Page 128 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Volcano Tourism – Central and South American Examples 105

The Villarica volcano is in the touristic Chilean Washington State in the USA. Crevasse danger on
Lake District about 400 miles south of Santiago. the standard route is not really existent; however,
The volcano is the main tourist attraction to the climbers should carry an ice axe and bring
town of Pucón located on the edge of Lake crampons in case of icy conditions, as the hazard
Villarica. The lake has black sandy beaches from of uncontrolled slides onto rocks is a concern.
the lava previously spewed from the volcano and Experienced mountaineers climb it in two or
Pucón is a focus of adventure tourism in Chile, three hours, while beginners complete it in
but the smoking volcano less than eight miles approximately five hours. The crater of Villarrica
away is a constant reminder that the next major is 100 metres deep and it is advisable not to get
eruption could obliterate the town. Pucón is like too close to the mouth of the volcano. Fluctuations
a Swiss Alpine town and the economy depends on in the level (±80m) of the ‘lava lake’ occur
outdoor activities such as skiing, climbing, white regularly and degassing can be a hazard. In
water rafting and mountain biking. particular, higher SO emissions appeared to be
2
Pucón is a centennial tourist destination, related to higher levels of the lava lake, stronger
created with the support of European settlers, bubble bursting activity and changes in the
particularly Germans, who started arriving at the morphology and texture of the crater floor
end of the 19th century and the beginning of the (Witter and Delmelle, 2004).
20th century. It was initially established as an army
outpost to protect the borders and contribute to Conclusions
the pacification of Araucanía. A fort was thus Although climbing Villarrica (and other volcanoes
erected on 27 February 1883 by the Chilean army, in Central and South America) is not that hard it
similar to the ones in Paillin (known today as is necessary to be in good physical condition and
Palguín) and Maichi. The successful coexistence to have the authorization of Chile’s National
between natives and settlers allowed cattle ranching Forest Corporation (CONAF) in order to do so.
and exploitation of the forests to fructify and Tourists need to be accompanied by a professional
become the main economic activities during the guide. Thousands of people make the climb each
initial years. Tourist development did not begin in year, most of them in January and February, taking
earnest until the 1930s, with the construction of in the spectacular views of Llaima, Choshuenco,
the Gran Hotel Pucón. Today, the area around Quetrupillán, Lanin and Lonquimay on the
Villarrica volcano is a popular tourist resort with a horizon. Crampons, ice axe and/or trekking poles
summertime (December–February) population of and warm windproof clothing are essential
up to 160,000 within a 25km radius of the crater. equipment year round. The ascent to the summit
Dominating the landscape, the Villarrica of Villarrica, towering menacingly over Pucón, is
volcano is the major attraction. This volcano is the an adventure positively fizzing with excitement
centre of tourist activity in the area. The volcano for tourists, but not without danger. At the summit
boasts a ski centre; in the winter (July–September) the rim of the crater is very brittle, and changes
skiing is practiced on the northern slopes of shape according to changing temperatures, water
Villarrica). Guided hikes to the crater are offered content and all those little earthquakes the volcano
from the town of Pucón, which can be suspended is causing all the time. Walking here requires care,
in periods of seismic or increased volcanic activity. and this advice applies to all the volcano treks that
Helicopter sightseeing services offer flights over are becoming increasingly popular for tourists.
the crater as well. Due to its accessibility and non-
technical nature, Villarrica is climbed by thousands References
of people, Chilenos and non-Chilenos alike, Barquero, J. and Melson, W. G. (2005) Uncertainties in
annually. Climbers are also drawn to Villarrica to Probability Calculations of Future Fatal Eruptions at
experience the volcano’s active crater. Villarrica’s Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, a Favorite Tourist
standard route is non-technical. Its level of Destination, Agu Abstract, San Jose
difficulty, in terms of altitude, steepness and de Silva, S. L. and Francis, P. W. (1991) Volcanoes of the
duration, is similar to that of Mt St Helens in Central Andes, Springer-Verlag, New York

Ch07.indd 105 3/28/2010 1:27:59 PM