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Trekking to the Calbuco Volcano Refuge

Among ancient alerce trees, mountain rivers and old lava flows, the trail climbs to the refuge of Volcán Calbuco, where the forest gives way to the high-mountain environment.

from

CLP$ 160.000

per person

Puerto Montt

1 day

Duration

2 – 8 pax

Group

1 guide per 4 clients

Guide ratio

Start / End

Puerto Varas

Season

Jan – Dec

Difficulty

Max. altitude

1,090 m

Distance

± 16 km (round trip)

Elevation gain

+765 m

Category: Trekking and Excursion

The trek to the refuge of Volcán Calbuco travels through one of the most representative mountain environments of southern Chile, working its way up through dense temperate forest to reach the refuge set near the vegetation line, on the flanks of the volcano. It is an experience that reveals the transition between the evergreen forest and the landscape shaped by past eruptions, on a route ideal for those seeking a first approach to the mountain environment.

The trail climbs gradually among coigües, ulmos, tineos and alerces, following old access routes to the massif. As height is gained, the forest begins to open and extensive deposits of volcanic rock appear, evidence of the constant transformation of the landscape. The main itinerary reaches the mountain refuge, a simple shelter without services that offers protection to mountaineers and hikers, while a variant of the route allows a detour towards a series of waterfalls formed by the streams that descend from the volcano.

More than reaching a destination, this trek invites you to understand how the forest and volcanic activity coexist and shape one of the most characteristic landscapes of the southern Andes of Chile, offering two route options to discover the surroundings of Volcán Calbuco.

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) trekking/mountain guiding service, led by guides who are members of ANGM Chile
Trekking poles
Transport to/from Puerto Varas
Entrance to the Llanquihue National Reserve
Supplementary 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 · 8 am

Transportation from Puerto Varas to Llanquihue National Reserve (+-1.5h).

Day 1 · 10:00 am

Start of trekking through the forest (+-8km ascent).

Day 1 · 1:30 pm

Arrival at the refuge (altitude +-1,090 masl).

Day 1 · 2 pm

Beginning of the return trek (same ascent route).

Day 1 · 4:30 pm

Return at the beginning of the journey, transport to Puerto Varas.

Day 1 · 5 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.

The detailed gear checklist is available online, on the program page:
https://huellandina.com/en/tours/trekking-and-excursion/trekking-to-the-calbuco-volcano-refuge/

Required document to participate

Before taking part in this program, each participant must read and accept the document “Acknowledgement and acceptance of risks, terms and conditions” of Sociedad Turismo HAE Limitada, issued in compliance with Exempt Decree No. 19/2018 of the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism and the guidelines of SERNATUR. Acceptance of this document is mandatory and takes place when you confirm your booking. It does not need to be signed in advance.

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.

You can book through our website or by writing to info@huellandina.com. Once we receive your request and the participants' details, we will confirm the availability of the program and the guide, normally within the following 48 hours. To confirm the booking and secure the availability of the program and the guide, payment of the corresponding reservation fee is required. From that point we begin planning the activity and keep you informed of the next steps, including the required documentation, the Checklist and the recommendations to prepare for the program. Mountain activities depend on weather conditions that can vary significantly until a few days before the start. We therefore recommend keeping your dates flexible whenever possible. Usually, about five days before the start we have a sufficiently reliable forecast to confirm whether the activity is feasible or, if conditions require it, to coordinate the best alternative within the operational possibilities of both parties.

Bilingual (ES/EN) trekking/mountain guiding service, led by guides who are members of ANGM Chile · Trekking poles · Transport to/from Puerto Varas · Entrance to the Llanquihue National Reserve · Supplementary accident insurance

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

Backpack: +30 L | Minimum water: at least 2 litres Snack/box lunch (not included). Change of clothes (leave in the vehicle). Gaiters optional.

Suitable for people with no prior trekking experience, but with a level of fitness appropriate to an activity of 4–8 hours per day on rugged terrain. Subject to the guide's assessment.

Participation by people under 18 requires the authorization of at least one parent or legal guardian and is subject to a joint assessment between them and HAE Ltda., taking into account the participant's physical and mental capacity, their level of autonomy, the experience required for the program, the availability of suitable equipment and the other conditions needed to carry out the activity safely. The activity may not be suitable for people with illnesses, injuries, disabilities or other physical or psychological conditions that could prevent their participation in the contracted service. Given the nature of the activities and the places where they take place, we do not recommend participation by pregnant women. When the program requires carrying personal or group equipment, the participant must have the physical capacity to do so safely. The recommended weight and other specific requirements are provided for each program before contracting the service. Participation is subject to assessment by the responsible guide before and during the activity, who may restrict, modify or end participation whenever they consider that the conditions required to carry out the program within an adequate margin of safety are not met.

During the program, each participant must follow the instructions of the responsible guide, act responsibly and cooperatively, and respect the other participants, the local communities and the natural and cultural heritage of the places visited. All our activities follow Leave No Trace principles.

Failure by one or more participants to follow the guide's instructions or the actions required for the proper conduct of the activity. · A physical or psychological condition of one or more participants that could affect the safe conduct of the program. · Changes in weather or mountain conditions that could compromise the itinerary or safety. · Volcanic activity, natural phenomena, incidents or situations of social origin that could affect the running of the program. · Accidents, emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances that make it necessary to modify, suspend or end the activity. · Any other condition that, in the assessment of the responsible guide, compromises the safe conduct of the program.

In programs that include adventure-tourism activities, HAE Ltda. provides participants with complementary accident insurance, whose coverage is limited exclusively to the course of the activity and to the terms of the policy in force. Details of its coverage, exclusions and limits may be requested before contracting the service. This complementary insurance is available to participants up to 70 years of age. Participants over 70 may take part in the programs that allow it, but will not have this complementary coverage.

The reservation fee is paid preferably through the WeTravel platform, used by HAE Ltda. to manage bookings and advance payments. The outstanding balance of the program may be paid via WeTravel, cash, bank transfer or other means of payment enabled by HAE Ltda. at the time of booking. All payments must be made in full before the program begins. When payment is made in a currency other than the Chilean peso (CLP), the exchange-rate conditions in force at the time of payment will apply. Details of the available payment methods, exchange rates and applicable conditions can be found in the Payment Methods section of our website.

Cancellations up to 5 days before the start: refund of the amount paid, less the reservation fee and any operating costs already committed. With less than 5 days' notice: no refund; rescheduling is assessed by mutual agreement, subject to availability. Once the program has started, no refund.

By booking or taking part in an adventure-tourism program operated by HAE Ltda., the participant declares that they know and accept these Terms and Conditions, the specific information of the program booked, the document “Acknowledgement and acceptance of risks, terms and conditions”, as well as the other documents that form part of the booking or are required by the regulations in force.

from HAE01TRRC

CLP$ 160.000

per person

ANGM Chile guidesCertified guidesRegistered companyOperating since 2009Replies within 24 hours

Upcoming departures

• Programa disponible previa reserva y sujeto a condiciones meteorológicas y de la ruta adecuadas para un intento a cumbre entre julio 2025 y febrero 2026.

Flexibility for date changes!

HAE01TRRC

1 paxCLP$ 160.000

2 or more paxCLP$ 160.000

per person

Questions?

info@huellandina.com

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What if there is bad weather? +

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!

Can I book if it's just me? +

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!

Can I rent the equipment that I am missing? +

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.

I want to do a private program +

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!

From and to where is the transportation included in the program? +

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!

What equipment is required? +

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.

What is a mountain guide service in a non-private 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.

What type of transport will be used? +

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.

How far in advance should I book? +

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.

Is it worth booking in advance? +

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.