South America · VOLCANO TOURS
Prices, durations and what travellers said, for 15 volcano tours. The top entry is there for a reason, so start at it and work down.
Travel from Cartagena to Santa Catalina with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Franklin, Miguel, or Jose. Climb about 50 steps, float in warm, thick volcanic mud, and rinse in a nearby lake. Optional massages and photos cost extra, and a typical snack is included.
“Was a fun experience getting dipped in and floating in the mud. We enjoyed it and even got some fun photos and videos out of it. We recommend :)”
Leave Santiago around 6:00 AM for an 8 km guided hike in Cajón del Maipo. You’ll climb from about 2,300 to 2,600 meters, with Andes, glacier, river, and Volcán San José views. Guides such as Laura, Elias, Andres, and Rai are praised for patient pacing and clear explanations. Lunch, water, wine, and snacks are included.
“This was an awesome trip. Laura is beyond excellent as a guide. She was polite and she communicated facts on almost everything. Though the day was a long one and we had to adjust some aspects of the plan due to circumstances beyond control, it was throughly enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour ! And commendations to Laura, one of the best guides I have met in a while! I”
Meet Zenit Travel in Pucón before sunrise, then climb Villarrica Volcano with a guide for every three people. You’ll hike from 1,200 to 2,847 meters, use crampons and an ice axe on the glacier, peer into an active crater, and slide down snowy slopes. The climb takes five to six hours, with weather and volcanic activity guiding the final decision.
“Guides were so nice and really good fun. Made for an excellent and very scenic tour. Would strongly recommend thanks guys”
Travel from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa on a 12-hour small-group outing. You’ll visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, see Cotopaxi if clouds allow, stop at markets and a museum, and reach Quilotoa’s turquoise crater lake. Guides such as Andrea, Irene, and Javier provide English and Spanish commentary. Hotel pickup costs extra.
“Great trip to beautiful places. The car we went on was very comfortable. Andrea was a fantastic guide, speaking everything in both English and Spanish. Well organised. You will absolutely need cash for this (and most tours in ecuador).”
Start at 8 a.m. for a half-day trip from Cartagena to Volcán de Lodo El Totumo. You will soak in warm, thick mud, rinse in the nearby Ciénaga, then eat lunch at a beachside eco-hotel with pool access. Guides such as Nevis, David, Vanessa, and Yeniffer are known for clear instructions and attentive help.
“As many of the other reviews state you are hassled by all the people wanting you to tip them. While I understand their perspective, I think there should be a system in place to keep tourist feeling safe and not pressured to tip EVERYONE. The mud was great however, I would not recommend getting it in your hair (real or fake). The mud left a horrible black coating in my hair. Now onto the horror of the day. After the volcano we were bussed to the beach for a nice lunch and beach time. After our arrival the bus was switched out with our items on the old bus our…”
Travel from Puerto Varas along Lake Llanquihue to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls with a Spanish- and English-speaking guide. Guides such as Nelly, Javier, Jenny, Paula, and Jorge have led highly praised outings. Expect mountain views, forest trails, turquoise water, and optional lift, boat, and lunch costs.
“Nelly was an amazing guide and Jorge a top driver. The locations are beautiful, but be warned that they will be busy in the high season. The area gets cruises.”
Leave Cartagena by air-conditioned van or bus for a 15-minute mud bath at Totumo Volcano, then spend the afternoon at a private beach complex with pools, hammocks, beach access, and lunch. English and Spanish guides, including Cesar, Kevin, Vanessa, Eliana, and Samuel on different departures, help explain the day and local tipping.
“One of the best tours we did in all of Colombia. Beach club and lunch afterwards made it better than all the other tours.”
You’ll climb 1,700 meters up 2,847-meter Villarrica Volcano with Zenit guides, using trekking gear, crampons, and an ice axe where needed. The 9-hour outing starts at 6:00 a.m. in Pucón, includes transfers and equipment, and may reach the crater if weather and volcanic activity allow. Guides include Luisa, Felipe, Agustin, Leo, Edgar, and Jorge.
“The day before we had a meeting at the Zenit agency to find out more details about what the day would be like, and also to try on the trekking boots. We went up in a small group with 4 guides, all of whom were very friendly and communicative. The climb was tiring, but the stops and the enthusiasm of the guides made all the difference in regaining energy and moving forward. Unfortunately we were unable to reach the edge of the crater, as it is prohibited at the moment (due to the intense activity of the volcano). But it was really good nonetheless! The descent was also a lot…”
Travel from Puerto Montt along Lake Llanquihue to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. A guide such as Jenny, Nelly, Javier, or Ana handles the route and commentary in Spanish and English. Expect a full day, small groups of up to 14, optional boat and chairlift rides, and extra costs at each stop.
“Good, wish I had an extra half hour for the volcano given I did both chairlifts.”
Travel by air-conditioned bus from Cartagena to Totumo Volcano for a 10 to 15-minute mud bath, then eat a typical lunch and relax at Arena Beach Hotel. Guides such as Eliana, Liliana, and Samuel provide English and Spanish help. Expect a rustic site, optional local services, and about two hours on the road.
“Had an awesome time. Guides were very friendly and spoke English as well as Spanish so they translated everything said. Enjoyed ourselves at volcano and was able to relax at pool afterwards. Lunch provided was delicious. Highly recommend.”
From Quito, you’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, hike from 4,600 meters to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters, then bike a short downhill route to Limpiopungo Lagoon. Guides such as Alejandro and Lincoln explain the volcanoes, wildlife, and high-altitude plants. Lunch, transport, and equipment are included.
“It was an amazing experience, beyond my expectations. Alejandro was a really great guide, i highly recommend this tour. He was really friendly and charismatic, he paid a lot of attention to make sure we were okay as well.”
Explore Arequipa’s white volcanic-stone quarries on a 3 to 4 hour guided tour with round-trip transport. See stone-cutting, murals, carvings, the Culebrillas canyon, petroglyphs, and volcano views. Groups are capped at 15, with morning and afternoon departures. Bring sunscreen, sturdy shoes, a mask, and insect repellent.
“A história e explicações do Guia foram sensacionais...passeio bom para se conhecer arequipa... as esculturas e o trabalho manual de quebra de pedras.”
Spend about eight hours with a private guide from Real Dreams Tour exploring Cotopaxi National Park. Hike from 4,600 meters toward Refugio Padre Ribas, stop for a hot drink, walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and eat lunch near San Juan de Pastocalle. Guides such as Pedro, Carlos, Marcelo, and Andrés lead the outing.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. Cotopaxi was beautiful and worth the trip.”
Start at 6:00 a.m. with guide Miguel or another bilingual host, reach Totumo before the crowds, then continue to San Basilio de Palenque for music, dance, local food, natural medicine, sweets, and history. Private transport, lunch, entrance fees, water, coconut, and cultural visits are included. Bring a towel and small cash for optional tips.
“Overall great experience. We got to experience the mud volcano without a crowd and had delicious local breakfast snacks. The palenque tour was a very immersive experience. We got to learn about the history and importance of the town. I would highly recommend. Miguel was extremely accommodating and attentive.”
Leave Quito at 7:30 a.m. for a private, English-speaking tour to Cotopaxi National Park and Baños. Walk beside Limpiopungo Lagoon, ride a cable car over the Pastaza River, visit Pailón del Diablo, and swing above the mountains at La Casa del Árbol. Guides such as Andrés, Pedro, and Pam are praised for clear explanations and thoughtful photo help.
“Great driver and guide on a busy holiday weekend using Google maps to avoid the crowded streets. We got to see views that most don’t. Fun stops and the ease of having everything taken care of a big plus.”
Pick a coastline, an altitude or a kitchen.
