Calbuco Volcano

The basics

Calbuco Volcano is located within southern Chile’s Llanquihue National Reserve at the northern edge of Chilean Patagonia. Tour operators in Puerto Varas lead travelers on full-day hiking excursions to the volcano on a route that goes along the Rio Blanco River and through ancient forest. A less demanding way to get a great view of Cabulco is by taking a kayak tour on the calm waters of Laguna La Poza.

Things to know before you go

• The volcano erupted several times in 2015 but has returned to the lowest alert level.

• Trails on Cabulco are well maintained, but you’ll still need good, sturdy footwear.

• Be prepared for changing conditions on the volcano: bring warm layers.

How to get there

Located in the Chilean Lake District, the Calbuco volcano is located southeast of Llanquihue Lake and northwest of Chapo Lake. You can see the volcano from the town of Puerto Varas and can drive to the base along a route that takes you through the Llanquihue National Reserve. Hiking tours of the volcano typically include pickup from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt.

When to get there

If you’d like to hike Cabulco Volcano, you should aim for a visit during the summer. Ice and snow make the trail difficult during the colder months. If you plan to hike to the top, get an early start, as the hike typically takes 7–8 hours (round-trip) to complete.

Osorno Volcano

The other, more recognizable, volcano that towers over Puerto Varas is Osorno. This volcano offers opportunities for hiking and skiing. A chairlift from Centro de Ski y Montaña resort takes you close to the peak and is open year-round. Experienced climbers can make it to Osorno's summit in around 10 hours (permits are required.).