A week to climb several volcanoes in Chilean Patagonia
4.8 (147)
Duration:8 days Starting from:Villa Pehuenia, Neuquén Region:Patagonia
1 / 14
Home:
2026-Dec-02Fin:
2026-Dec-09
Start time: 16 hs Ending time: 22 hs.
Meeting Point: Villa Pehuenia, Neuquén
Duration: 8 days Cupos:
6 spots
Proposal
ITINERARY
Day 1: Meeting day in Zapala. Meet the guides, meet the group. Gear check. Free afternoon to explore. Night at a hotel (included)
Day 2: Transfer along Route 242 to Pino Hachado and crossing into Chile via the pass of the same name. From Pino Hachado to Malalcahuello (approx. 100 km). We settle into lodging in the village mentioned. Rest and overnight stay in cabins or a hostel.
Day 3: Day of ascent of Lonquimay Volcano. Drive to the base and climb the volcano. 9 hrs round trip. Return to lodging in Malalcahuello. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer south via routes 919 and 925. We'll enter Conguillío National Park and stop at the base of Sierra Nevada Volcano, where we'll do the trek up to that volcano's viewpoints. We'll then visit Laguna Catren and Quililo + waterfalls, and finally head to the town of Melipeuco, where we'll spend the night in cabins or a hostel.
Day 5: Day of ascent of Llaima Volcano (3125 masl). Very early transfer to the base of the Araucarias Ski Center; about an hour and a half. 5 am start of the ascent. We set off toward the summit. First we'll pass through a flat area, then the climb will get progressively steeper. The view is indescribable, with sights all the way to the volcano's summit, as well as Lonquimay Volcano, Tolhuaca, Antuco and the surrounding area. Continuing on our route we'll climb up to the lava flow at 2200 masl, where after a two-hour walk across a flat stretch, we can see Laguna Quepe, Cerro Colorado and the imposing Villarrica Volcano. After reaching the summit, we head back down to the base. Transfer back to Melipeuco. Rest and overnight stay.
Day 6: Rest day with easy outings around Conguillío National Park: waterfalls, lagoons and hot springs. Another night in Melipeuco.
Day 7: Early, transfer to the base of Solipulli Volcano, ascent of the volcano (6 hrs round trip) to its summit. On the way back, transfer and crossing into Argentina via the Icalma pass to Villa Pehuenia. Final night at a hostel in Villa Pehuenia.
Day 8: Final transfer to Zapala / Neuquén. End of the trip
Included Services
Mountain guides on all ascents.
Ongoing guide-coordinator throughout the entire trip
Transfers to and from Zapala.
Transfers to all the mountain bases
Lodging every night (7 nights, in Chile and Argentina, cabins or hostels)
All meals, from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8)
VHF communications equipment.
Pre-trip guidance through photos, maps, and meetings in Buenos Aires. (not mandatory).
Services NOT included
Travel to Zapala
Extra excursions not mentioned.
Beverages
Personal gear. Ask about rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these difficult ascents?
The technical difficulty comes from 35-degree slopes requiring crampons; and the physical demand is significant.
Do I need to be trained?
Yes, the physical demand is significant. We include specific guidance throughout the year to help you prepare. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups; if you're from elsewhere, we'll send you a training plan so you can train on your own.
Do I need previous experience?
It's important to have some previous experience with different treks. We recommend being in good physical shape. Summit day is intense.
Where do we spend the night?
Overnight stays are in cabins or hostels in Chile.
What's the weather or temperature like?
Even though it's summer, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures tend to drop at night and at dawn (on the second day).
From what age can you do this activity?
From age 13.
How much does the backpack weigh?
Approximately between 10 and 12 kilos.
Is there a porter service?
No. Everyone has to climb carrying the weight in their own backpack, their personal gear. Porter service can be arranged, but you need to ask and book it in advance.
What do we eat?
On all our expeditions we offer meals on a FULL BOARD basis.
Trail lunches (cold food): Breaded cutlet and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, charcuterie boards, salads, savory pies, etc.
Dinners: Usually hot. Vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, roasted beef (asado), chow fan (fried rice), chicken and rice casserole....
It's necessary to fill out the personal/medical form to let us know if anyone doesn't eat certain types of food.
Who's a good fit for Ascent of 3 Volcanoes in Chile (Lonquimay, Llaima and Solipulli)?
Ascent of 3 Volcanoes in Chile (Lonquimay, Llaima and Solipulli) is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Villa Pehuenia, Neuquén , in the region Patagonia, Argentina.
It lasts 8 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Ascent of 3 Volcanoes in Chile (Lonquimay, Llaima and Solipulli)?
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 Ascent of 3 Volcanoes in Chile (Lonquimay, Llaima and Solipulli)?
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 Ascent of 3 Volcanoes in Chile (Lonquimay, Llaima and Solipulli)?
Mountain guides on all ascents.
Ongoing guide-coordinator throughout the entire trip
Transfers to and from Zapala.
Transfers to all the mountain bases
Lodging every night (7 nights, in Chile and Argentina, cabins or hostels)
All meals, from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8)
VHF communications equipment.
Pre-trip guidance through photos, maps, and meetings in Buenos Aires. (not mandatory).
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
40%
Backpack (M)
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Clic para detalles
60%
Physical (F)
Physical demand
Clic para detalles
60%
Technical (T)
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Clic para detalles
60%
Psycho (P)
Psychological Strength
Clic para detalles
20%
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
Recommended for intermediate level
Previous experience and good physical condition required.
Dressing recommendations
An inner layer in contact with the skin, that "wicks" the moisture produced by sweat and carries it to the outside without holding it in the fabric, so we stay dry. A middle layer that provides thermal insulation, that isn't heavy or uncomfortable, so we stay warm. And an outer layer, waterproof-breathable, that protects us from the elements (rain, snow and wind).
General Gear
Special trekking backpack (40 to 60 liters)
Trekking poles.
FEET
1 pair of mountain boots for 4000 m peaks (not necessarily double boots). Waterproof
1 extra pair of trekking shoes
FIRST LAYER (Base layer)
Spare underwear.
Cotton t-shirts (for camp and for sleeping)
short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts/shirts
Long-sleeved synthetic t-shirt
Polypropylene or similar leggings/pants (not cotton). To wear as inner warm pants
Thin polypropylene or similar gloves (not cotton)
pairs of thin polypropylene or similar socks (not cotton), in contact with the skin.
Buff-style 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/duvet jacket
Warm hat (fleece).
THIRD LAYER (windproof and waterproof)
Waterproof jacket (ultrex, gore-tex or similar)
Over-pants (gore-tex or similar, or ski-type)
Third-layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). Can be ski-type
Mountain gaiters.
TECHNICAL GEAR - rentable
Crampons
Climbing/mountain helmet.
PERSONAL ITEMS
ID
Medical insurance, health coverage.
MISCELLANEOUS
Headlamp with batteries (with spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags to store clothes.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Sunglasses with UV Category 4 protection
Personal first aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!
MM
Mariano Marchioni
Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana
GA
Guillermina Augustu
Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
