Woman Hikes to the Top of an Active Volcano, Learns the Terrifying Way She Must Descend (Exclusive)

**Adventurous Londoner Sledges Down an Active Volcano in Chile**

Harriet Coombs, a 36-year-old set dresser from London, embarked on an extraordinary journey, spending six hours hiking up the Villarrica Volcano in Chile before taking a thrilling descent on a plastic sled. Her unique adventure, which involved sliding down the slopes of an active volcano that emitted steam and gases, has been vividly documented on social media, garnering significant attention and sparking discussions about the inherent risks associated with such extreme activities.

Coombs, who has been travelling extensively through Latin America for the past year, sought to replicate an extreme experience she had seen a friend undertake. However, she quickly discovered that participating in this adrenaline-fuelled escapade was far more intense than it appeared in the online footage. “It didn’t look half as crazy in their video as it actually was,” she remarked, highlighting the surreal nature of her experience.

Not one to shy away from excitement, Coombs recalls previously boarding down another active volcano in Nicaragua, an endeavour that left her shaken yet undeterred. “I can’t say no to adrenaline activities or an epic hike,” she explained, a testament to her adventurous spirit.

The climb to Villarrica Volcano commenced with clear skies and panoramic views, and Coombs and her group chose to forgo the cable car, opting for the challenging six-hour hike instead. They revelled in favourable weather conditions that allowed them to ascend without the need for crampons — a stark contrast to the fiery exhilaration that awaited them at the summit.

Upon reaching the top, excitement mingled with apprehension as the group gazed into the volcano’s bubbling crater. “You reach the top and look inside the crater, which was steaming and spitting,” Coombs recounted, noting the stark differences between the serene climb and the impending descent. What followed was an experience beyond any casual sledding excursion she had envisioned.

“The sledding was nothing like the local park when it snows at home,” she said. Instead, the descent felt akin to a toboggan run expertly carved into volcanic snow, delivering an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. The sled and ice axe became crucial tools for the journey; participants mostly rode on their backsides while using the small sled for additional speed. However, the ice axes were intended for braking — a task that proved more difficult than anticipated.

“Everyone was just flying down the volcano so close together, axes in hand,” she recollected. “That was probably the scariest part.” Beyond the thrilling slide, there were unexpected perils as well. Coombs and her friend experienced severe sunburn due to high-altitude UV exposure, while another participant sustained burns to his retinas after mistakenly removing his sunglasses.

Despite encountering moments of discomfort, Coombs found the experience to be transformative, even on a day when she felt fatigued and burnt out. “I was actually in a bit of a grumpy mood that day, feeling burned out from travel,” she admitted. Yet, the exhilarating descent ultimately became one of her most memorable experiences.

Her video documenting the adventure quickly gained traction on TikTok, resonating with viewers who shared their thrill and apprehension regarding the activity. Coombs has visited 55 countries and enjoys sharing her travel experiences online, particularly advocating for Pucón, Chile, as a destination deserving of more attention.

“Most backpackers go to Bariloche in Argentina instead, but Pucón is full of crazy activities,” Coombs pointed out, mentioning numerous attractions from volcanic hikes to glacier-fed lakes and the unique phenomenon of a black sand beach. The prospect of experiencing snow and swimming in the ocean in the same day was particularly striking for her.

As the video continues to inspire others, Coombs expressed her delight in encouraging more individuals to travel and push their boundaries. “You know your content has reached the right people when they tag friends saying, ‘Let’s do this together,’” she reflected, highlighting the sense of community that can arise from shared adventures.

Looking to the future, Coombs has already expressed an eagerness to repeat the experience. “Yes,” she said when asked if she would return, adding that she would take the opportunity to explore more of the surrounding area, including its hot springs and waterfalls.

Ultimately, her hope is that her experiences motivate people to step outside their comfort zones. “I hope this video inspires people to travel, explore, and do more things that push them,” she concluded, with a heartfelt reminder: “And also — don’t skip Chile.”