Villarrica NP

The oldest of Chile's national parks, Villarrica became a protected area in 1912 and a park in 1925. This is a rich landscape, of glaciers creeping down the sides of snow-capped monoliths, whilst below them lush Valdivian rainforest is broken up by lava fields - rough, dark swathes that have swallowed up the Andean flora in their path. A volcanic ridge runs right through the park, extending incongruously at a right angle from the main Andean range, and dominated by three vast volcanoes - Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin.

Easy accessibility from the busy town of Pucon and the draw of enigmatic Volcan Villarrica have been primarily responsible for the park's popularity. However, the crowds of people who visit here each year, making Villarrica the most climbed stratovolcano in the world, do not significantly detract from the incredible experience that summiting this volcano offers. The bleak splendour of the volcanic landscape, frequently difficult conditions, and, above all, the lava lake nestling in the cauldron of the crater, make this an unforgettable walk.

For those seeking an escape from the more heavily visited areas, there is the multi-day Villarrica Traverse, skirting Volcan Villarrica before heading southeast to Quetrupillan and the Argentine border. For the most part following exposed ridges along the main volcanic crest, this trek meanders across rough lava fields, occasionally dipping into the shady forests of beech and money puzzle trees.

This is a walk of contrasts. Peer into astonishingly clear waters at Laguna Azul, before heading east to watch the creamy white waters of Laguna Blanca lap its black volcanic shoreline. Gaze over vast swathes of bleak, greyscale landscape, and then catch a glimpse of hardy yellow flowers braving the odds to provide a dash of colour. Crossing fleetingly over the Argentine border provides a vista over the untamed valley of the Rio Blanco, before the trail leads you back to civilization in the small settlement of Puesco.

Climbing Volcan Villarrica, unless you are a qualified mountaineer, requires a guide. Companies used to completing the hike will make a decision regarding the conditions as to whether they take you up the volcano. Both the climb and the Villarrica Traverse are very exposed, and the weather can change rapidly and dramatically. Check conditions and advice before you set out, be ready to turn back or seek shelter lower down if it becomes necessary and, above all, come prepared.