A volcano with a truncated shape and a crater of more than 2 kilometers in diameter, from its summit, the Puyehue Volcano delivers one of the most complete volcanic experience of the region.
Despite its proximity to the Caulle and also being an active volcano, the Puyehue does not register historical eruptions, but it is quite active. On its slopes it is common to observe steam vents, geysers, lava flows of different colors, and/or traces of the recent eruption – in 2011 – of the neighboring Cordón del Caulle.
Accessing by its south face, its ascent is not complex. The approach is made through a path immersed in a lenga forest, to then access an extensive coironal and almost reaching the limit of the vegetation to a rustic and comfortable wooden shelter. It is at this point where the ascent to the main summit usually begins the following morning.
In late summer the absence of snow in the trail is common, however, in winter and spring, much of the ascent goes through the snowy hillsides.
From its summit the predominant view is towards the main crater, the Puyehue lake, the Ranco, the Casa Blanca volcano and the Pantojo hill on the border with Argentina. Undoubtedly one of the best classic mountaineering experiences in southern Chile.
