Skiing in Chile's Lake & Volcano District - 9 Days

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. 

Suggested activities include:

• Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, where you can get your bearings by surveying the area from a high vantage point. Pathways lead 2,788 feet (850 m) up this central hill to a series of lookouts that offer wraparound views of Santiago. If you aren't the hiking type, not to worry: catch a scenic gondola instead.
  
  
• Stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista. On the north side of Santiago, you'll find this trendy enclave, at once fashionable and bohemian. Stroll past colorful houses adorned with graffiti art and choose between an eclectic array of eateries and bars—great for people watching. 
  
  
• Visit the Plaza de Armas, a stone plaza located in Santiago's historic center dating to 1541. There's also the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical church dating to 1748 whose towering twin bell towers dominate the north side of the plaza.
  
  
• Snap pics in front of the Palacio de la Moneda. Chile's opulent Presidential Palace (known simply as "La Moneda") is a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas. It was here in 1973 that Chile's armed forces, backed by the U.S. government, overthrew President Salvador Allende, kicking off a brutal right-wing military dictatorship that would last for 17 years. Visitors are welcome.

For dinner be sure to get out of the hotel and enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas, cazuelas (stews), and seafood with ingredients harvested all the way from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in the Bellavista neighborhood but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Flight to Temuco – Drive to Malalcahuello & Corralco

After breakfast in Santiago, you'll transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Temuco—the heart of the Araucanía Region (1 hour) and gateway to the volcanoes of southern Chile.

From Temuco Airport, you will drive to the mountain village of Malalcahuello, located in Chile’s first Geopark “Kütralkura”, which means fire rock in the local language. You will visit the National Reserve Nalcas-Malalcahuello and travel through an amazing forest of evergreens also known as ‘monkey puzzle trees'.

You will arrive at Corralco Ski Resort on the south slopes of the active Lonquimay volcano where your ski trip begins. This resort is renowned for its excellent snow conditions and used by international ski teams for training. After check-in, take some time to relax at the fantastic spa. Later in the evening, your guides will give a briefing about the tour, followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Backcountry skiing in Lonquimay Volcano

This morning you'll explore the area on your first skiing excursion. Our guides will evaluate your skills and split the group into two teams according to your level. Corralco offers 500 acres (200 hectares) of uncrowded ski runs for all levels of ski and snowboard lovers. 

With the new lifts, you can ski on almost every corner of the mountain. You’ll have a vast 2470 acres (1000 hectares) ski domain to go on and off-piste through valleys and gullies. The stunning view from above overlooks fantastic peaks of the Andean Araucanía, including Sierra Nevada (8379 ft / 2554 m) and Llaima volcano, as well as Lanín volcano (12,172 ft / 3710 m) in the distance to the south. 

If weather conditions are favorable, you will attempt to ascend the Lonquimay volcano and reach its massive crater (9400 ft / 2865 m). From the top lift, there is a tough hike to the top (1-2 hours) from where you can enjoy magnificent views and then ski off-piste to the bottom of the slopes. This activity is strictly reserved for people in strong physical condition with an advanced level of skiing. 

In the evening you return to the hotel, relax in the spa, and enjoy the restaurant and bar. 

Day 4: Ski in Corralco - Drive to Pucón

This morning you will enjoy more ‘backcountry’ skiing in the Lonquimay volcano area, and take advantage of the new lifts “Cumbre” and “Navidad”. After a quick lunch on the way, you will drive to Pucón, Chile’s Adventure Travel capital. You will test out your mountain gear for the following day’s climb of Villarrica Volcano. 

Then you have a pasta dinner, stay overnight at the famous Antumalal Hotel and enjoy the Antumaco Spa.   

Day 5: Villarrica Volcano Climb - Ski Pucón

Waking early, at 7.45 am we will go to Pucón Ski Center, which has nine ski-lifts (five draglifts and three chairlifts), and 20 runs to choose from.

If the weather allows, you will hike up the Villarrica volcano (9340 ft / 2847 m) to reach its active crater. You will always be accompanied by our specialized guides. The views from the slopes overlooking Lake Villarrica and the surrounding volcanoes are fabulous. Ski off-piste all the way down if you have an advanced level of skiing. The ascent lasts approximately six hours and the downhill skiing will take about 40 minutes. 

At the base of the resort, there is a cafeteria, and terrace to relax before return to Pucón. In the evening you will enjoy a Chilean style BBQ with our local guides. Overnight again at Antumalal Hotel & Spa.

Day 6: Rest Day - Hot Springs Geométricas

Today is a day for relaxation. You can choose from various options in the morning, including exploring downtown Pucón for shopping or simply relax in the Spa. After lunch together, you'll drive south for two hours through the Seven Lake Route, seeing several majestic snow-capped volcanoes such as Quetrupillan and Rucapillan. 

Day 7: Ski Pucón - Drive to Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve

Today there is more skiing at Pucón Ski Resort, exploring some off-piste areas. After checking out of the hotel, you will drive for three hours to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. On arrival at the unique Nothofagus Hotel, relax at their fantastic Spa Lawenko before dinner.

OPTION: Try to climb Villarrica volcano if weather conditions were not good the day before, and then drive to Huilo-Huilo.

Day 8: Mocho Volcano Climb - Ski in Huilo-Huilo

Today you will combine the adventure of climbing and skiing on active volcanoes. After an early morning breakfast, you go off-road with a 4WD vehicle through the native forest to reach the snow. Then the adventure continues on cat-skis and snowmobiles on an hour-long ride to a plateau beneath both volcanoes. 

With no ski lifts here, skiing and hiking are the only ways to reach the top of both volcanoes – Mocho (7946 ft / 2422 m) and Choshuenco (7923 ft / 2415 m). Enjoy incredible views overlooking the Lanín and Villarrica volcanoes. 

You will return to Huilo Huilo around 6 pm to relax at their spa before a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Transfer to Temuco - Departure

After a week-long adventure, say goodbye to the Southern Volcanoes of Chile. Transfer in the morning from Huilo-Huilo to Temuco’s airport catch the flight to Santiago for your departure home.