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Nestled among the Andes foothills and reigned over by the majestic Villarrica Volcano—an ash-capped peak that towers 9,317 feet (2,840 feet) above sea level—Pucón is a mecca for loves of the outdoors and boasts the title of Chile’s adventure capital. The cute and compact town is a relaxed respite between volcano trekking, snowboarding, and white-water rafting, with its wood-paneled restaurants, quaint souvenir shops, and black-sand volcanic beaches. It's also one of Chile’s most sustainable tourist destinations, so you’ll find many eco-friendly accommodations and vegan cafés.
Pucón’s picture-perfect location in the Chilean Andes means the weather is best during the summer months of November through March—temperatures are warm and dry, but they attract the biggest crowds, and accommodation can get fully booked, so be sure to reserve in advance. Pucón sees relentless rainfall from June through August, so waterproofs are essential if visiting then.
Pucón is small and easy to navigate on foot, but there are plenty of places to rent bikes if you want to cover more sights in less time. Though you can take a public bus from the area surrounding Caburgua Lake to Parque Ojos del Caburgua or the base of Villarica, you’re best to rent a car or visit as part of a hassle-free tour as transport can be unreliable.
Pucón is part of Chile’s stunning Lake District and served as an exclusive lakeside resort before it became better known as the country’s adventure capital. Once you’ve satisfied an appetite for adrenaline, spend time soaking in secret spots along the coast of Lake Caburgua. In Huerquehue National Park, you’ll find sparkling lagoons, hiking trails that pass Lakes Chico, Verde, and Toro, and green expanses home to wild boars and choray, green parrots.
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Pucón is best known for being home to the Villarrica Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. It's also known for being Chile’s adventure capital—you can go white-water rafting, climb to the summit of Villarica, or swim in Calafquén Lake, surrounded by a black sand beach.
...MoreThe best outdoor activities in Pucón include climbing to the 9,317-foot (2,840-meter) peak of Villarrica Volcano, where you can look inside the lava-filled crater; soaking in the hot springs of Termas Geometricas; hiking mountain trails in Huerquehue National Park; swimming in Calafquén Lake; or go snowboarding and white-water rafting.
...MoreLa Araucanía International Airport (LCO) in Temuco is the closest airport to Pucón. It’s around 55 miles (90 kilometers) away and takes just over one hour via Ruta 199. You can also reach Pucón by bus, with regular departures from Santiago (around 11 hours) and Barranquilla.
...MoreThe best places to stop between Santiago and Pucón are the towns of Santa Cruz, Talca, and Chillán. Santa Cruz is famous for its surrounding family-run wineries and the landscapes of the Colchagua Valley. Talca boasts colonial architecture and attractive gardens, while Chillán has a famous cathedral and is close to the scenic Saltos de Laja waterfalls.
...MoreIf you want to tick off most of Pucón’s outdoor activities, plan to spend around four days in Chile’s adventure capital. This’ll allow you to climb Villarrica Volcano, swim in local lakes, soak in hot springs, and enjoy a pisco sour or sushi platter in one of the many wood-paneled restaurants in the town center.
...MoreThe top attractions in Pucón, Chile are the snow-capped, active Villarrica Volcano and the black-sand-surrounded lake of the same name; the Ojos del Caburgua waterfall; the Termas Geometricas hot springs; Huerquehue National Park, famous for its majestic mountain landscapes; and the Santuario el Cañi nature reserve.
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