Climbing the Osorno Volcano
A night in a mountain refuge and a full day of climbing take us from the slopes of the Osorno Volcano to its glacier and summit, in a classic Andean mountaineering experience.
- Weather conditions. The weather on southern Chile's volcanoes is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Andean relief. Frontal systems bring frequent precipitation for much of the year and, with altitude, wind, cloud cover and the likelihood of snow increase, favoring rapid changes in mountain conditions.
- Bilingual mountain guiding service (Spanish and English), led by guides who are members of ANGM Chile
- Individual technical equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe and trekking poles
- Group equipment, a first-aid kit for wilderness areas and communication systems (satellite and/or VHF depending on coverage)
- National Park and/or private-land entrance fees included in the itinerary
- Accommodation at the Teski Refuge (shared bunk room, shared shower and toilets)
- Three-course dinner and breakfast at the Teski Refuge
- Transfer to/from Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Las Cascadas
- Complementary accident insurance
Participation requirements
This program requires good physical fitness for a long climbing day — several hours and about 1,600 m of positive ascent — over volcanic terrain, snow and glacier, with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge beforehand. No prior mountaineering experience is required; the basic progression techniques and the use of the technical equipment are taught and supervised by the guide during the activity. Glacier travel and the use of crampons and ice axe are a normal part of the ascent.
Safety and mountain conditions
This is a mountain activity, subject to the conditions of the environment. The guide in charge continuously assesses the weather, the terrain and the group, and decides to adjust the route, the pace or to suspend the activity when safety requires it. Coming back safely always comes before reaching the objective.
Changes due to weather conditions
The mountain decides whether the activity can take place. A reliable forecast is available a few days beforehand, so we are flexible with advance bookings: if conditions do not allow a safe departure, we look for an alternative date or refund your deposit. If we start the program by mutual agreement and conditions prevent reaching the objective, the activity is considered completed.
Equipment the participant brings
The program includes the necessary technical equipment; you bring your mountain clothing, suitable footwear and personal items (backpack, water, snack, sun protection). The exact detail is in the program checklist, and if you are missing anything we have rental gear: let us know when booking.
Suggested clothing
Dress in layers for changeable mountain weather: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer, plus a hat, gloves and suitable socks. Footwear must be suited to the program's terrain. The full detail is in the checklist.
The detailed gear checklist is available online, on the program page:
https://huellandina.com/en/tours/mountains-and-volcanoes/climbing-the-osorno-volcano/
Declaration of Knowledge and Acceptance of Risks, Terms and Conditions
Sociedad Turismo HAE Limitada
In accordance with Supreme Decree No. 19/2018 of the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, and the guidelines issued by the National Tourism Service (SERNATUR), I hereby declare that, by contracting and/or participating in an adventure tourism program operated by Sociedad Turismo HAE Ltda., I have been previously, clearly and sufficiently informed about the nature of the activity, its operating conditions, and the inherent risks associated with it. I understand that such risks cannot be completely eliminated, even when the service provider complies with applicable safety standards, which are intended to reduce and manage said risks.
I expressly declare that I understand and accept the following:
I acknowledge that adventure tourism and mountain activities take place in natural and/or remote environments and involve inherent risks, including, but not limited to, accidents during transportation to or from the activity area; falls on level or uneven terrain; impacts; animal bites; avalanches, landslides or rockfall; as well as injuries caused by natural agents or sudden changes in weather conditions, such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, hyperthermia, or other effects associated with the natural environment.
I understand that it is the duty of the service provider to inform the conditions and requirements for the development of the activity, and that it is my duty as a participant to properly inform myself of such conditions, to meet the minimum requirements established, and to comply at all times with the instructions given by the company and the guide in charge of the activity, in accordance with SERNATUR regulations.
- I acknowledge that the use of trekking, mountaineering or climbing equipment requires specific training and technical supervision. I undertake to use the equipment provided by HAE Ltda. only under the supervision of the guide in charge. If I choose to use my own equipment, I fully assume the associated risks and expressly release HAE Ltda. from any liability for damages, injuries or accidents that may occur during or after its use.
I understand that any equipment provided by HAE Ltda. remains under my responsibility during the period of use. In the event of damage, loss or theft, I undertake to pay HAE Ltda. the corresponding amount in accordance with the previously informed guarantee.
I declare that I have been informed of the requirements necessary to participate in the activity (age, previous experience, technical skills, required equipment, physical and mental health conditions), as well as the limitations of the coverage of the additional insurance provided by HAE Ltda. under its current Adventure Tourism insurance policy. I declare that I meet these requirements and assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.
- I acknowledge that HAE Ltda. may cancel or modify an activity before or during its execution due to technical, weather-related, safety or other reasons established in the technical program sheet or determined by the professional judgment of the guide in charge. I understand that mountain programs do not guarantee the achievement of specific objectives, such as reaching a summit, and that failure to achieve such objectives does not constitute a breach of the service.
- During the execution of the program, I accept that HAE Ltda. and the guide in charge may terminate my participation if, in their technical judgment, my physical or mental health is at risk, if I do not meet the necessary conditions to continue, or if my behavior affects the safety or well-being of the group. In such cases, no refunds or rescheduling shall apply, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions and the applicable Cancellation Policy.
- I expressly authorize that, in the event of an accident or illness that prevents me from communicating, the necessary medical assistance be provided to me, undertaking to assume the costs arising from such assistance, including rescues, evacuations or early termination of the program.
- I authorize HAE Ltda. to record and use images, videos or other materials obtained during the development of the program for promotional, informational or commercial purposes, without any right to compensation.
- I declare that this document is contractual in nature, that I have read and fully understood its content, and that I voluntarily accept the inherent risks of the activity, the General Terms and Conditions, the specific Program published on the website, and the applicable Cancellation Policy.
What does this document cover?
Acknowledgement of the risks inherent to the mountains · use of equipment · modification or cancellation due to technical or weather conditions · coverage of the included insurance and its limitations · image authorization · emergency medical care · conditions for early termination of the activity.
When must I accept it?
The document is presented when you confirm your booking through WeTravel. Acceptance is a prerequisite to complete the registration. Participants under 18 require an additional signature from a parent or legal guardian.
The guided ascent to the summit of the Osorno Volcano does not require any previous mountaineering or climbing experience, but a good physical condition for an activity of more than eight hours in alpine terrain. The ascent requires the use of mountaineering and climbing techniques and equipment. It is a glacier route with a steep slope at the top, so it is necessary to use of a helmet, crampons, ice axe and glacier travel techniques. However, the characteristics of the route and the ascent with a ratio of 1 guide for up to 2 clients allows us to introduce the equipment and how to use it, to make a good supervision of the progress with the equipment and, above all, to adapt the pace of the ascent to make a climb not only safe but also enjoyable!
The weather conditions are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. However, an accurate and somewhat reliable weather forecast can only be had about five (5) days before the planned date for the trip, so we try to be as flexible as possible with reservations made in advance: To be able to book a date we only require the payment of the reservation fee, and once we have a reliable forecast we re-confirm the date and coordinate the payment of the difference. But if it is not possible to start the ascent because we foresee that there will be poor visibility in the glacial area (precipitation or clouds that reduce visibility to only a few meters) we will look for an alternative date or the refund of the booking fee. However, if by mutual agreement we decide to start the program (that is, to go out to pick you up or to meet at the lodge), either because the forecast looks good, acceptable, or unclear, and the conditions do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the proposed objectives, there is no refund of the payment!
The refuge will provide dinner (soup, main course and dessert) and breakfast (yogurt, bread, jam, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, milk). The regular program includes accommodation in bunk beds (usually 2 persons per room, subject to availability). The bunk beds include wool blankets, but no sheets (available at extra cost), so you will need a sleeping bag or liner. There are also shared showers and bathrooms (hot water), as well as rooms with private toilets available upon request. It also has parking, electricity, internet, bar, and a restaurant.
Yes! The minimum to perform the program is one (1) person, so there is no problem in doing the program just for you. But keep in mind that it is a shared service, so if there is another person interested in the program and the date they could share the service. But don't worry we'll let you know if that happens!
Yes, we have available trekking poles, mountain boots, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses for rent. So if you need something do not forget to let us know in the booking process.
While most of our programs are small groups and it's almost always just the group you've booked together, our regular programs are shared services. So if you would like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced accordingly to the capacity of the clients that the guide or guides could have on that trip. Write to us to see it in detail!
The program includes the transportation from/to Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Picking or dropping from Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar have an extra cost of $15.000 CLP per way. Other places are available upon request. If you want to get to the meeting point on your own, let us know and we will coordinate to meet you! There are some programs that include transportation from other cities, if indicated in the description, so it will be!
During spring, summer, and autumn we need mountain boots or trekking boots that fulfill three aspects: • The sole should be as stiff as possible so that the crampons work efficiently and do not move when walking; • also that they are waterproof since we will spend half of the trip in snowy terrain; • and lastly, they must be high enough to completely cover the ankles so that when the slope is steeper, they facilitate progression and provide safety. In winter, or when conditions are cold, you will need a mountain boots that are not only waterproof but also warm!
The trekking boots can be used with crampons, so they may be suitable for the program if • The boots are waterproof: to keep feet dry and avoid cold injuries. • They are high enough to cover the ankle: for extra support on rough terrain. • They have a stiff sole and the rubber of the whole sole is not too soft: to avoid any movement of the crampon towards the front and/or rear of the boots. Since the day will not be on flat terrain, if the rubber on the boots is soft, the crampon will move and often get out of position. However, we will always need to check them before the trip, you can send us a photo of them so we can have a general idea of your footwear and if they are needed, we can pack some spare mountain boots for you to have with us.
The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe. So they basically only require their mountain boots, clothes, and accessories (glasses, backpack, gloves). Anyway you can see the checklist to verify that you have what you need and / or let us know if you need something! Some programs may also include other items (such as sleeping bags or trekking poles), so if it is indicated in the program it will be available in the program.
It is the ascent of a mountain or volcano by a group accompanied by a (or several) Mountain Guides! We do our best to customize our programs to your needs, but please note that regular programs are shared services. We will always let you know in advance when more people join the same trip! If you will like to book in advance a private guide, it will need to be priced accordingly at the capacity of clients that your guide could have on this trip.
Because most of our trips are small groups, it will be just you or a couple of other people, we rent the car from the guide (or our family) to develop the program: A normal car, clean, in good condition and of course with all the required permits. For bigger groups, we hire a driver with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or similar.
Cada programa cierra sus reservas web con cierta anticipación a la fecha de inicio: desde 2 días en los ascensos y trekkings de 1 a 2 jornadas, y más días en los programas más largos (hasta varias semanas en las expediciones). Este margen nos permite coordinar a tiempo la logística externa a HAE —transporte, refugios, permisos, arrieros y otros servicios de terceros— indispensable para desarrollar el programa con seguridad. Si te interesa una fecha más cercana al cierre, escríbenos y evaluamos la factibilidad.
Sí. Reservar con anticipación es la mejor forma de asegurar nuestra disponibilidad para tu programa. Las condiciones de montaña no pueden predecirse con semanas o meses de anticipación. Por eso, a medida que se acerca la actividad, monitoreamos permanentemente el pronóstico y te mantenemos informado con la debida anticipación sobre cómo evolucionan las condiciones. Si todo es favorable, confirmamos la salida; si las condiciones no son las adecuadas, evaluaremos contigo las alternativas disponibles, ya sea reprogramar la actividad para otra fecha, realizar un programa alternativo o cancelar la reserva de acuerdo con nuestras políticas.
The regular program (1 night and 1 day) includes transport from Puerto Varas, accommodation with dinner and breakfast at Teski refuge, one guide per two participants, and technical equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe and trekking poles. On the website there's a checklist with details of what you need to bring. The alternative program (1 day starting early morning) follows the same climbing route, but doesn't include refuge services; that's why it starts early morning the same day, while the regular one departs at 19:00 the day before to spend the night at the refuge.
