$160.000
A hike among ancient Alerce trees, a mountain river and traces of eruptions. The trail leads us to the edge of the forests of southern Chile, where a refuge historically nestled on the slopes of Calbuco welcomes us with breathtaking views immersed in nature.
At the foot of the Calbuco volcano, within the Llanquihue National Reserve and just 1.5 hours from Puerto Varas, begins a journey that combines pristine nature, recent geological history, and direct experience with one of the most active volcanoes in southern Chile.
The starting point is located in the Blanco River valley, from where a well-marked trail climbs steadily toward the upper limit of the Valdivian forest. Over approximately 8 kilometers and more than 750 meters of elevation gain, the trail follows the course of the river, crossing it in some sections depending on the time of year, and allows you to enter an ecosystem dominated by centuries-old alerces, coigües, tepas, and mañíos, whose constant humidity gives rise to a dense and lively undergrowth. This first section stands out for its sounds, colors, and aromas: the presence of chucao, rayadito, huet-huet, and comesebo is common, as well as the occasional sighting of foxes and small mustelids that inhabit these temperate forests.
As we gain altitude, the landscape changes noticeably. The forest canopy gradually opens up and the trail begins to traverse more mineral terrain, where the traces of the 2015 eruption are clearly visible: ash deposits and volcanic blocks, fragmented lava tongues, fallen trees that now coexist with the process of natural regeneration and new pioneer species colonizing the substrate. This contrast between the deep green of the forest and the grayish landscape of volcanic materials gives the trek a unique dimension: moving forward is like traveling through a biological transition that shows, step by step, how the mountain is reconfigured after each eruptive cycle.
After about 3 hours of walking, you reach the Río Blanco Refuge, built by the Fundación Deporte Libre and located on a natural balcony right on the edge of the forest. From there, the views open up towards the Río Blanco valley, the slopes of Calbuco and, in clear conditions, it is possible to catch a glimpse of Lake Chapo by climbing a few extra meters.
There is a variation to this route which, instead of reaching the refuge, branches off before the last section of the forest to go directly into the Blanco River valley. This alternative, slightly shorter and with a little less elevation gain than the full climb to the refuge, offers a different and complementary experience: the trail leaves the main path and ascends through active volcanic terrain in the process of regeneration, combining sections of loose rock, small ravines, and watercourses descending from the slopes of Calbuco. The route culminates in front of a series of waterfalls that emerge abruptly from walls of consolidated lava, forming a natural amphitheater of remarkable scenic beauty. Choosing this variant allows you to discover another angle of the volcano and the valley, with more direct contact with the mineral landscape and the erosive force of water, making it especially attractive for those seeking a demanding but somewhat shorter day, without losing the feeling of immersion in the mountains.
The return trip follows the same route, allowing you to appreciate the climb in a different light. This trek is physically demanding but accessible to anyone in good physical condition, and it is an exceptional opportunity to experience firsthand the regenerative power of nature, the living presence of the mountains, and the ecological richness of the temperate rainforests. It is ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge in a remote setting, with volcanic history in plain sight and a deep immersion in one of the most iconic landscapes of southern Chile.
8 am
Transportation from Puerto Varas to Llanquihue National Reserve (+-1.5h).
10:00 am
Start of trekking through the forest (+-8km ascent).
1:30 pm
Arrival at the refuge (altitude +-1,090 masl).
2 pm
Beginning of the return trek (same ascent route).
4:30 pm
Return at the beginning of the journey, transport to Puerto Varas.
5 pm
End of service.
| Includes: |
Excursions and services detailed in the itinerary; Trekking guide service in a non-private program with bilingual trekkin... Read more |
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| Does not include: |
Tips; Additional services or services not detailed in the itinerary and/or additional service information; Private services; Passenger liability e... Read more |
| Equipment responsibility of the client: |
Appropriate clothing for the activity (first layer set, fleece jacket, windproof and rainproof jacket, trekking pants. De... Read more |
| Experience and technical capacity required: |
Suitable for people with no previous climbing experience, but who are fit enough to participate in 4-8 hours of physical activity per day in wilde... Read more |
| Limitations and/or restrictions of the activity: |
Not suitable for people with heart problems or disabilities that may prevent them from participating in long-term strenuous physical activity, chi... Read more |
| Description of actions that the participant must follow for the proper development of the activity: |
It will be required of those who participate in the program to respect and protect the historical, natural, and cultural heritage in which the act... Read more |
| Criteria used to suspend the activity: |
The participant puts activity or participants safety at risk; the participant does not follow actions for the good development of the activity; cl... Read more |
| Insurance: |
Throughout the program whenever adventure tourism activities take place: hiking, trekking, climbing volcanoes participants will be covered by comp... Read more |
| Price: |
The prices of each program are presented in Chilean pesos (CLP, CH$) and correspond to the price per 1 person taxes included. All our programs hav... Read more |
| Reservation: |
It is done through the website or by email (info@staging.huellandina.com). We will confirm availability within 24 hours of receiving the informati... Read more |
| Payment Methods: |
Payment in Cash (only Dollars, Euros, or CLP), Credit Card, Online bank transfer (Chilean - CLP or Austrian - EUR Bank). If payment is made in for... Read more |
| Cancellation Policy: |
- Cancellation requested by the client with more than 2 days before the program start date: refund available with a penalty equal to the booking fee p... Read more |
“ChECKLIST FOR Trekking to the Calbuco Volcano Refuge”
| Per group: |
For those who book the same program together, there is a discount of CLP $40,000 per person on the base rate when the group of participants is higher than two. |
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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!
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!
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.
