Volcán Antuco, Bio Bio, Chile

Sommer Hochtour auf dem Vulkan Antuco, Region Bío-Bío, Chile
The Antuco volcano is located in the Laguna del Laja National Park, Bío-Bío region. Antuco (from Mapudungun: antu = sun and ko = agua, “water of the sun”). Its soil type is an active cone-shaped stratovolcano, it lies at an altitude of 2,985 meters above sea level and currently has no fumaroles as a symptom of activity. The first known ascent was in 1829 by Eduardo Poeppig accompanied by a muleteer.
Description
Summer: You see the zigzag path that leads to the gutter. The journey is slow and tiring as it runs along a path. Winter: The snow depth reaches Laguna Laja itself. A large gutter with reddish stones must therefore be used as a reference. There is a risk of avalanches in this area immediately after snowfall. Generally, it is a material drop zone. After passing the gully, start climbing to the right. This slope leads to the lava scoria of the ancient crater of the Antuco volcano. In this place it is possible to seek shelter from the strong winds and set up a base camp. From there you can see the large volcanic cone and the route is very clear. You have to go around the old crater on the right until you come across some rows of rocks sticking out of the snow cover, and from there continue zigzagging until you reach the promenade in front of the summit. Falls can occur in the first few meters due to the steep slope. You need to be very careful when using self-belaying techniques on snowfields. After overcoming long and strenuous zigzag paths, you reach a plain that always leads west. It is not surprising to find hard or crystallized snow, as there is a lot of heat emanating from its summit cone or crater, causing the snow to melt and then solidify again. From there you walk around the crater and reach a metal box from which you can experience your summit. The view is impressive: the glaciers on the north face of the Sierra Velluda and the large Laguna Laja are almost completely visible.
Reccomandation:
Physical fitness: Is essential! In order to prepare, other mountains in Chile should first be climbed for the purpose of acclimatization. Hydration: In the entire week before the climb you should ensure hydration of around 3l/day of water. Nutrition: Also make sure to consume proteins and plenty of carbohydrates (as part of your daily calorie requirement) three days beforehand.
Technical recomandation
The use of ice picks and walking sticks together should be known. Physical tilt angle and rod adjustment. Falling technique with ax and brakes should be mastered. Walking with crampons. Dealing with rope teams and slip/braking techniques.