Villarrica (volcano)

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Villarrica Volcano
A view from downtown Pucón
Elevation	2,847 meters (9,340 feet)
Location	Southern Chile
Range	Andes
Coordinates	39.42° S 71.93° W
Type	Stratovolcano
Last eruption	2007 (continuing)
Easiest route	Villarrica ski centre - Piedra Negra
Translation	Place of Wealth (Spanish)

Snow-covered Villarrica, one of Chile's most active volcanoes, rises above the lake and town of the same name. The volcano is also known as Rucapillán, a Mapuche word meaning "House of the Spirit". It is the westernmost of three large stratovolcanoes that trend perpendicular to the Andean chain. Villarrica is one of only a handful of volcanoes worldwide to have an active lava lake within its crater. About 25 scoria cones dot Villarica's flanks. It also has volcanic caves.

The volcano, along with Quetrupillán and the Chilean portion of Lanín, are protected within Villarrica National Park.

Guided hikes to the crater are sometimes offered from the town of Pucón, but may be suspended in periods of seismic or increased volcanic activity. Helicopter sightseeing services offer flights over the crater as well.

In the winter (July-September) skiing is practiced on the western slopes of Villarrica.