Volcano Calbuco
   Photo: Volcano Calbuco

Volcano Calbuco is active, but temporarily dormant volcano that is located between the shores of Lake Llanquihue and Lake Chapo in the National Reserve Llanquihue in the Andes in southern Chile at an altitude of 2015 m above sea level and rises above the neighboring peaks at 1,500 meters. The name of the volcano Calbuco language Mapuche means "blue water".

Geologists exploring a volcano for decades, believe that the volcano Calbuco is dangerous, with great destructive potential. It is located about 30 km from the larger populated cities, located at the foot of the volcano. There are suggestions that the biggest risk may be to the small town of Ensenada, in the eastern part of Lake Llanquihue.

There are historical records of centuries of volcanic activity Calbuco: in 1893 there was a strong and prolonged eruption with a big bang for five days, which led to the destruction of the top of the cone, after the fall of which was a trace descent lava masses, which can be seen to this day. This episode had catastrophic proportions. The settlers were evacuated. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. But the geographical landscape has been heavily modified to form new gullies and river mouth Kuinipak. The last activity of the volcano Calbuco occurred Aug. 12, 1996 with a small yield of gas.

The first ascent to the summit of the volcano Calbuco was committed in 1859, mountaineer Jean Reno. You can also become a conqueror of top of the volcano Calbuco. To do this, you need to drive through the small town of Puerto ILO and register with the staff CONAF, located at an altitude of 400 m in the south-western side of the volcano, breaking the 3-4 hour walk through the forest along the river bank from the office of the National Park Llanquihue.

Climbers this volcano called "Fat Man" because of its round shape with difficult terrain. Experienced climbers are advised to divide the climbing for two days, to spend the night in a small hut, which is located at an altitude of 1100 m. Therefore, should definitely bring a mat, a sleeping bag and a gas burner. A little more effort going through the thicket and steep snow-covered slope and you will find a lasting impression on the types of volcano Calbuco and magnificent half-hour descent on skis, if you, of course, not too lazy to grab them with you!

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Volcano Calbuco
Lake Chapo