Calbuco (volcano)Calbuco (volcano) at a Glance
About Calbuco (volcano)
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Calbuco (volcano)
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 2° - 13° | 4° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 7.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 1° - 13° | 4° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 6.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 0° - 11° | 1° | 119 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 6.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 8° | -2° | 148 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 7.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 5° | -6° | 175 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| June | Poor | -5° - 2° | -8° | 212 mm | overcast | 93% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| July | Poor | -5° - 2° | -9° | 277 mm | overcast | 93% | 8.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| August | Poor | -5° - 3° | -8° | 237 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| September | Poor | -5° - 5° | -6° | 151 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.7h |
| October | Poor | -3° - 7° | -3° | 98 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Acceptable | -1° - 10° | -1° | 94 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.3h |
| December | Acceptable | 1° - 12° | 2° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 7.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.9h |
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.