Ruta del Volcán — Villarrica Traverse via Curarrehue and Paso Mamuil Malal
Live volcano, river fords, Andean border grit.
Volcán Villarrica has erupted as recently as 2015, and you feel that tension in the ground when you roll the lakeside dirt roads out of Pucón and push east toward Curarrehue. The route threads Mapuche community lands, crosses the Trancura River — a legitimate axle-deep ford in snowmelt season — and climbs to the 1,207-metre Paso Mamuil Malal border crossing into Neuquén, Argentina. The volcano is never out of sight on the Chilean side, steaming above pines and open pasture in equal parts beautiful and unsettling.
This is a Moderate-to-Difficult run depending on season. River levels spike hard October through December; hit it January to March for manageable crossings and dry gravel. A stock high-clearance 4WD handles the main track, but a locker helps in the river mud. Chilean customs at Mamuil Malal are strict — no fresh fruit, no meat crossing the border. Fuel in Pucón before you go; nothing reliable east of town on the Chilean side. The Argentine side drops you into Junín de los Andes, where you can resupply and camp freely along the Chimehuin River. The Mapuche scenery, live volcano backdrop, and the border river crossing make this one of the most atmospheric drives in the southern Andes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3960 ft |
| Best season | January-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Pucón, Araucanía Region, Chile |
| Land manager | CONAF Chile / Chilean National Customs (Paso Mamuil Malal) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | CONAF Villarrica National Park Paso Mamuil Malal border info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can manage the route, but low-range and a locking diff are non-negotiable on the loose volcanic gravel and river ford sections. A lift helps on the deeper crossings — anything under 8 inches of clearance is a liability after rain.
What's the window for running this trail — and what kills access?
January through March is the reliable window. Snow closes the high sections from roughly May through November, and the Paso Mamuil Malal border crossing itself has been known to shut without warning due to weather or volcanic activity alerts from Villarrica. Check SERNAGEOMIN's volcanic alert status before you go.
Do I need permits on both sides of the border, and what's the crossing process at Paso Mamuil Malal?
You'll need valid vehicle documentation and passport for both Chilean and Argentine customs at Paso Mamuil Malal — the crossing is open seasonally, typically 8am–8pm in summer. CONAF may require a park entry fee on the Chilean side near Villarrica National Park. Carry paper copies of everything; connectivity to pull digital docs is not guaranteed.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be prepared for?
The river crossings near Curarrehue are the honest crux — water levels are highly variable and can run knee-deep on the vehicle after upstream rain or snowmelt. The high volcanic gravel tracks above 3,000 feet also get loose and eroded quickly, with no bailout if something breaks. Carry a recovery kit and know how to read a ford before you drive into it.
How far is the nearest fuel, and can I count on resupplying in Curarrehue?
Fill up completely in Pucón before you leave — it's the last reliable fuel stop. Curarrehue has a small village but fuel availability is inconsistent; treat it as a bonus, not a plan. The route runs 87 miles through remote terrain, so carry extra fuel for a full tank's buffer on top of your estimated consumption.
Trail track
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