&Beyond Vira Vira is surrounded by spectacular natural terrain. The homeland of the indigenous Mapuche people, the region surrounding the lodge offers a vast selection of hiking/trekking excursions. In the company of one of our experienced guides, explore national parks that showcase beautiful forests, shimmering bodies of water, waterfalls, hot springs and the breath-taking terrain of majestic volcanoes draped with snow-capped peaks. Discover the beauty of Villarrica National Park and various trails on the border of Argentina and Chile.
Treks require sturdy hiking boots, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (walking poles and a backpack are optional). Treks vary on difficulty levels, durations and restrictions, and some are seasonal, so please be sure to check with your guide on arrival.
Pichillancahue Glacier
Walk inside an araucaria (monkey puzzle) tree and coigue forest. The ground is dappled with pyroclasts (volcanic fragments also known as tephra) due to the last eruption in 2015. The closer you get to the glacier, the more captivated you will be at the incredible views of four different volcanoes. Pass through a cave in order to see the phenomenal glacier itself.
Distance of trekking: 8km (4.97 miles) return
Elevation gain: 420m (0.26miles). Starts at 1290m, Lakes 1710m
Difficulty: Moderate
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, variable hawk, southern crested caracara, tiuke caracara
Trees to view: Coihue, araucarias (monkey puzzle), lengas
Time to go: December to May
Cerro Espejo
Hike through a forest of native coigues, raulies, canelillos, lengas and colihues. Reach the base of the Villarrica Volcano and observe volcanic footprints left by past eruptions and araucarias (monkey puzzle) trees. Continuing to the top of Cerro Espejo, capture dramatic views of the Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin Volcanoes, as well as the impressive Andes Mountain range.
Distance of trekking: 4 km (2.48miles) return
Elevation gain: 240m (0.14miles). Starts at 1200m, Lakes 1450m
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, grey-hooded sierra finch, variable hawk, southern crested caracara, chimango caracara
Time to go: November to May
Ascension Volcano*
Measuring an impressive 2847m (1.7 miles), the Villarrica Volcano features the perfect cone shape with a startling open lava pool crater at the top. This makes climbing the volcano one of the most memorable activities. From the top, view a textured landscape of mountains, volcanoes and countless lakes. This activity is at an additional cost.
Equipment: Mountain boots, walking poles, ice axe, crampons, helmet, trekking backpack (all gear provided), hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Distance of trekking: 10 km (6.21 miles) return
Elevation gain: 1427m (0.88miles). Starts at 1440m, Crater 2847m
Time to go: Year-round (depending on weather conditions)
*This experience is at an additional cost
Villarrica Traverse
Heading towards the Villarrica Volcano, start this trek near the ski centre which sits at 1400m (0.8 miles) above sea level. Walk around the base of the volcano, with postcard-perfect views of the region’s Villarrica and Calafquen Lakes. A panorama of the Llaima volcano is in sight, and walking at the base of Villarrica allows you to observe volcanic scorias left by the eruptions, a rare sight to view.
Equipment: Mountain boots, walking pools, ice axe, crampons, helmet, trekking backpack (all gear provided), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Distance of trekking: 10 km (6.21 miles) return
Elevation gain: 1.427m (0.88miles). Starts at 1.440, Crater 2.847m
Time to go: Year-round (depending on the weather conditions)
Crateres Parasitos
At the base of the Villarrica Volcano, begin the trek at 1175m (0.73 miles), passing volcanic scorias. Walk through a dense native forest before reaching an observatory located at 1400m (0.8 miles) and enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding lakes and volcanoes. Continuing the walk and reach a lava formation where it is possible to find parasitic craters.
Equipment: Trekking boots, walking poles, trekking backpack, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Distance of trekking: 8 km (5 miles) return
Elevation gain: 400m Starts at 1200m, Lakes 1.600m
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, traro, chucao, cometocino
Trees to see: Coihue, lengas, canelillo.
Time to go: December to May
Explore the Los Lagos, Puesco region
Quillehue Lagoon
On the Argentinian border, one-hour drive from &Beyond Vira Vira, arrive at the Quillehue Lagoon where the walk leads to the base of the Lanin Volcano. Passing beautiful Araucaria, lenga and coihue trees, continue to the hidden lagoon and into a forest covered with lichen.
Distance of trekking: 8 km (4.97 miles) return
Elevation Gain: 200m. Starts at 1400m, Lakes 1600m
Difficulty: Moderate
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, southern crested caracara, variable hawk, Chimango caracara, chucao tapaculo.
Trees to see: Araucarias (monkey puzzle), lengas, ñirres, colihues, canelillo.
Time to go: September to May
Laguna Verde
This trek begins at the Quillehue Lagoon on the Argentinian border. The walk takes 3h30min and consists of a trail through native trees that climbs up to 1900m (1.1miles) reaching the base of the Lanin Volcano. Expect captivating views of this volcano as well as the Andes Mountains.
Distance of trekking: 14 km (8.69miles) return
Elevation Gain: 500m Starts at 1400m, Lakes 1900m
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, southern crested caracara, variable hawk, chimango caracara.
Trees to see: Araucarias (monkey puzzle), lengas, ñirres, colihues, canelillo.
Time to go: December to May
Andean Lakes Trail
This exciting walk starts at Quillehue Lagoon, where you wind your way between araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees, lenga and coihue trees, with fascinating views of the Lanin Volcano. End off the trail with a local Mapuche feast.
Distance of trekking: 14 km (8.69 miles) return
Elevation Gain: 500m (0.31miles). Starts at 1400m, Lakes 1900m
Birds to see: Magellanic woodpecker, southern crested caracara, variable hawk, chimango caracara
Trees to see: Araucarias (monkey puzzle), lengas, ñirres, colihues, canelillo.
Time to go: December to May
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