MOCHO-CHOSHUENCO VOLCANO
Ascent
Los Ríos Region - Chile - 2,422 mts
Mocho-Choshuenco: An Adventure That Has It All
Climbing the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano is a unique experience in the heart of southern Chile.
The journey begins among native forests and ascends to eternal snow, crossing the Tumba del Buey glacier.
From the summit (2,422 meters above sea level), the view is breathtaking: you can see more than 14 volcanoes,including Villarrica, Lanín, Quetrupillán, and Osorno as well as lakes like Panguipulli, Riñihue, and Neltume, which reflect the sky between green valleys.
Nearby rises Choshuenco, an ancient volcanic ruin that completes this cinematic landscape.
Nature, adventure, and views that take your breath away one of the most incredible activities you can do in the Chilean Andes.

Day Before the Ascent
On the afternoon before the climb, we meet with the mountain guide who will be leading the ascent.
During this meeting, we check the equipment, go over the final details of the program, and clear up any questions the group may have.
Day 1 – Beginning the Adventure
We depart early from San Martín de los Andes, heading toward the Hua Hum border crossing, aiming to arrive in time to catch the ferry across Lake Pirihueico.
We cross into Chile and continue the journey to Puerto Pirihueico. The ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes.
Upon arriving in Puerto Fuy, we take a break for lunch.
Then we continue by vehicle to the mountain refuge, traveling around 45 km. We stay overnight there using sleeping bags.
In the afternoon, we have a snack, organize our backpacks, and go over the ascent plan. The day ends with dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 2 – Ascent of the Mocho-Choshuenco Volcano
The departure time will be determined based on weather conditions, but the plan is to start around sunrise to make the most of the day’s best hours.
We begin the ascent from the mountain refuge, passing through a variety of landscapes: first, we cross an Andean-Patagonian forest, then gain altitude through highland grasslands, rocky terrain, and finally reach the glacier, where we tackle the final stretch of the climb.
The activity includes different summit options, depending on the group’s physical condition and the weather conditions:
-Summit of Choshuenco Volcano (more demanding and longer distance)
-Summit of Mocho Volcano (more accessible)
-Both summits, if the group wishes and time/weather allows
After the descent, we return to the refuge to enjoy a well-deserved snack, a refreshing shower, and get ready to share the final dinner of the program in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
Day 3 – Return to San Martín de los Andes & End of the Adventure
After breakfast, we get ready to begin the return journey to Puerto Fuy, where we’ll once again take the ferry.
During the lake crossing, we say goodbye to the stunning landscape dominated by the two volcanoes visible from the port. From Puerto Pirihueico, we continue on to the border control, and then head back to San Martín de los Andes.
We expect to arrive around 5:00 PM, approximately.
SUMMARY
SLOPE | HEIGHTS | HOURS | ACCOMMODATION | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | 1000 mts | 330 - 1330 | 4 / 5 | Camp |
Day 2 | 1000 mts | 1330 - 2300 - 330 | 7 | San Martín de Los Andes |
Technical Information
Total days: 4
Days in the mountains: 2
Meeting point: San Martin de Los Andes.
Finishing point: San Martin de Los Andes.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Mountain guide
- Assistant
- Entry to the estate
- Shelter
- All meals in the mountains
- Personal technical equipment
- Group Technical equipment
- Communication equipment
- First Aid equipment
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Accommodation in San Martin de los Andes
- Load bearing
- Personal Equipment