Chilean Volcanoes Dossier 2011
Easy Mountaineering ascents in southern Chile
For dates and prices please return to the Chilean Volcanoes 'front page'
SummaryA great expedition for fit walkers and climbers who want to see some wonderful idyllic scenery and spectacular erupting volcanoes. The ascent of Villarrica and view down into the crater of an active volcano make this a highly memorable trip - this really is one of the most amazing things you will ever do, and in the last few years it has never disappointed. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flights to Santiago and Temuco |
| Day 3-8 | Ascents of Lonquimay, Tolhuaca and Llaima |
| Day 9-12 | Ascents of Villarrica and Choshuenco |
| Day 13-15 | Ascent of Puyehue and Casablanca |
| Day 16-17 | Travel home |
INTRODUCTION TO THIS HOLIDAY
This short expedition is based in the exceptionally beautiful Lake District of Chile. Here we aim to make ascents of at least six volcanoes over a period of two weeks. The summits we plan to climb include Villarrica, Tolhuaca, Lonquimay, Llaima, Choshuenco, Puyehue and Casablanca. The highest of these peaks is the impressively active Volcan Llaima at 3125m.
Villarrica and Llaima are both active volcanoes and sometimes put on a spectacular show with red hot lava often being seen in the crater of Villarrica volcano and Llaima erupting on 1st January 2008. Other highlights of the trip include the vast forests of monkey puzzle trees, the beautiful glacial lochs with volcanic black sands and the long summer evenings in the southern hemisphere. Added to this are the charming towns and villages with excellent tea-rooms and restaurants. This should be a memorable trip and a great way to make some easy mountain ascents.
Our itinerary is designed to be flexible as there are occasional days of bad weather, and we may substitute a different summit if we feel it is appropriate due to road or weather conditions.
Though all the ascents are relatively easy, expedition members should be fit and experienced walkers, ideally with some previous winter or alpine walking experience. An ice-axe and crampons are needed for several of the ascents. We can hire these to clients who do not have them, and also instruct you in their use during the expedition.
Climbing Volcan Llaima five days before it erupted, December 2007.
THE NATIONAL PARKS OF THE ANDEAN LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District has one of the largest concentrations of national parks in South America and is one of the most scenic areas of the world. The scenery is an unusual and beautiful mixture of volcanic and glacial; deep blue lochs, rich green pastures, forest covered hills and ice capped volcanoes. The Chileans have set up parks to preserve this scenic grandeur and we will spend time in four of these; Puyehue, Mocho, Villarrica and Conguillio. The attraction of these parks lies mainly in their superb scenery and extensive areas of native forest where many species of beech (coehue, nire and lenga) and the monkey puzzle tree (araucaria) grow.
Wildlife, particularly birds, are also common in the parks and we have seen Condors, Parakeets, Pitios, Chuncho, Flamingos, Bandurrias and Chilean Plovers frequently in the past.
OUTLINE CLIMBING SCHEDULE
Although we aim to keep things flexible to make best use of the weather, we will probably climb the volcanoes from north to south i.e. in the following order:-
Volcan Lonquimay, 2865m
Volcan Tolhuaca, 2806m
Volcan Llaima, 3125m
Volcan Villarrica, 2847m
Volcan Choshuenco, 2422m
Volcan Casablanca, 1999m
Volcan Puyehue, 2236m
It is unlikely he weather will be kind enough to allow us to climb all seven peaks but we are likely to get 5 or 6 summits. Between ascents we will usually have either one or two rest days, during which we'll travel between peaks and do some shorter hikes and walks if possible.
Volcan Lonquimay from the east.
VOLCAN LONQUIMAY & TOLHUACA
Lonquimay is an active volcano, with a blown out crater at the summit and a very recent lava flow on its flanks. It is one of the shortest summit days that we do, starting from the road end above Malalcahuello in some beautiful monkey puzzle forest. The ascent is up wide ash slopes, followed by a walk up a narrow ridge. the neighbouring peak of Tolhuaca is a longer ascent taking a very full day, through beautiful Monkey Puzzle forests and passing the attractive Laguna Blanca.
.
Tolhuaca from above the Laguna Blanca.
VOLCAN LLAIMA
Volcan Llaima 3125m is a beautiful symmetrical cone which rises above the monkey puzzle forests of the Conguillio National Park. The ascent by the northern flanks takes one long day from the national park station near the snow line. It is relatively strenuous due to loose volcanic ash but the view of the steep summit crater is well worth the effort. The volcano is active and emits steam and ash from time to time and erupted with some lava in January 2008.
Llaima smoking on our ascent in 2007.
VOLCAN VILLARRICA
The ascent of Volcan Villarrica will without doubt be the most memorable day of this expedition. It is a highly active volcano which last erupted in 1984. From the edge of the crater it is possible to look down into a lake of red hot lava, which has been boiling and foaming on almost all of the twelve occasions we have climbed the mountain since we first did so in early 1996. You can feel the ground shake and you also get to breathe in some of the world's worst smelling gas! The activity of Villarrica does vary from year to year but is never disappointing - it is probably not entirely safe either, but the volcano is monitored by scientists in a station near the end of the road. The mountain is 2847m high, and an easy ascent over scree and snow slopes in one day from the end of the road.
Volcan Villarrica from Lago Villarrica.
VOLCAN CHOSHUENCO
One of the highlights of the expedition is the trek into the beautiful wilderness around Volcan Choshuenco 2422m. this volcano lies in a remote valley about half way between Osorno and Villarrica and we will climb it over two days with an overnight in a hut at about 1000m. Last time we went here we saw many tarantulas on the walk in, then enjoyed a barbecue and spectacular bivouac under the stars. The tarantulas did not re-appear.!
Choshuenco from just above the mountain hut.
VOLCAN CASABLANCA
One of the shortest and lowest of our ascents, Casablanca rises above the small ski resort of Antillanca. Again it is a day ascent from a ski hut at the end of the road. From the summit there are beautiful views out southwards to the dramatic Puntiagudo and Osorno volcanoes.
A cloudy day in the crater of Volcan Casablanca.
VOLCAN PUYEHUE
Volcan Puyehue is an active volcanic plateau located near the main road through to Argentina form this part of Chile. We will climb it over two days with an overnight sty in a primitive hut at about 1600m (sleeping bag required) .
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Expedition members should be keen walkers or have previous trekking experience. A good standard of fitness is essential to make the most of this holiday. We will be backpacking to reach the huts on Choshuenco and Puyehue, otherwise we will only be carrying day sacks, though these will include ice-axes, crampons and some climbing gear.
Winter skills including use of an ice axe and crampons will be needed for some of the volcano ascents but because we will only be on easy snow slopes any customers without such skills can be instructed during the expedition. It is not essential to have these skills before joining the expedition
HARDSHIPS
On this type of holiday there are inevitably a few hardships. All the ascents will be over rough mountain terrain and occasionally loose scree or ash. Even though we travel to the Chilean Lakes in the summer it can be quite cold and it is likely to rain at least once. In good settled weather we do occasionally bivouac on this trip, but most nights are planned to be spent in hotels or huts.
CLIMATE
If you want a holiday with only hot sunny days northern Patagonia is not the best place to go! However it does get plenty of good weather between occasional periods of rain. Rainfall and temperatures are similar to those in France during summer. High on the mountains it will naturally be quite a bit colder and windier with conditions roughly like those in the mountains of Scotland in April or May.
Monkey Puzzle branches.
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to Temuco via Santiago cost from about £900. We can arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as we then all fly out on the same plane. If you prefer you can arrange flights yourself to fit in with the expedition itinerary.
VISAS
Visas are not needed by British citizens, but you need a full passport valid for six months from the date of travel. If you will not be travelling on a British passport you must let us know at the time of booking.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like further advice please ask.
ACCOMMODATION
In the towns and villages which we stay in we use small and comfortable family run hotels with private bathroom. For a couple of nights in the national parks we will be staying in basic huts, with toilets and running water but normal without showers.!
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to an element of risk by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional risks. It is important that you understand the risks involved before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Chile driving, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground.
Remoteness : You will be up to a days walk from professional medical help for periods of time.
Mountain Hazards : In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk of rockfall. On Osorno there is a risk of crevasse falls. In stormy weather there might be a slight risk of avalanche. There are also slight risks from bad weather, volcanic activity and steep snowy ground on the volcanoes of the Lake District.
HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SECURITY
Chile is a well developed country and the standard of health and hygiene, particularly in the south is generally as good as at home. You would be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea but it is possible. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. The country is very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are no more likely than they are in most of Britain. Everyone who visits this part of South America is overwhelmed by how much like a part of Europe it is.
TRIP ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but as far as possible will adapt to the plans and aspirations of the members. We will consult you when planning the details of the expedition. Please note that this is a flexible itinerary. We aim to use weather forecasts so that (as far as possible) we will climb on the best days and either rest or travel on the less good days.
Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
Tarantula, Volcan Choshuenco, December 2007
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this expedition is four. The maximum size of the expedition will be eight customers plus leader.
EXPEDITION LEADER
At the time of printing the expedition leader had not been chosen. Please call nearer to departure if you require further details. All our expeditions are usually led by a suitably qualified and/or experienced European leader.
PRE TREK MEETING
As usual we'll aim to arrange a day in the late autumn when expedition members can get together and meet their leader. These days are usually held in the English Lake District if there are enough clients interested. We make no charge but you'll need to pay your own costs - food, travel and accommodation.
Fuchsia flower, southern Chile
WILDLIFE
There are many species of birds commonly seen in the Lake District, including species of owl, eagle, geese, duck, swan, ibis, flamingo, woodpecker, plover, parrot and finch. We are quite likely to see the magnificent Andean Condor too. A much rare sight would be a puma (mountain lion).
Back to Chilean Volcanoes front page (Dates and Prices)
