Janines “J9” Account
Google
Exhilarating! Only 4 people and 2 extremely knowledgeable, helpful, awesome guides made it to the summit the day we climbed Volcan Villarica, due to high winds, low visibility, and precipitation in the form of snow ( white out conditions). My niece and I were 2 of the fortunate ( fearless and strong minded) who reached the summit. Due to the whiteout conditions, we were unable to view the active lava lake. Villarica has since erupted and blew it's top. I believe it lost 40 feet of elevation. It's not a very difficult climb, if you have self arrest training and aren't intimidated by heights, cold, and vertical. People do slide into crevasses, and you don't use a safety line with your team, so it's up to you to stop yourself. Gear (crampons, ice pick, helmet, pack, coveralls, boots, glissade sled) were provided. This was over 5 years ago. The outfitters we used were of Mapuche descent, and were so familiar with the mountain that I was astonished.