The atmospheric concentrations of the acid gases SO2, HCl, and HF were measured during austral summer 2001 in the summit crater area of Villarrica volcano using 'filter packs'. These data were collected in order to assess the acid gas hazards to tourists who ascend the volcano. The authors compared their acid gas concentration results with exposure limits outlined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH-United States of America). The authors conclude that tourists who visit the summit crater of Villarrica may be exposed to non-lethal concentrations of SO2 and HCl that exceed the recommended exposure limits defined by NIOSH, while atmospheric concentrations of HF do not exceed the recommended exposure limits.Las concentraciones atmosfericas de los gases acidos SO2, HCl y HF se midieron durante el verano austral de 2001 en el area del crater somital del volcan Villarrica, usando paquetes de filtro, para evaluar los peligros de gases acidos para los turistas que ascienden el volcan. Los autores compararon los resultados de los gases acidos con limites de exposicion delineados por el 'National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health' (NIOSH-Estados Unidos de Norteamerica). Los autores concluyeron que los turistas que visiten el crater somital del volcan Villarrica pueden estar expuestos a concentraciones no letales de SO2 y HCl que exceden los limites de exposicion recomendados por NIOSH, en tanto las concentraciones atmosfericas de HF no exceden los limites de exposicion recomendados.