Photography Blog: Southern Chile, Pucón and Villarrica Vulcano

Mirador Laguna el León
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 320 - f/5.6 - 1/250 sec

This blog provides information on the following:

How to take pictures of a volcano at night
How to create a timelapse of a volcano at night
Tips for your stay in Pucon
Photo spots in the area

Chile has been named the World's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination six times between 2016 and 2021, as awarded by the World Travel Awards. Pucón, located in Southern Chile, is the country's capital of adventure tourism.

More blogs about Chile:

Photography Blog: Central Chile

Photography Blog: Northern Chile

Our trip to Southern Chile was an amazing adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. We had the opportunity to explore Pucón and Villarrica, two beautiful towns located in the heart of the region, and we were able to immerse ourselves in the local culture and traditions while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the region. We were in awe of the natural beauty of these cascading falls and the tranquility that surrounded them. We were able to capture some amazing photos while enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings. Another highlight of our trip was the food. We indulged in some of the most delicious local cuisine that we have ever had. The fresh seafood and locally grown produce were a true delight for our taste buds. We particularly enjoyed the local wines which perfectly complemented our meals. However, the absolute highlight of our trip was seeing the Villarrica volcano at night. It was an incredible sight to behold and something that we will never forget. The glow of the lava against the dark sky was truly mesmerizing and we could have stayed there for hours just admiring the beauty.

All in all, our trip to Southern Chile was an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible experiences. I highly recommend this region to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Here are some travel tips for exploring Southern Chile:

Pack for all seasons: the weather can be unpredictable in Southern Chile, so make sure to bring clothing for different types of weather.
Try the local cuisine: there are many delicious dishes to try in Southern Chile, including seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional dishes.
Visit the natural waterfalls: Southern Chile has numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the region, which are a must-see for any nature lover.
Explore the local markets: The markets in Southern Chile offer a unique and authentic shopping experience. You can find a variety of locally made crafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing (ponchos, indios pícaros, etc.).
Take part in outdoor activities: Southern Chile is known for its adventure tourism, so don't miss out on activities like hiking, kayaking, and rafting.

Where should I stay?

We stayed in Malloco, an area located between Pucon and Villarrica. There, you can access the lake without all the tourists, and you are close to the Villarrica National Park. In my opinion, it is the best spot to take pictures of the volcano at night.

Pucon also has many beautiful hotels and Airbnbs to stay in. If you want to go out at night, have a drink, and then walk back to your accommodations, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

How to Take Pictures of the Villarrica Volcano

Taking pictures of the Villarrica Volcano at night can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The glowing lava against the dark sky creates a mesmerizing scene that is worth capturing. Here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot.

Here are some tips for capturing stunning photos of the Villarrica Volcano at night (or any volcano):

Use a tripod: To avoid blurry pictures, use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady. A tripod will help you stabilize your camera and prevent any unwanted camera shake.
Bring a fast lens: A fast lens will allow you to capture more light, which is essential for night photography (I used a Canon RF 100-500mm and a RF 15-35mm f2.8).
Use a long exposure: To capture the glow of the lava, use a long exposure. Start with an exposure of around 15-30 seconds and adjust as needed. A long exposure will allow you to capture more light and create a beautiful, smooth effect on the lava.
Experiment with ISO settings: Try different ISO settings to find the right balance between capturing enough light and avoiding too much noise in your photos. A higher ISO will allow you to capture more light, but also create more noise in your photos.
Use a telephoto lens if you are far away like in my case.
Last but not least, get out of town! You won't be able to see anything due to light pollution if you stay in the city.
Depending on your camera, you might need to manually focus on the volcano.

Remember to be patient and take your time to experiment with different settings until you get the perfect shot. The key to night photography is to practice and experiment until you find the right settings for the scene. And most importantly, enjoy the experience! The Villarrica Volcano at night is a unique and unforgettable sight that you won't want to miss.

How to Create a Timelapse of a Volcano at Night

Making a timelapse of the Villarrica Volcano at night can be a great way to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the glowing lava. Here are some steps to create a timelapse of the volcano:

Set up your camera on a tripod in a stable location with a clear view of the volcano.
Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the settings for night photography (low ISO, slow shutter speed, and wide aperture).
Take a test shot to check the exposure and adjust the settings as needed.
Set your camera to interval shooting mode and choose the desired interval between shots (in my case, one shot every 5 seconds).
Start the interval shooting and let your camera take pictures of the volcano over a period of time (in my case, around 30 minutes for a 10 seconds timelapse).
Once you have all the pictures, import them into a timelapse software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, LRTimelapse or Final Cut.
Adjust the settings of the timelapse software to create the desired effect (such as speed and smoothness).
Export the final timelapse video and share it with the world!
It is very important to set up the camera in manual white balance. If you don't do this, your camera may use different white balances for the pictures. This can make it almost impossible to correct in post-processing.
Make sure your camera is stable and the tripod is steady.

Remember to be patient and let your camera do the work. A timelapse can take a long time to capture, but the end result is worth it. Enjoy the experience of capturing the Villarrica Volcano at night in a unique and unforgettable way.

Photo Spots

Piedra Laguna el Leon

If you're looking for a great spot to take photos in the Pucón area, Piedra Laguna el Leon is definitely worth a visit. It's a beautiful lookout point that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Villarrica Volcano. The hike up to the lookout point is not too difficult and is definitely worth the effort for the amazing views.

Important! Sunday is closed!

Salto la China

Salto la China is another beautiful spot in the Pucón area that is perfect for photography. This waterfall is located in the Huerquehue National Park and requires a 5-minute hike to reach. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a stunning backdrop for photos. If you plan on getting close to the waterfall, make sure to bring a waterproof camera or a protective cover for your camera.

Salto Mila Mila

If you're looking for a more adventurous location in search of a beautiful photo spot, Salto Mila Mila is the perfect destination for you. This hidden waterfall is located just outside of Pucón and requires 10 minutes to reach and is definitely worth it. The trail to the waterfall is very easy, and it passes through beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you approach the waterfall, you'll begin to hear the sound of the cascading water, which will motivate you to continue your journey. Once you arrive at Salto Mila Mila, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the waterfall cascading down a series of rocks. The waterfall offers a beautiful, natural backdrop for photos and is a great spot for taking long exposure shots. The surrounding rocks and foliage also provide an interesting foreground for your photos.

It's important to note that the trail to Salto Mila Mila can be quite slippery, and it can get cold due to the humid breeze.

Villarrica Volcano Photography Tips

Avoid the "Mirador del Volcán" for photos. The perspective is not good and it is the same for everyone, resulting in identical compositions. Additionally, flying drones is prohibited due to the nearby airport. Instead, head towards the Villarrica National Park. Although access to the park is prohibited after 18:00, you can still take pictures of the volcano from outside the park (as I did). Note that flying drones is also prohibited within the park, but outside the park it is permitted.

Disclaimer: Do not rely solely on this blog as an information source about drone flying, as these laws are constantly changing.

More blogs about Chile:

Photography Blog: Central Chile

Photography Blog: Northern Chile

Do you want to see more photos of Chile:

Photos of Atacama Desert

Photos Cuarta Región (Northern Chile)

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