Volcano Lonquimay Summit Climb
Volcano Lonquimay
Volcano Lonquimay is an active strata volcano of 2865 MASL/9399 FASL, located in the Andes mountain range in the central-south of Chile. It forms part of the National Reserve Malalcahuello – Nalcas.
The ascent
The summit can be climbed all year round. In winter it´s usual to have to use crampons and ice axe, near the top, although you may start with skis. Sometimes it´s impossible to make the climb due to the climatic conditions. It is necessary to be prepared for this possibility and not take risks due to time pressures or unrealistic expectations.
In summer the climb may be commenced from near the Corralco Hotel and ski base or, if you travel by car, you can drive up to the start of the Crater Navidad walk and traverse across the slopes towards the summit from that point. The upper part of the climb is made over loose volcanic scree slope.
From the summit one is rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree view of mountains, valleys and volcanoes.
The descent
In summer, the descent can be quite rapid if one is prepared to almost run down the loose scree slope from hte summit to the 4WD track that winds down the mountain.
In winter the climatic conditions determine what type of descent you have. If conditions are right, it´s possible to ski the descent, however, there are often icy and windy conditions.
The entire trip takes around 6 hours, depending very much on climatic conditions but also the experience and physical fitness of the participants.
A topographic map can be obtained on line from downloadable or delivered on tear resistant paper. Sometimes the park rangers at the entrance to the Reserve have a basic map.
How to arrive
4WD vehicle is by far the best option to get to the Reserve in winter. In summer it´s possible to enter in a 2WD. Public transport is more complicated. There are buses from Temuco to within 9km from the start of the walk (Buses Bio Bio and Erbuc). From the drop off point of the bus, it´s necessary to make your own way vía private transfer business or some other way.
If you prefer to climb with an experienced guide, it´s possible to organise this with a local guide from Malalcahuello or Curacautín. For an all included package that includes lodging, transfers and experienced guide, Contact Us or see details on of our guided tour here.
