Villarica Volcano, Pucón, Chile

After many, MANY 10+ hour bus rides south since arriving in Peru a month ago, we finally arrived in much-awaited Patagonia.  We woke up after our overnight bus and we were clearly “here”.  Slower paced, less developed and gorgeous, natural beauty!  We felt relieved and excited to finally get here and were looking forward to the next leg of our journey.

The looming lava cone of Villarica Volcano towers above town. 

The volcano last erupted in 1971 and is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes.  This alert system gives us some solace. :- )

Our volcano expedition crew… all people staying at our hostel.  A mix of people from the US, UK, Germany and Bolivia

Our climb up the volcano started with a chair lift (in the winter, the volcano is home to a ski resort).  From there, we would climb another 945 meters (3100 feet) to the summit at 2847 meters (9338 feet).

 

Quetrupillán and another volcano in the distance, all part of the same ‘fault zone’.

Break time on our way up

   Scott, Elin and Linus

Getting closer to the summit, the noxious fumes from the active crater began spilling over us.

 

At the summit.  With big winds and fumes swirling, we’re prevented from staying very long at the top. 

View from the top

Coming down was a lot easier and LOT more fun!!  Most of the way down consisted of a series of glissades—essentially sliding down on your butt, maintaining your speed with your feet and ice axe.   

Jen shows us how it’s done….  :- )

Back at the hostel, a celebratory beer, trading stories and one last picture with our guides.  A perfect end to a perfect day!