One week to climb three (3) of the most classic volcanoes of Northern Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
4.8 (147)
Duration:7 days Starting from:San Martin de los AndesRegion:PatagoniaDistance:50 KM
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Start time: 16 hs Ending time: 22 hs.
Meeting Point: San Martin de los Andes
Duration: 7 days Cupos:
12 spots
Proposal
The adventure of climbing 3 or 4 Patagonian volcanoes
In the San Martin de los Andes (Argentina) and Pucon (Chile) area, we'll run this special expedition so you can climb three or four classic volcanoes of Northern Andean Patagonia.
It's also possible to do only one or two of them - ask us.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Meeting day in San Martin de los Andes at midday. Free afternoon to explore San Martin and do short warm-up walks. Option to travel to Pucon this day (ask about the final schedule). Equipment preparation. Night at a hostel.
Day 2: Transfer by private minibus to the base of the Quetrupillan. Day of ascent of the volcano mentioned (2360 masl). Descent in the afternoon and transfer to Pucon. Night at a hostel. Approx. 8 hours of activity.
Day 3: Free day for rest. Options (extra cost): rafting on the Trancura River, hot springs. Night in Pucon.
Day 4: Day of ascent of Villarrica Volcano (2847 masl) with transfer to the base. Night in Pucon. Approx. 8 hours.
Day 5: Transfer and entry into Conguillio National Park, to the north. This day will be dedicated to admiring this spectacular National Park. We'll continue through the eastern and northern sector of Llaima Volcano. We may also do treks in the vicinity of Lonquimay Volcano. In the afternoon we'll reach the definitive base camp, on the western side of Llaima Volcano. Rest and hydration time. Early dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Early, we set off toward the summit. First we'll pass through a flat area, and then the climb will become steeper and steeper. The view is indescribable, with sights reaching the summit of the volcano, as well as Lonquimay Volcano, Tolhuaca, Antuco and surroundings. Continuing our route we'll climb up to the lava flow at 2200 masl, where after a two-hour walk across a plateau we'll be able to see Quepe Lagoon, Cerro Colorado and the imposing Villarrica Volcano. After summiting we return to camp. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Return to Argentina to wrap up the program at midday in Villa Pehuenia. Optional transfer to Zapala and San Martin de los Andes. End of our services.
Elevation Profile
Included Services
Mountain guides on all ascents
Lanin: 1 Mountain Guide certified by Lanin National Park for every 4 pax.
Ongoing transfers to and from San Martin de los Andes
Transfer from Pucon to the base of the volcanoes
Hostel accommodation in San Martin de los Andes (shared room) with breakfast
Hostel accommodation (shared room) in Pucon, with breakfast
All meals on the Lanin (breakfasts, lunches and dinner at camp).
VHF communications equipment.
General camp kitchen equipment on the Lanin
Dome tent - dining tent on the Lanin
1 night in a dome tent on the Lanin
Pre-trip guidance through photos, maps, meetings in Buenos Aires. (not mandatory).
Annual training + preparation
Services NOT included
Dinners and lunches in SMDLA and in Chile (packed meals for the mountain ascents + options to cook at the hostel)
Excursions on the free day in Pucon
Personal equipment (ice axe, crampons, helmet, others). Ask about rentals.
Note
Training-preparation:
We include specific guidance throughout the year for your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups:
if you're from elsewhere, we'll send you the program so you can train on your own.
Difficulty and details of the ascent:
The Quetrupillan has steep slopes but is the lowest volcano. The Villarrica is more accessible, although it reliably has snow. On the Lanin: this is a physically demanding ascent. On the first day you walk uphill for between 5 and 6 hours to the refuge area, about 1300 m of elevation gain. The overnight stay is at a refuge or in a tent, depending on availability. On the second day, if weather conditions allow, we go for the summit, setting out between 3 and 4 am (at night, with headlamps). This climb covers roughly another 1400 m of elevation gain, over more technical terrain (long stretches of snow, ice and/or mixed terrain plus loose rock). At the summit we can only stay a few minutes, to take photos and hydrate. We then descend again to our overnight area, rest for a while, pack up our gear and continue descending to the base of the mountain (the new regulation in place for some years now does not allow a second night on the mountain).
Menu
In the cities:
of Pucon and San Martin de los Andes, meals are not included. We suggest eating at the hostel or going out to a restaurant.
In the mountains:
Trail lunches (cold food): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Usually hot. Options from our mountain outings: vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat, Chaw Fan (fried rice), chicken with rice casserole....
The technical difficulty involves 35-degree slopes requiring crampons; and the physical demand is significant, especially on the Lanin.
Do I need to be trained?
Yes, the physical demand is significant. We include specific guidance throughout the year for your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups; if you're from elsewhere, we'll send you the program so you can train on your own.
Do I need previous experience?
It's important to have some previous experience in different treks. We recommend being in good physical shape. Summit day is intense.
Where do we sleep?
Overnight stays are in large tents, hostels and/or a military refuge or mountain tents.
Do I need to bring a tent?
Tents are included in the service.
What's the weather or temperature like?
Even though it's summer, in mountain range and/or wilderness areas temperatures tend to drop at night and at dawn (second day).
Do we take rest stops?
Stops are taken with a frequency and pacing based on the intensity.
From what age can people do this activity?
From 13 years of age.
How much does the backpack weigh?
Approximately between 10 and 12 kilos.
Is there a porter service?
No. Each person must climb with the weight they carry in their own backpack, personal gear. Porter service can be arranged, but it must be requested and booked in advance.
What do we eat?
On all our expeditions we provide full-board meal service.
Trail lunches (cold food): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Usually hot. Vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat, Chaw Fan (fried rice), chicken with rice casserole....
It's necessary to fill out the personal/medical form to let us know if anyone doesn't eat certain kinds of food.
Who's a good fit for Tri/Tetra-Volcano: Ascent of Lanin, Quetrupillan and Villarrica (+ Llaima option)?
Tri/Tetra-Volcano: Ascent of Lanin, Quetrupillan and Villarrica (+ Llaima option) 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 , in the region Patagonia, Argentina.
It lasts 7 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Tri/Tetra-Volcano: Ascent of Lanin, Quetrupillan and Villarrica (+ Llaima option)?
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 ->:
What equipment do I need to take part in the Tri/Tetra-Volcano: Ascent of Lanin, Quetrupillan and Villarrica (+ Llaima option)?
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! ->
What's included in Tri/Tetra-Volcano: Ascent of Lanin, Quetrupillan and Villarrica (+ Llaima option)?
Mountain guides on all ascents
Lanin: 1 Mountain Guide certified by Lanin National Park for every 4 pax.
Ongoing transfers to and from San Martin de los Andes
Transfer from Pucon to the base of the volcanoes
Hostel accommodation in San Martin de los Andes (shared room) with breakfast
Hostel accommodation (shared room) in Pucon, with breakfast
All meals on the Lanin (breakfasts, lunches and dinner at camp).
VHF communications equipment.
General camp kitchen equipment on the Lanin
Dome tent - dining tent on the Lanin
1 night in a dome tent on the Lanin
Pre-tr
What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?
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).
If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?
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.
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Clic para detalles
100%
Physical (F)
Physical demand
Clic para detalles
80%
Technical (T)
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Clic para detalles
80%
Psycho (P)
Psychological Strength
Clic para detalles
60%
Height (A)
Height Exposure
Clic para detalles
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)
This point refers to the weight we have to carry in our backpacks. Treks or journeys where we use pack animals allow us to carry less weight on our backs.
20%Up to 5 Kilos: Short excursion walks / Trekking Talampaya
40%Up to 8/10 Kilos: Round-trip trekking / Vallecitos 3 and 4-day programs
60%Up to 12/15 kilos: Crossing trekking with porting / Crossing of the Andes Paso Portillo
80%More than 15/18 kilos: Cross-country trekkings with little or no portage / Trekkings in Patagonia
100%More than 25 Kilos: With a lot of equipment on top and little or no porting / Continental Ice
Physical demand (F)
Physical (F)
We define physical demand as the fatigue we may experience both aerobically and in the muscles, legs, and joints.
20%half a day or less with little unevenness.
40%more sustained slopes and longer days in the activity. 2-3 days / more than 6 hours per day.
60%Long ascents and descents with a longer duration. Ascents to more than 4000 meters in the central mountain range.
80%Important work of legs in resistance. Very long days. Very long day ascents.
100%Maximum demand. Aerobic work and constant effort on legs. Continental Ice, Aconcagua.
Technical Aspect (T)
Technical (T)
The technical difficulty is mainly based on the terrain and the required skill level.
20%flat land
40%Trails with moderate ascents and descents. General trekking expeditions.
60%Steeper slopes and trails. Possible use of crampons.
80%Mixed terrain, with snow or ice. Alvear, Lanin, Tronador.
100%Highly technical terrain. Glacier travel and climbing in sections.
Psychological Strength (P)
Psycho (P)
Psychological factor that represents conviction, confidence, self-control and willpower.
20%We will not be much affected.
40%This is a normal level of attention.
60%We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.
80%The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.
100%Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.
Height Exposure (A)
Altitude (A)
Factor that the height above sea level influences us depending on the activity.
0%+ sea level.
20%Up to 2000 masl.
40%+ 2000 masl.
60%+ 4000 masl.
80%+ 5000 masl.
100%+ 6000 masl.
How to interpret these values?
Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:
20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Only for experienced adventurers
This adventure requires advanced experience and excellent physical condition.
Clothing recommendations
A Base Layer in contact with the skin, that "wicks" the moisture produced by sweat and carries it to the outside without retaining it in the fabric, keeping us dry this way. A Mid Layer that provides thermal insulation, that isn't heavy or uncomfortable, keeping us warm this way. And an Outer Layer, waterproof-breathable, that protects us against the elements (rain, snow and wind).
General Equipment
Special trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters)
Warm sleeping bag (–5 degree comfort rating, e.g. 800/1000g of good down or synthetic fill).
Insulating sleeping pad (10 to 15mm).
Inflatable sleeping pad (optional)
Trekking poles
FEET
1 pair of mountain boots for 4000m peaks (not necessarily double boots). Waterproof
1 extra pair of trekking shoes
FIRST LAYER (Base layer)
Changes of underwear.
Cotton T-shirts (for camp and sleeping)
Short-sleeve synthetic T-shirts/tops
Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
Polypropylene or similar pants/leggings (not cotton). To wear as warm base-layer pants
Thin polypropylene or similar gloves (not cotton)
Pairs of thin polypropylene or similar socks (not cotton), worn against the skin.
Buff-type multifunction neck gaiter
SECOND LAYER (Warmth)
Pairs of trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
Pairs of thick mountain socks
Some cotton or wool socks (wool is good for sleeping)
1 pair of long trekking pants
2 warm layers (fleece, softshell or similar)
Down jacket
Warm hat (fleece)
THIRD LAYER (windproof and waterproof)
Waterproof jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar)
Rain/snow pants (Gore-Tex or similar, or ski-type)
Third-layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). Ski-type is fine
Mountain gaiters
TECHNICAL GEAR - rental possible
Crampons
Ice axe
Climbing/mountain helmet
PERSONAL ITEMS
ID document
Medical insurance, health plan.
MISCELLANEOUS
HEADLAMP with batteries (plus spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Sunglasses with UV Category 4 protection
Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
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.
AS
Alex Sangregorio
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.
LD
Luciana Durante
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.
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
