Volcano Calbuco Climb

An out of the way, rarely climbed volcano. A partial crator on the summit and there are Ice caves in the crater formed by the hot fumes escaping from within.

At a glance

Duration:	1 day - (approx) 20 km's round trip / 1900m ascent
Volcano Height:	2003m
Access:	NO public buses - Hire a car or taxi.
Grade:	Very Hard due to 1900m of ascent. Ice Axe and Crampons may be needed.
Notes:	Two access options one is on private land. The route from Valle Los Ulmos is CLOSED.

Getting there

40 kms East of Puerto Montt. Volcano Calbuco can either be climbed from the north or south.

The north route is on private land and access is only granted to those staying at Casa Ko Bed & Breakfast. From the Village of Ensenada on the south east shore of the Lago Llanquihue drive about 5km west in the direction of Puerto Varas (km 37 on the Ensenada road), then turn off left on to a gravel road and head south (signed Casa Ko). About 3 km's south on the gravel road you arrive at Casa Ko. They will give give directions to their guests- you won't find the path without their directions!

From the south drive East from Puerto Montt to the village of Correntosa then about 7 km's north to the car park at the start of the Los Alerces del Rio Blano Trek.

The old access point from the north at the Valle Los Ulmos is closed as it crosses private land.

Maps

LLanquihue Travel & Trekking Map (2010) 1:150,000 shows the access and the route in from the south. Available from Zapato Amarillo Hostel
This Aoneker map shows part of the access from the north, but not the Volcano.

The Route

From the North:
This route is on private land and access is only granted to guests of Casa Ko. Only recommended for experienced trekkers/mountaineers. Enquire at CasaKo.com. To get to Casa Ko, get off the Pto Varas-Ensenada bus at km 37 and walk 3km's up the gravel road to their house - signed from the main road. Casa Ko clients can prearrange a free pickup from the bus stop on the main road at km 37.

From the South:
From the car park at the start of the Los Alerces del Rio Blanco trek, head North alongside the rive through the forest, crossing a bridge after about 1.5 hours. Continue north for another 1.5 hours to the Refugio Vn. Calbuco. From here the route heads north east out of the forest. There may be a small section of rocky scramble near the summit. Return via the same route.

Gallery

Click images to enlarge

Location