The real reward for our efforts came during the descent. Like barbarian conquerors of this monstrosity, we ran whooping down the slope onto the snow. Others simply plodded down with aching knee joints. Our instructor hammered through the snow in his boots as if on skis. Gazing back at the mountain from the town, we had a broader comprehension now.
Buses are a bargain by European or North American standards.
All buses are comfortable, well maintained, fast, and punctual. They generally have a toilet and serve refreshments and meals. Volcan Villarica remains snow capped in Summer and is clearly visible from both towns. It last blew its top early in the 1980 s. Pucon or Villarica are a 30 minute bus ride from the mountain s base camp.