An expedition to the crater and summit, from Argentina, of one of the most impressive active volcanoes in South America
This is one of the iconic environments of northern Patagonia, both on the Argentine side and on the Chilean side. Here the vegetation is dominated almost exclusively by one of the most striking and beautiful trees, the Pehuén, or Araucaria (monkey puzzle tree).
In this program we invite you to climb one of the most beautiful, and at the same time one of the most active, stratovolcanoes in South America: Volcán Llaima, over 3000 meters high. It's not a volcano as frequently visited as Lanín or Villarrica. Its last eruption is well remembered, back in 2008, when its ash and vapor covered much of the Moquehue and Villa Pehuenia area.
The climb is physically intense but doesn't reach the difficulty of Lanín. The plan is to attempt its summit via one of its less-traveled slopes and routes (the east face), starting from Conguillío National Park, a true masterpiece of nature.
NOTE: This ascent can be combined with the ascent of Lanín and/or the Tri-Volcano program; including this one would make up the Tetra-Volcano program, with 4 classic volcanoes of the region: Quetrupillán, Villarrica, Lanín and Llaima: CLICK HERE
We recommend sleeping the night before in San Martin de los Andes.
Day 1: Meeting in San Martin de los Andes during the morning. Introduction. Transfer by vehicle and crossing into Chile (Paso Tromen, Pino Hachado, or Icalma, depending on conditions); entry into Conguillío National Park. This day will be devoted to traveling and reaching base camp. We continue through the eastern and northern sector of Volcán Llaima. In the afternoon we reach the final base camp, on the northern or western side of Volcán Llaima (depending on conditions). Time to rest, hydrate. Early dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Early, we set off toward the summit. First we pass through a flat area and then the climb becomes steeper and steeper. The panorama is indescribable, with views all the way to the top of the volcano, as well as Volcán Lonquimay, Tolhuaca, Antuco, and the surrounding area.
Continuing on, we climb up to the 2200 m.a.s.l. lava flow, where, after two hours of walking across a flat stretch, we can see Laguna Quepe, Cerro Colorado, and the imposing Volcán Villarrica. After reaching the summit we head back down to camp. Transfer back to Argentina. We arrive late at San Martin de los Andes. End of our services.
This ascent can be combined with the Tri-Volcano program; including this one would make up the Tetra-Volcano program, with 4 classic volcanoes of the region: Quetrupillán, Villarrica, Lanín and Llaima: CLICK HERE
We include specific guidance year-round to help with your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups:
GEM Group (KDT): CLICK HERE
GEMA Group (San Isidro): CLICK HERE
If you're from somewhere else, we'll send you the training plan so you can train on your own.
In mountain tents, a campsite with no facilities.

Technical difficulty comes from 35-degree slopes requiring the use of crampons; physical difficulty comes from the second day, attempting the summit and then having to descend back down to base.
Yes, the physical demand is significant. We include specific guidance year-round to help with your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups; if you're from somewhere else, we'll send you the training plan so you can train on your own.
It's important to have some previous experience with different treks. We recommend being in good physical shape. Summit day is intense.
Tents are included in the service.
Even though it's summer/spring, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures tend to drop at night and at dawn (on the second day).
Stops happen with a frequency and pacing that depends on the intensity.
From age 13 onward.
Approximately between 10 and 12 kilos.
No. Each person must climb with whatever weight they carry in their own backpack, personal equipment. Porterage can be arranged, but it must be requested and booked in advance.
On all our expeditions we provide meal service ON A FULL BOARD BASIS.
On-the-go lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold-cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.
Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....
Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.
It is necessary to fill out the personal/medical form to clarify if anyone does not eat certain kinds of food.
Ascent of Volcán Llaima (3125 m.a.s.l.), Chile is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde San Martin de los Andes, Neuquén , in the region Patagonia, Argentina. It lasts 2 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:
En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->
Professional guides Crampons, helmet, and ice axes if needed Transfer to Chile and to the base of the volcano, to and from Zapala. All meals Tents General camping and communication equipment Ongoing assistance
At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).
No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.
Click on each indicator to see details
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Physical demand
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Psychological Strength
Height Exposure
Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:
Previous experience and good physical condition required.
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Viajé hace un mes con ellos y la experiencia fue impecable. Muy buena organización por parte de toda la agencia y excelentes los guías, siempre atentos y con la mejor predisposición. Totalmente recomendable.
Plaza de Mulas. Increíble, una experiencia única!! Un viaje maravilloso en todos los sentidos. Los guias con un profesionalismo inmenso, Vane una genia, con una paciencia enorme y siempre muy atenta, cuidadosa y detallista para que podamos disfrutar la experiencia, siempre con muy buena onda y motivando para seguir. Gracias también Roger, Gus y Fede, muchas gracias por todas las buenas energías. Se armó un grupo hermoso. Las vistas y la inmensidad de los paisajes son únicas.
Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
For an immediate response, contact us via WhatsApp 54 9 1170623800
We will respond to you promptly, so you can prepare for your next great adventure 🏔️