If you are a Volcano fan, Chile has dozens, many of them active!  According to Global Volcanism Program, ¨Chile has the region´s largest number of historically active Volcanoes, with 36, ranking it 5^th among nations¨.

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The Villarica Volcanoe

One of Chile´s most watched volcanoes is the Villarica.  This beautiful Volcano rises above  the Villarica Lake and a small town also called Villarica. The Mapuche name for this volcano is: Rucapillán, which means ¨House of the Pillan¨.  It is one of the few permanently active volcanoes in the world!

One of the latest eruptions was in 1971.  This eruption opened a 4km-wide fissure,  spurting out 30 million cubic meters of lava and displacing several rivers.  Now, the Villarica continues to spew lava, ash and smoke on a daily basis.

During the winter, the Villarica is covered with snow and the ski resort opens! Ski Pucon Chile opens at 9am and you can ski until 5pm.  You can do some amazing off piste skiing, while enjoying breathtaking views.  If you are a beginner or just like to stay inside the piste,  the resort has 7 lifts, an awesome cafeteria (where you can get the best hot chocolates), and if you want to buy a souvenir or you forgot your gloves back at the hotel, there´s a ski boutique!

The Lonquimay Volcano

Located in the Araucania Region, South East of Tolhuaca Volcano, Sierra Nevada and the Llaima Volcano.  This volcano is part of the Malalcahuelle National park which was created in 1931.  The reserve has a surface area of 30,206 acres including the Lonquimay Volcano.  This national park is famous for its araucaria trees which stand out because of their presence and beauty.  These trees, which are on the slopes of the Lonquimay Volcano exist only because of its high altitudes.  If you are planning to come to Chile on a Road Cycling trip this spring, this national park is a place you will have to visit!  You will fall in love with the Araucarias Forest.

The Lonquimay Volcano is pretty interesting, it looks like its missing the top of the cone, different from the perfect shape of the Villarica Volcano.  The cone is largely andesitic, though basaltic and dacitic rocks are present.

The Last eruption was Dec. 25^th, 1988, which lasted 2 years ending in 1990.  This eruption gave the famous name  ¨Cráter Navidad ¨ to the cráter, which means Christmas Crater (named that way because of the date the eruption happened).

On the South East slopes of the volcano, you will find the Corralco area in which there is a Ski Resort also called Corralco.  The quality of the snow at the Corralco ski center is excellent, as you might have seen, we take our clients to this ski resort in all of our tours, whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier.

Because of its altitude, 1,400 meters above sea level, this ski resort  has a polar climate.  So when you are skiing at the Corralco Ski Resort, make sure you are very warm.  You can´t forget your gloves!

The Osorno Volcano 

The Osorno Volcano, like the Villarica and Lonquimay Volcano, is a Stratovolcano.  Osorno is known worldwide as a symbol of the local landscape, and for its similar appearance to Mont Fuji.  Here in Chile, we call it ¨King of the South¨.

This Volcano is one of the most active Volcanoes of the South of Chile.  It has had 11 historical eruptions recorded between 1575 and 1869.  The upper slopes of the volcano are mostly entirely covered in glaciers. This volcano has a very modest altitude of 2,652 meters above sea level.  Its height makes it visible from every point in the district of Osorno. 

On our 7 Volcanoes in 13 days tour, we climb the mesmerizing Volcano.  Ascents take about 6 hours.  The first 200 and 1,000 meters above sea level has Coihues and Lengas.  Above 800 meters, you will find the most ancient species in the forest: the Andean birch, which is between 4,000 and 5,000  years old and is now an endangered species.

On the day of the climb, you will start very early but this amazing volcano, will give you a beautiful full day of breathtaking views.

The Casablanca Volcano

Just 90 km from the city of Osorno, this Volcano with a typical snow cone shape remains inactive.  It is between the Puyehue and Rupanco lakes in the Lakes and Volcano District.  It is part of the Puyehue National Park.  In its slopes you will find the Antillanca Ski Center.  The Casablanca can also be called Antillanca which in Mapuche means: Jewelry of the Sun.

Like with the other Volcanoes, you will also get to climb this one, in the same tour!  Since this Volcano is much shorter than the others with an altitude of 1,990 meters above sea level, this climb won´t be so bad.

This year we are climbing and back country skiing these amazing Volcanoes.  But don´t forget that not only can you do winter adventures, you can come during the Spring/Summer for your Road Cycling adventure and find yourself inside beautiful National Parks with these cool Volcanoes just behind you.