Hey Lykkers! Join us for the ascent of Chile's second most active volcano, Llaima, located in Conguillio National Park, approximately 190 km from Pucón. As you enter the park, you'll be captivated by the Jurassic landscapes and native flora, including the ancient Araucaria forests.
At the summit, you'll experience the smell of volcanic gases and feel the earth's warmth. The view is breathtaking, encompassing the Sierra Nevada volcano, numerous lakes, rivers, and the stunning Araucaria tree forests.
Climbing Llaima volcano is a must-do for all mountain enthusiasts visiting the Araucanía region.
<h3>Getting There</h3>
Volcan Llaima is easily accessible from the town of Cherquenco, which serves as the starting point. Regular buses run from Temuco to Cherquenco.
From Cherquenco, you have a couple of options:
<b>1. Hike to the base of the volcano:</b> It's a 20 km (12 mi) journey on a logging road.
<b>2. Hitch-hike:</b> This option depends on your luck. While not many people travel directly to the mountain, there are locals living nearby who might be able to give you a lift part of the way.
Additionally, the small ski resort at the base has reopened, which increases traffic during winter. Summer also sees more visitors, potentially improving your chances of catching a ride.
<h3>Essential Tips</h3>
-There's a CONAF checkpoint approximately 5 km outside Cherquenco on the way up to Llaima, marking the entrance to Parque Nacional Conguillio.
-The entrance fee for the park is approximately 2800 Pesos (around $5) for adults and 800 Pesos (about $1-1.5) for children.
<h3>When To Climb</h3>
For hiking, the best time is from November to March, which is summer in the region.
For ski touring, the season extends through winter and spring. The optimal periods are:
• August: Cold but generally stable weather.
• Late September/October: Weather tends to be stable, marking the spring season when Chile's southern volcanoes are known for excellent skiing conditions.
September typically experiences numerous rainy days. In November, there may still be substantial snow accumulation depending on winter precipitation. Short skis are recommended during this time for optimal skiing conditions.
<h3>Maps</h3>
If you plan to hike or trek around Volcan Llaima, we recommend obtaining the "Curacautin" map (1:250,000 scale) from the Instituto Geográfico Militar in Santiago de Chile. They also offer more detailed maps at 1:50,000 scale.
The "Curacautin" map costs around 8100 Pesos and is highly detailed, making it the best option for navigating the region. However, note that some roads may not be entirely accurate, especially important if you're traveling by 4WD or motorcycle. In such cases, it's advisable to also have a good road map of Chile for additional navigation assistance.
<h3>Dining around there </h3>
<b>1. Restoran Dones:</b> While it might be a bit out of the way, the restaurant offers good quality food with friendly and efficient service. Prices are reasonable, and its location provides easy access to the southern route to Pillanlelbun.
If you're passing through on a trip, it's just a 4-minute detour from the main route. Expect to pay between CLP 10,000–15,000 per person. The restaurant is open from 9:30 AM to 11 PM, closed on Sundays.
<b>2. Nahuel Restaurant Melipeuco:</b> This restaurant is a fantastic choice offering delicious food at a very reasonable price. The pumpkin soup and salmon ceviche come highly recommended. The service is excellent, making it a place we would definitely recommend to others.
Expect to spend between CLP 10,000 and 15,000 per person. The restaurant opens at noon and closes at 11 PM.
Hey Lykkers! We hope you're inspired to explore the majestic Llaima volcano and its stunning surroundings in Conguillio National Park. Imagine hiking through Jurassic landscapes and ancient Araucaria forests, and reaching the summit to witness breathtaking views of Sierra Nevada volcano, lakes, rivers, and more.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this article and your experiences if you've visited Llaima or plan to. Let's chat about your adventures and tips for exploring this remarkable region!
