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Climbing Cerro La Picada

Climbing Cerro La Picada

The remains of the ancient La Picada Volcano lead to an ascent across the volcanic terrain of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, with wide views of the Osorno Volcano and the Andes.

from
CLP$ 160.000
per person
Puerto Varas
1 day
Duration
1 – 9 pax
Group
1 guide per 3 clients
Guide ratio
Start / End
Puerto Varas
Season
Jan – Dec
Difficulty
Max. altitude
1,715 m a.s.l.
Distance
± 16 km (round trip)
Elevation gain
+915 m

Climbing Cerro La Picada means walking through the remains of an ancient volcano in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, following a route that combines native forest, volcanic terrain and sweeping views over some of the most emblematic landscapes of the southern Chilean Andes. Its relief and location make it an excellent alternative for those seeking a mountain day different from the classic volcanic ascents.

The route climbs gradually from the forest into an environment dominated by volcanic rock and old formations shaped by eruptive activity and erosion. As you gain height, privileged panoramas open up over the Osorno Volcano, Lake Llanquihue and the chain of mountains that make up Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, offering a unique reading of the Andean landscape.

From the summit, the character of the ancient volcanic edifice reveals a different perspective on the volcanoes that dominate the Los Lagos Region. A mountain ascent that combines geological history, open landscapes and a varied route, ideal for those who want to discover one of the least known and most interesting trails in the national park.

  • 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 (ES/EN) mountain guide, member of ANGM Chile
  • Technical equipment according to route conditions: helmet, climbing harness with accessories, crampons/snowshoes and ice axe if conditions require (winter/spring with snow), trekking poles
  • Transport to/from Puerto Varas, Las Cascadas, Ensenada, Petrohue
  • Complementary accident insurance
Not included: Tips, additional services or any item not specified in the itinerary · Optional entrances, activities or visits not included in the program · Clothing and equipment that is the participant's responsibility · Personal life, travel-assistance, medical, evacuation or repatriation insurance · Pack animals, porters or other logistical support unless expressly stated · Personal expenses in town · Meals and drinks not listed or additional to the set menu · Alcoholic beverages · Costs arising from voluntary changes to the itinerary · Anything not expressly stated as included
Day 1 · 5 am
Transportation from Puerto Varas to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
Day 1 · 7:30 am
Start of trekking.
Day 1 · 11 am
End of the trekking, start of the final climb (+-1.400m altitude).
Day 1 · 2 pm
Maximum time of ascent to the normal route.
Day 1 · 3 pm
Start of the descent.
Day 1 · 6 pm
Return to Puerto Varas.
Day 1 · 7 pm
End of service.
Cancellation policy
Cancel up to 5 days before and receive the refund according to the program's conditions.
Payment methods
Book by paying only the reservation fee by bank card or transfer; the balance is paid before the program starts.

Participation requirements

To take part you need a level of fitness in keeping with the program's demands and a willingness to follow the guide's instructions in the field. No prior technical experience is required unless the program states otherwise. If you have any health condition, tell us when booking so we can advise you; if in doubt, consult your doctor.

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.

Good to know
Frequently asked questions

Each program closes its online bookings some days before the start date: from 2 days for the 1–2 day ascents and treks, and more days for longer programs (up to several weeks for the expeditions). This margin lets us coordinate in time the logistics external to HAE —transport, refuges, permits, muleteers and other third-party services— essential to run the program safely. If you're interested in a date closer to the cutoff, write to us and we'll assess feasibility.

Yes. Booking in advance is the best way to secure our availability for your program. Mountain conditions cannot be predicted weeks or months ahead. That's why, as the activity approaches, we continuously monitor the forecast and keep you informed in good time about how conditions are developing. If everything is favorable, we confirm the departure; if conditions are not suitable, we'll assess the available options with you — whether rescheduling the activity for another date, running an alternative program, or cancelling the booking in accordance with our policies.

Our trips depend on the availability of guides and logistics. We work with small groups (most of our trips can run with a single client), so most of the time we'll arrange everything to fit your schedule, allowing us to confirm the dates and proceed with the preparations to make it happen.

Our regular programs are shared services: you may share the departure with other people who book the same date. We work with small groups and always let you know in advance if someone else joins. If you prefer a private departure, we can arrange it, and its price is adjusted according to the number of clients the guide can take on that program. Write to us and we'll look at it in detail.

Yes. The minimum to run the program is one person, so there's no problem going on your own. Keep in mind it's a shared service: if someone else books the same date you might share the departure, in which case we'll let you know in advance.

Yes, the program is designed so that guides and clients start and finish the route together. The idea is not only to accompany you up the mountains, but also to share, from our experience, the different places we'll visit. If for any reason that has to change, we'll let you know in good time and together we'll find what best suits the trip.

The program includes transport to/from Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohué, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Pick-up or drop-off in Osorno, Puerto Montt, the Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar are available at an additional cost of CLP 15,000 per leg. Other towns are available subject to availability. If you'd rather reach the meeting point on your own, let us know and we'll coordinate where to meet! Some programs include transport from other cities; if it's stated in the description, that's how it will be!

Because most of our trips are small groups —just you or a couple more people— we use the guide's car (or our family's) to run the program: a normal car, clean, in good condition and of course with all the required permits. For larger groups, we hire a driver with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van or similar.

The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe. So basically you only need your mountain boots, clothing and accessories (sunglasses, backpack, gloves). In any case, you can check the checklist to make sure you have what you need and/or let us know if you're missing anything! Some programs may also include other items (such as a sleeping bag or poles), so if it's stated in the program it will be available for it.

For most of the season, good waterproof trekking boots that cover the ankle are suitable for the program. When winter conditions call for crampons, the footwear needs to meet three points: • Waterproof, to keep your feet dry and avoid cold injuries. • Ankle-high, to give extra support on rugged terrain. • A rigid (not soft) sole, so the crampon stays firmly in place and doesn't shift or come off during progression. Either way, we check your footwear before departure: you can send us a photo for guidance and, if needed, we'll arrange the hire of a mountain boot.

Yes, we have poles, boots, gloves, backpacks and sunglasses available for hire. So if you need anything, don't forget to let us know during the booking process.

In our short programs (1 to 3 days) that include a box lunch or snack, it consists of 1 vegetarian sandwich, 2 protein bars, a bag of nuts and 2 pieces of fruit. If requested in advance, a vegan or gluten-free option is also possible, or a change can be made if needed —for example if any of the contents is an allergen.

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