finally reach the edge of the crater. We take foot on the glacier and we go for a crossing of more than four kilometres. We get on the opposite bank and set up camp.

    * If the conditions of the mountain do not allow to make the crossing we go on the southern slope to reach Laguna Cochor, 2h30 / 3h of a road trip and 2h of walking for 400 m of the climb.

    Transportation: private, 1h 30 of track and road
    Accommodation: in bivouac
    Number of hours of walking: 6 to 7 hours
    Altitude difference: + 1,400 m / – 0 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  6. Day 6 RETURN TO THE VALLEY OF REIGOLILL

    After breakfast, we go camping and start a long descent into a wild universe. We leave a place that receives only a few visits a year to reach a valley where some Mapuches families live feebly. We find then a track then the road that brings us to Pucon mix of the mountain resort and seaside resort very popular in the summer. The contrast is huge.

    * If we try to climb the Solipulli from the south we go light for the summit and then down to the vehicle. 900m of climb and 1200 of descent.8h of march.

    Transport: private, 1 h 30
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or inn in Pucon
    Number of hours of walking: 5 to 6 hours
    Elevation: + 0 m / – 1,400 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  7. Day 7 ASCENSION OF THE VOLCAN VILLARICA 2 840 M

    As always, you have to take a vehicle to get to the slopes of the ski resort. From there, either on foot or using a chairlift, we reach the top of the slopes and gradually we climb on slopes at 35 ° before reaching the edge of the crater. Previously it was necessary to take out the gas masks as there were poisonous gas releases. At the bottom of the crater two hundred meters below a huge pot of lava bubbles and spits. It’s a big show. Back to Pucon.

    Transport: private, 1 h approx. Round trip
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or hostel in Pucon
    Number of walking hours: 5 to 7 hours
    Elevation: + 1000 m to 1500 m / – 1000 m to 1500 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  8. Day 8 THE CIRCUIT OF THE 7 LAKES

    The circuit of Seven Lakes is a must go in the region with the many thermal baths, waterfalls, forests, black sand beaches, etc. We take some tracks around the Villarica volcano and then the Sierra de Quichilca. We rub shoulders with lakes Calafquen, Neltume and Panguipulli to come to Choshuenco at the foot of the eponymous volcano.

    Transport: private, 120 km approximately 4 hours of trails
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or hostel in Choshuenco
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  9. Day 9 CLIMB OF THE VOLCANO CHOSHUENCO 2 415 M

    Early in the morning, a transfer takes us to the end of the track. From there we climb a good trail to the snow. Depending on the conditions we choose to go to the highest point: the Mocho or better aesthetics Choshuenco which offers a splendid glacial journey. Shortly before the summit, we have to cross a short rocky passage. From the top, we look at a plethora of lakes and volcanoes. Return by the same route.

    Transport: private, 1 h 30 round trip
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or hostel in Choshuenco
    Number of hours of walking: 5 to 7 hours
    Elevation gain: + 1000 m / – 1 000 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic lunch / dinner

  10. Day 10 THE LAKES REGION

    Since the day before we have entered the largest administrative region of southern Chile: the lakes region, which is called so due to vast lakes and volcanoes. Beyond is the great south and Patagonia, Argentine side. The landscape is much the same: lakes, forest and volcanoes. San Martin de Los Andes and Bariloche are the two major tourist centres. It’s Argentinian Switzerland. A short drive to take the ferry and cross Pirehueico Lake and here we are in Argentina. Road day.

    Transport: private, 110 km, 3h drive and 2h boat
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or inn in Rio Tranquillo
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  11. Day 11 THE LAKES REGION CONTINUED

    This morning we take the tourist route and reach the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, which is the largest in the region. We return to Chile then go through the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes before joining the small ski resort at the foot of the Casablanca volcano.

    Transport: private, 4 hours drive
    Accommodation: night hotel/shelter in Antillanca
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  12. Day 12 ASCENSION OF THE VOLCANO CASABLANCA 1990 M

    We leave for the easy ascent of Casablanca which constitutes an incomparable belvedere on the volcanoes and the surrounding lakes. Back at the station, we take the road to reach the shores of Lake Lanquihue which makes the transition between the mountain and the ocean. From there, a small stretch of road leads to a mountain refuge at the foot of the volcano Osorno.

    Transport: private, 150 km, 2h30 of road
    Accommodation: night in a shelter at the foot of the Osorno
    Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
    Ascent : + 1000 m / – 1000 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch picnic / dinner 

  13. Day 13 ASCENSION OF THE OSORNO VOLCANO 2 652 M - PUERTO MONTT

    We reach the moraine before setting foot on the glacier. It’s a very high mountain atmosphere, as you can see the Pacific from here. From the summit, we discover some great peaks like the Tronador which is a border with Argentina. And to the east is the ”Argentine Switzerland” with its capital: Bariloche.

    Transport: private, 1 h 30 drive
    Accommodation: night in cabaña or hostel in Puerto Montt
    Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
    Altitude difference: + 1,500 m / – 1,500 m
    Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner 

  14. Day 14 FLIGHT TO SANTIAGO AND FLIGHT RETURN TO EUROPE

    In the morning we take the way to the airport and reach Santiago in the morning. From there we take our international flights.

    Transport: private
    Meals: breakfast / free lunch / free dinner 

  15. Day 15 ARRIVAL IN EUROPE

    —– END OF THE PROGRAM —–
    For unpredictable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, of shape or form of participants or others (road conditions, traffic, force majeure …), your guide may have to alter the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.

Accommodation and meals

ACCOMMODATION

In hotel, inns, cabañas and bivouac. The cabañas are private bungalows with rooms of 2/4/6 or 8 places. The inns are simple, family-friendly hotels.

MEALS

In the cities, we will dine-in at local restaurants to discover the local cuisine.
The breakfasts and sometimes the evening meals will be taken in the cabañas. Lunch can be made in the form of picnics.
Water: plan pellets (Micropur type or others) to disinfect the water you put in your bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. You can also buy mineral water on site (not included in the price) but its ecological impact is high therefore, we do not recommend it.

No visa for the UK, Belgian or Swiss nationals, for a stay of fewer than three months. For other nationalities, inquire at the consulate or embassy. Passport must be valid for 6 months at the time of arrival to Chile. However, a visa will be required if your flight stops in the USA (see ESTA simplified online procedure). These formalities may change and we thank you for checking the conditions of entry with the consular authorities of the country visited. Each traveller is responsible for compliance with these formalities.

For your trip, plan 15 to 18 kg maximum, outside of your hand luggage, even if in most flights you will be entitled to 20 kg in the hold and 10 kg in the cabin. There is no point in being too busy and a little space is available to bring back memories. Attention, any extra and overweight bag will be charged directly by the airline during check-in. If you have domestic flights, check that there are no specific baggage restrictions. Finally, note that security checks have become very strict at airports: put the knives, scissors, nail files in your hold bag, the same for bottles and tubes of more than 100 ml.

TRANSPORT BAGS AND STORAGE

  • A large flexible travel bag (possibly with wheels) or backpack minimum of 60 litres. This luggage must be resistant (use a cover if necessary). You can also protect your belongings from dust or moisture by storing them in one or more plastic bags inside your bag. Four or five covers (ventilated) of different sizes can compartmentalize your things in your bag, which is handy.
  • A small backpack of about 35 litres for your personal belongings during the days or half-days of hiking. It will also serve you as hand luggage and cabin during air transport.

CLOTHING

You need several layers to add or remove depending on the temperature and your activity. You’ll be able to wash some quick-drying things on the way, including underwear and socks. The following is the recommended list of clothing

  • Gore-Tex® waterproof and breathable jacket
  • Poncho or rain cape
  • Micro-fleece sweater or jacket, finer
  • Technical and/or short-sleeved T-shirts (avoid cotton, long to dry)
  • Lightweight trousers canvas
  • Zip trousers, cropped trousers or Bermuda shorts
  • Walking socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Hat, cap or headband to protect from the sun

SHOES

  • A pair of walking shoes, which you are used to (to avoid blisters) for hiking trails.
  • A pair of lighter walking shoes, which will be useful for flights, transfers, site visits and evenings.
  • Pair of flip-flops, sandals or Crocs® type for the toilet, especially

Please follow the link for the latest health advice

Overall Rating
0/5

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT