Volcán Llaima, Chile. Summit Ascent. Trekking, Exploration and Mountaineering

This is one of the iconic environments of northern Patagonia, both on the Argentine side and on the Chilean side. Here the vegetation is dominated almost exclusively by one of the most striking and beautiful trees, the Pehuén, or Araucaria (monkey puzzle tree).

In this program we invite you to climb one of the most beautiful, and at the same time one of the most active, stratovolcanoes in South America: Volcán Llaima, over 3000 meters high. It's not a volcano as frequently visited as Lanín or Villarrica. Its last eruption is well remembered, back in 2008, when its ash and vapor covered much of the Moquehue and Villa Pehuenia area.

The climb is physically intense but doesn't reach the difficulty of Lanín.  The plan is to attempt its summit via one of its less-traveled slopes and routes (the east face), starting from Conguillío National Park, a true masterpiece of nature.

NOTE: This ascent can be combined with the ascent of Lanín and/or the Tri-Volcano program; including this one would make up the Tetra-Volcano program, with 4 classic volcanoes of the region: Quetrupillán, Villarrica, Lanín and Llaima: CLICK HERE

We recommend sleeping the night before in San Martin de los Andes.

Day 1: Meeting in San Martin de los Andes during the morning.  Introduction. Transfer by vehicle and crossing into Chile (Paso Tromen, Pino Hachado, or Icalma, depending on conditions); entry into Conguillío National Park. This day will be devoted to traveling and reaching base camp. We continue through the eastern and northern sector of Volcán Llaima. In the afternoon we reach the final base camp, on the northern or western side of Volcán Llaima (depending on conditions). Time to rest, hydrate. Early dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 2: Early, we set off toward the summit. First we pass through a flat area and then the climb becomes steeper and steeper. The panorama is indescribable, with views all the way to the top of the volcano, as well as Volcán Lonquimay, Tolhuaca, Antuco, and the surrounding area.
Continuing on, we climb up to the 2200 m.a.s.l. lava flow, where, after two hours of walking across a flat stretch, we can see Laguna Quepe, Cerro Colorado, and the imposing Volcán Villarrica. After reaching the summit we head back down to camp. Transfer back to Argentina. We arrive late at San Martin de los Andes. End of our services. 

This ascent can be combined with the Tri-Volcano program; including this one would make up the Tetra-Volcano program, with 4 classic volcanoes of the region: Quetrupillán, Villarrica, Lanín and Llaima: CLICK HERE

We include specific guidance year-round to help with your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups:

GEM Group (KDT): CLICK HERE

GEMA Group (San Isidro): CLICK HERE

If you're from somewhere else, we'll send you the training plan so you can train on your own.

• Professional guides
• Crampons, helmet, and ice axes if needed
• Transfer to Chile and to the base of the volcano, to and from Zapala.
• All meals
• Tents
• General camping and communication equipment
• Ongoing assistance

• Personal equipment
• Transfer/travel to Zapala
• Drinks
• Expenses incurred from leaving the program early

In mountain tents, a campsite with no facilities.

On all our expeditions we provide meal service ON A FULL BOARD BASIS.

On-the-go lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold-cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.

Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....

Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

It is necessary to fill out the personal/medical form to clarify if anyone does not eat certain kinds of food.

• Special trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters)
• Warm sleeping bag (0° comfort rating, e.g. 600/800g of good down or synthetic fill).
• Inflatable insulating sleeping pad (optional)
• Trekking poles 

• 1 pair of mountain boots for 4000m peaks (not necessarily double boots). Waterproof
• 1 extra pair of lightweight trekking shoes or outdoor sneakers.

• changes of underwear.
• Cotton t-shirts (for camp and sleeping)
• synthetic short-sleeved t-shirts
• Synthetic long-sleeved t-shirt
• Polypropylene or similar pants/leggings (no cotton). For use as warm base-layer pants
• Thin polypropylene or similar gloves (no cotton)
• pairs of thin polypropylene or similar socks (no cotton), worn against the skin.
• Buff-type multifunctional scarf.

• pairs of trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
• pairs of thick mountain socks
• Some cotton or wool socks (wool is good for sleeping)
• 1 pair of long trekking pants
• 2 warm layers (fleece, softshell, or similar)
• Down jacket
• Warm hat (fleece).

• Waterproof jacket  (ultrex or gore-tex or similar)
• Rain/wind pants cover (gore-tex or similar, or ski-type)
• Third-layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). Can be ski-type
• Mountain gaiters.

• Crampons 
• Ice axe 
• Climbing/mountain helmet

• ID document
• Health insurance, medical coverage.

• Headlamp with batteries (with spare batteries).
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

• Sunglasses with category 4 UV protection
• Personal first aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
• High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
• Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
• Other
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
• Shorts/swimsuit (hot springs)
• Sun cap 

Technical difficulty comes from 35-degree slopes requiring the use of crampons; physical difficulty comes from the second day, attempting the summit and then having to descend back down to base. 

Yes, the physical demand is significant. We include specific guidance year-round to help with your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups; if you're from somewhere else, we'll send you the training plan so you can train on your own.

It's important to have some previous experience with different treks. We recommend being in good physical shape. Summit day is intense.

Tents are included in the service.

Even though it's summer/spring, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures tend to drop at night and at dawn (on the second day).

Stops happen with a frequency and pacing that depends on the intensity.

From age 13 onward.

Approximately between 10 and 12 kilos. 

No. Each person must climb with whatever weight they carry in their own backpack, personal equipment. Porterage can be arranged, but it must be requested and booked in advance. 

On all our expeditions we provide meal service ON A FULL BOARD BASIS.

On-the-go lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold-cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.

Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....

Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

It is necessary to fill out the personal/medical form to clarify if anyone does not eat certain kinds of food.