Have you ever considered climbing a smoking volcano? How about rafting down a turquoise blue river through a dense green landscape dotted by snow-capped volcanoes? Each of these adventures, and more, are possible in Villarrica National Park.

 

Situated in the Araucanía Region, approximately 750 kilometers south of Santiago, Pucónis one of South America's top adventure tourism destinations, and its proximity to the park is a major reason. Within Villarrica's easily-accessible boundaries lies more than 630 square kilometers of protected nature.

 

The park's three main stratovolcanoes are big attractions, with the Villarrica Volcano garnering most of the attention, as it sits prominently above Pucón, with its trademark plume of smoke tempting visitors. It's also the easiest to ascend, with no special mountaineering experience required, just a lot of energy and perseverance. None-the-less it should never be attempted without a professional guide, of which many are available for hire from within town. A series of volcanic caves can also be explored on the volcano.

 

The Villarrica day-long climb is one of the most popular activities for visitors in the region, with an unsurpassed panoramic view waiting at the top, at a height of 2,860 meters. It's also possible to climb volcanoes Lanín (3,747 m) and Quetrupillán (2,360 m), though these climbs are much more technical in nature.

 

Another popular activity in the park is challenging the rapids of the Trancura River. The lower section has a series of Class III falls and drops suitable for beginners and novices. More seasoned river runners should 

look to the Class IV and V+ rapids of the upper Trancura.

 

Which ever section you choose, the ride down features stunning views of the park's snow-capped volcanoes while the river's course winds its way through ravines and valleys amidst Valdivian temperate rainforest, 　portions of which are an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 

For those looking for a more leisure-like adventure, the park has a well-organized and marked trail system, for both day hiking and longer multi-day treks. The park's ecosystem is filled with a variety of unique flora and fauna, including pumas, pudu, peregrine falcons, Darwin's frogs, hawks, grison, and the endangered monito del monte or "mountain monkey," which is regarded by scientists as a living fossil. The ancient araucaria tree is common in the forests of the park, especially at higher elevations.