La Araucania Region, Lake District · Chile
Adventure capital of Chile, beneath the smoking cone of Villarrica volcano.
Photo: AndyiH · CC BY-SA 3.0
Pucon sits on the shore of Lake Villarrica, with the perfect snow-capped cone of Villarrica volcano looming above. It is Chile's adventure capital, offering volcano climbing, white-water rafting, canyoning, horse riding, hot springs and skiing, with a lively summer scene of beach cafes and bars.
The star activity is the guided climb of Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in South America. In good weather, the climb takes about five hours up and you can look into a glowing crater before sliding down on a snow chute. Huerquehue National Park, with its araucaria forest and lakes, offers excellent day hikes.
The region is also the heartland of the Mapuche people, and visitors can arrange cultural visits to learn about traditions, language and food. Summer (December to March) is the busy season, when the lake is warm enough for swimming and the town is full of life.
Why visit
Pucon is a great base for outdoor adventures.
A guided climb with crater views.
Natural pools in the forest.
Rivers and waterfalls.
Ancient monkey puzzle trees.
Learn about the region's first people.
Main attractions
The attractions are in the town and the surrounding parks.
The classic climb with a guide.
Tip Weather can cancel climbs.
Lakes and araucaria trees.
Tip Hike to Lago Verde.
Hot springs in a forest gorge.
Tip Book ahead.
Rafting rapids.
Tip Choose a reputable operator.
Black sand and swimming.
Tip Visit in summer.
A turquoise waterfall.
Tip Short walk.
Things to do
Pucon is full of activities.
Guided ascent.
Tip Go on a clear day.
Grade III and IV.
Tip Wear a wetsuit.
After a hike.
Tip Go in the evening.
A day walk.
Tip Carry food.
Through forest.
Tip Book a guide.
At Pucon ski centre.
Tip Rent gear.
Local food
Local food combines Mapuche and German-Chilean traditions.
German-style cake.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Fresh river trout.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Corn pie.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Wheat and peach drink.
Where to try it Street stalls.
Local breweries.
Where to try it Bars.
Accommodation
Stay in town or near the lake.
Transport
Pucon is reached via Temuco.
The town is walkable.
When to go
Summer is warm, with the lake good for swimming.
Warm and dry.
Spring.
Autumn colours.
Ski season, cool and wet.
Worth planning around: Winter if you do not ski.
Itinerary
Volcano and hot springs.
Town
Villarrica
Huerquehue
Travel tips
Tips for Pucon.
FAQ
Yes, but doable.
With guides.
December to March.
Two to four days.
Moderate.
Yes in summer.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Pucon and Villarrica, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Los Lagos Region, Chile
A relaxed lakeside base for Petrohue Falls, Lake Todos los Santos, Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and kuchen cafes.
Don't miss Watching Osorno volcano turn pink at sunset over Lake Llanquihue.
Explore Destination — Puerto Varas and the Lake DistrictLos Lagos Region, southern Chile, Chile
An island archipelago with 16 UNESCO-listed wooden churches, palafito stilt houses, Chilote cuisine, penguin colonies and folklore.
Don't miss Eating curanto cooked in an earth pit, then watching penguins from a boat.
Explore Destination — ChiloeAysen Region, Patagonia, Chile
One of the world's great road trips, from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, passing Queulat, Marble Caves, Cerro Castillo and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
Don't miss Drifting by boat through blue marble caves on Lake General Carrera.
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