Climb an active Chilean volcano
Ascend to the summit of one of Chile’s most active volcanoes to see a bubbling lava lake.
Spouting a steady stream of smoke and lava from its cavernous caldera, Villarrica is one of Chile’s most animated volcanoes and one of the few in the world to contain an active lava lake.
This cauldron of molten red lava is jacketed in snow and ice, so you’ll be provided with crampons and an ice axe to help you forge your way up the side of the volcano over the course of a 5-hour guided ascent. As the surrounding lakes and valleys drop ever further beneath you, sweeping views reward your perseverance. When you finally stand on the summit, they are matched by an equally impressive vantage point over the lava lake bubbling away within the deep and foreboding crater.
You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to complete the climb, but the way down is not nearly so strenuous: sliding down on a plastic tray, you’ll use the slope of this mighty volcano as a toboggan run!
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
