Calbuco (volcano) | TravelDojo

Calbuco is an active stratovolcano in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, rising to roughly 2,015 metres above sea level. It is one of the region’s more active volcanic centers with notable eruptions in recent decades.

The mountain is visited for its volcanic landscape and views of nearby lakes and forests, but access is limited or restricted during periods of unrest. When quiet, surrounding routes and viewpoints offer panoramas over the lake district to the west and south.

Calbuco has a history of intermittent explosive eruptions recorded in the 20th and 21st centuries, including a major eruption in April 2015 that produced ash plumes and prompted evacuations. It is monitored by Chilean geological agencies for seismic and eruptive activity.

The volcano lies inland in southern Chile’s lake district, north-east of Puerto Montt and within a landscape of lakes, rivers and temperate rainforest. It is part of the southern Andes volcanic zone.

Elevation: Rises to about 2,015 metres and is classified as an active stratovolcano with historic eruptions recorded in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Recent activity: The 2015 eruption produced significant ashfall and led to local evacuations and air traffic disruption in the Los Lagos region.

How to Get to Calbuco (volcano) #

The nearest major hub is Puerto Montt. From Puerto Montt (El Tepual Airport) it’s a road journey to lakeside towns like Puerto Varas and then onwards by car or boat toward the fjord systems that frame views of Calbuco. Local tour operators in Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas can arrange safe viewing trips; do not attempt to approach the volcano without current clearance from Chilean authorities.

Tips for Visiting Calbuco (volcano) #

If visiting the general area, check Chile's Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) advisories-Calbuco is active and access can be restricted on short notice.
Photographs of the dramatic April 2015 eruption (22-23 April 2015) show an ash plume that reached 15-20 km; view imagery from that event before travel to understand the volcano's scale.
Approach the region via Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas; local tour operators can arrange safe viewing from recommended vantage points-do not attempt to approach the vent.

Best Time to Visit Calbuco (volcano) #

Best seen from late spring to early autumn for clearer weather and safer regional travel; always check volcanic activity alerts.

Southern summer (December-March)

Dec-Mar · 6°C-18°C in surrounding lowlands

Milder weather and better visibility for views and boat tours around the Llanquihue/Reloncaví areas.

Shoulder season (April-May)

Apr-May · 4°C-15°C

Fewer crowds; keep an eye on seismic advisories if the volcano shows unrest.

Weather & Climate near Calbuco (volcano) #

Climate

Calbuco (volcano)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -5°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1717 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

JanuaryFebruaryDecember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

36°

Warmest Month

-8°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

62 Good

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

2° – 13°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

48 mm

Rainfall

7.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

14.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

1° – 13°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

75 mm

Rainfall

6.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

2.0

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

0° – 11°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

119 mm

Rainfall

6.6 m/s

Wind

Breezy

1.3

UV Index

High

12.2h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-2° – 8°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

148 mm

Rainfall

7.1 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

10.8h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-3° – 5°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

175 mm

Rainfall

8.3 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (212 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-5° – 2°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

212 mm

Rainfall

8.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (277 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor