The ascent combines the evergreen forest and the vestiges of the last eruptions, combining trekking in the forest and volcanic scree with easy climbs on rocks during the summer or on snow during the winter and spring. In its upper part there is a large crater on the east side and a rock pyramid on its main summit (southwest).
Rising almost 1,500 meters above the surrounding peaks, with a truncated shape as a result of a violent eruption in 1893 and presenting significant volcanic activity in 2015 and 1961. The Calbuco receives its name from the first peoples who traveled through these lands and although Kallfüko is not its only denomination, it is the one that has transcended and speaks of the mountain of blue waters where the evergreen forest, coihues, ulmos, tepa and of course the murtas predominate. And where foxes, pudúes, pumas and a great variety of birds inhabit, from the chucao in the deepest of its forests to condors in the ravines and rocks of its upper part.
Its southern ascent route through the Llanquihue National Reserve is extensive and physically demanding. Although it is feasible to do it in one long day, our regular program divides the ascent in two days, spending the night in the refuge built by the Free Sport Foundation at the edge of the vegetation, which we will reach by following the course of the Blanco River.
The night in the refuge will serve to replenish energy with the views that we will achieve as we gain altitude and continue the ascent in a now rockier terrain, with rocky climbs to reach the base of the summit tower. In winter and spring it is possible that this stretch is snowy or icy!
The return to the vehicle is long. So the maximum time to start the return from the summit will be 11 am. With this we will have a demanding day, with great views, lots of green and, we hope, a beautiful summit of the volcanoes of southern Chile!
