We start at our agency or pick you up at your accommodation to begin our adventure exploring the geological richness of the territory. The first village we pass is Curarrehue, which means “Stone Altar” and has been sculpted by the force of glaciers and erosion.
We continue our journey to Puesco, which means “water of the north”. Here we will have privileged views of the Las Peinetas rock formation, also known as Sierra Millallifen, a monument created by the collision of the tectonic plates.
Arrival at the Puesco sector of the Villarrica National Park, at the foot of the Lanín Volcano, or Awelñanko as it is called in the village. We start at an altitude of 1,170 m and advance 4.5 km to our first camp at 2,300 m (+1,130 m elevation gain) at a leisurely but steady pace. From there, we're surrounded by the imposing Rukapillan, Quetrupillan, and Quinquilil volcanoes, the Las Peinetas rock formation, and the border with Argentina, which is evident from the vegetation line. At sunset, we'll see the shadow of the Lanín painting the horizon before enjoying dinner and mate with stories.
At 3:00 AM, we begin the final ascent, climbing 1,447 m to see the sunrise at more than 3,000 metres above sea level, an unforgettable moment. Between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, we reach the highest summit of La Araucanía, at 3,747 metres above sea level.
The descent takes us back to the camp. We can usually slide in the snow, making it very entertaining and fast. After a rest to recover and prepare our equipment, we continue to the base.
We wrap up the experience at the Puesco brewery at the foot of the Peinetas or Sierra Millallifen and on the banks of the river with a delicious dinner and a glass of craft beer to celebrate the experience.
Then we begin the return trip by vehicle and drop you off at your accommodation.