Villarrica (volcano)

Villarrica is an active stratovolcano in Chile’s Araucanía region and one of the country’s most active volcanic centers. It towers above the towns of Pucón and Villarrica and is a prominent landmark on the southern shore of Lake Villarrica.

The volcano is a popular destination for guided climbs to the summit crater in summer and for winter sports on its slopes; local operators run ascents that require crampons and technical guidance. The summit area periodically shows lava lake activity and persistent fumaroles, making it a focus for volcanological monitoring.

Villarrica has produced frequent eruptions in the modern era and prompted evacuations in notable episodes, most recently during increased activity in 2015. The mountain forms part of the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes and is closely monitored by Chilean authorities.

The volcano sits in south-central Chile near the towns of Villarrica and Pucón, forming a dominant cone on the landscape and rising directly from the lakeshore environment of Lake Villarrica.

• Elevation: Elevation is approximately 2,847 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher and more accessible active volcanoes in Chile.
• Activity: Known for frequent activity, including an eruption sequence in 2015 that led to evacuations of nearby communities.

What to See #

• Summit crater: The summit crater, which periodically hosts lava lakes and fumarolic activity, is the main focus of scientific observation and guided climbs.
• Ski area: A developed ski area on the volcano's slopes that operates in the southern hemisphere winter and provides access for winter sports and summer hiking.