Mountaineering Central Andes, Chile
Descabezado Volcano

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Descabezado Grande (Decapitated Volcano)

Altitude : 3.830 m.s.n.m.
Length : 9 days
Difficulty: Easy, long walks
Minimum : 2 persons
Suitable date : November - April

In the Maule district, the Andes has a extremely different scenery of incomparable beauty. This trip that finish in a wide crater measuring 1,5 km across, goes through native chilean forest like Lenga and Roble, with wild birds like eagles, red head woodpeckers, parrots; and places surrounding by clear streams, waterfalls, hot springs, snow and lava fields, making this trips something unforgettable.


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Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Santiago.
Pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel in Santiago.
Day 2: Santiago - Vilches.
Pick up at the hotel. Ground transfer from Santiago towards the south region. After 4 hours drive we will arrive to Altos de Lircay Natural Forest reserve. Our camping is located surrounding by native chilean Nothofagus forest like Ñirre, Roble, Hualo, Ciprés, Raulí and the granite mountains. Tent.
Day 3: Lircay - Blanquillo river camp.
In the morning, we will load the horses with our common gear and personal mountaineering equipment. Beginning of the approach to the  Volcano, through the path that leave us into the Venado valley. Camp.
Day 4: Blanquillo river camp – Hot spring camp.
Trek by the Blanquillo valley, 8 hours until out camp close to the hot springs. In this day we will cross several times the river, so a good pair of sandals are high recommended. Camp.
Day 5: Hot spring camp – Summit – Hot spring camp.
Beginning of the climbing early in the morning towards the summit at 3.830 alti-meters, place where is locate the wide mouth of this volcano. We will walk over hard snow and lava fields (pumice rocks). Back to the cozy campsite by the hot springs.
Day 6: Extra summit day
Day 7: Hot spring camp – waterfall camp.
Descend to Claro river  and continue by the same way up until the Despalmado waterfall, great place for swim. Camp.
Day 8: Waterfall camp – Vilches.
Climb back to The Mirador (lookout) in Reserva de Lircay. Continue to Altos de Lircay camp. Tent
Day 9: Vilches – Santiago.
Ground transfer to Santiago (4h.). Hotel

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Service includes:

- Mountain Guides
- Private ground transport
- High mountain tents
- Mules for common equipment
- Mules for personal mountaineering equipment
- Base camp Dinner tent with tables and chairs
- Medicine kit
- Radio communication UHF - VHF
- Meals while we are in the mountain (breakfast, dinner and box lunch)
- Satellite phone
- Two hotel nights in Santiago, double room with breakfast
- Lircay Park entrance fees

Service does not include:

- All personal climbing equipment
- Accident and rescue insurance
- Cash for extra expenses
- Extra meals in cities
 - Sleeping bag and mattress



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Central Andes: Altar and Paloma....El Plomo....Tupungato....Marmolejo/San Jose....Maipo Volcano
South Central Andes: Descabezado Grande Volcano