We woke up at 4 a.m. to climb one volcano and make it halfway up the second in one day. Our first destination was Mount Casa Blanca, located in Northern Patagonia, with hints of either Moroccan sands or Chilean vineyards near Santiago.
By 7 a.m., we were already at the starting point, situated at the Antillanca ski resort: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nbGxZkLGaZRMoGgd9
We reached the summit from the parking in about two hours. This involved a 950 m vertical ascent over a 5 km trail. The initial part of the trail goes through the ski resort, allowing you to follow either the winding gravel road or take a more direct route under the ski lift. Afterward, the path turns to the right, away from the resort. Follow it until you reach the "Crater" sign, then turn onto the trail. The route is well-marked and will guide you to the summit of Volcano Casa Blanca.
Maps.me may show a trail in a different location with an earlier turn, but it's advisable to follow the signs, as the scenery is more picturesque. And I didn't see any trails at the location indicated on maps.me.
The correct trail from the turnoff to the summit of Casa Blanca is detailed here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/chile/los-lagos/crater-raihuen-volcan-casablanca
For a fee, you can even get a ride by car to this point.
The trail begins at the intersection of the Raihuen volcano crater. It's a remarkable place—a flat plain where lava sculptures of various shapes and sizes stand still amid green grass and wildflowers. This landscape triggered a flashback to watching The Lord of the Rings for me. It's in such surroundings that hobbits would flee from pursuing orcs, hiding behind rocks and cliffs.
The plain of the crater gives way to an ascent, followed by the next valley, revealing the first views of neighboring volcanoes. Further on, the ascent becomes constant. We traversed a couple of sections covered in snowfields. At this time of year (mid-January), there was still snow, but we didn't need additional gear like crampons.
And here's the final stretch, with the steepest ascent. As you reach it, your breath is taken away by the panoramic view that unfolds. I don't even remember how many volcanoes we counted from the summit. The perfect cone of Osorno, the massive Tronador, resembling Sauron's eye with its sharp peak Puntuagudo, and our next target, Puehye. Although Casa Blanca isn't the highest volcano in the area, the 360-degree view from its summit is one of the best.
It's windy at the top, so I recommend bringing all layers of clothing and a windbreaker, even on the hottest day.
We descended in just an hour, and it wasn't even noon yet. We spent the entire journey completely alone. Chileans were just beginning to wake up as we descended. The absence of heat and people are excellent motivators to head into the mountains at sunrise :)
To relax before the next 1000 meters of vertical gain, we headed to the hot springs. Whether hot or cold, the water has a magical recovering effect. It erases fatigue after a trek, and you're ready to climb the mountain again.
On the hot spring grounds, we discovered an ideal spot for a picnic with tables and a level lawn. You just have to cross the river on a small bridge.
Hot spring location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TeNeTaFL1HR5czvs6