Pucón is the adventure capital of southern Chile. The town is in Cautín province, in the Araucanía region, on the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica and at the foot of Villarrica volcano, one of the most active in the country. From here you climb the volcano, walk among monkey puzzle trees, go rafting and end the day at one of the area's hot springs.
Pucón highlights
| Place | What to do | Key fact |
|---|---|---|
| Villarrica volcano | Guided climb to the summit | Active volcano, with a visible crater |
| Lake Villarrica | Beach, kayaking and boat trips | Between the towns of Villarrica and Pucón |
| Huerquehue National Park | Hiking among lakes and monkey puzzle trees | 12,500 ha, between 750 and 2,000 m |
| Ojos del Caburgua | Turquoise waterfalls | Near Lake Caburgua, in the municipality of Pucón |
| Hot springs | Soaking in hot pools | Several around the area |
Climbing Villarrica volcano
Climbing Villarrica volcano is Pucón's most famous activity. It is done with an authorized guide, on a long day that starts before dawn, and from the summit you can see the crater when conditions allow. Access depends on the volcanic alert level and the weather. We explain requirements, gear and prices in our guide to how to climb Villarrica volcano.
In winter, the volcano's slopes have a ski area, which we cover in skiing in Pucón.
Huerquehue National Park
Huerquehue National Park is in the Andes, near Lake Caburgua. It covers 12,500 hectares of mountainous terrain, with hills enclosing small crystal-clear lakes and monkey puzzle forests, and ranges from 750 to 2,000 meters in altitude, according to Wikipedia. It is easy to reach, especially in summer.
The best-known trail is Los Lagos, which climbs through the forest to a group of high lakes, among them Chico, Verde and El Toro. It is a moderate day hike with a steady climb in the first section. Entry is managed by Conaf, and in high season it's best to arrive early.
Does your adventure tour operator, hostel or hot springs in Pucón want to reach travelers planning their visit to Araucanía?
See advertising formatsOjos del Caburgua and Lake Caburgua
Ojos del Caburgua is a natural attraction in the municipality of Pucón, near Lake Caburgua: a series of waterfalls dropping into turquoise pools in the forest. The walk is short and family-friendly. On the same road is Lake Caburgua, whose sandy beaches are warmer in summer than those of Lake Villarrica.
Hot springs near Pucón
The Pucón area has several hot springs less than two hours away by car, in valleys with native forest. The most famous for its architecture, Termas Geométricas, is actually in the Los Ríos region, near Coñaripe, but is usually visited from Pucón. We compare them in our guide to hot springs in Chile.
Other activities in Pucón
- Rafting on the Trancura River: with sections for beginners and more technical ones.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Villarrica: gear is rented on Pucón's main beach in summer.
- Zip lines and horseback riding: several operators work around town.
- Conguillío National Park: a couple of hours away, with Llaima volcano; see our guide to Conguillío.
- Seven Lakes Route: Pucón is the starting point of the 7 lakes route.
How to get there and when to go
From Santiago there are flights to Temuco and, in season, to Pucón's airfield, plus direct overnight buses on Route 5 South. From Temuco you continue on the road to Villarrica and Pucón. Summer, from December to March, is high season: it's hot, the lake is busy and it's the best time to climb the volcano. In winter the draw is snow and hot springs.
Three-day itinerary
| Day | Route | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pucón, Lake Villarrica beach and Ojos del Caburgua | Leave the car downtown; the waterfront is walkable |
| 2 | Huerquehue National Park, Los Lagos trail | Bring food and water; there are no shops in the park |
| 3 | Villarrica volcano climb or rafting, and hot springs in the afternoon | Book the climb days ahead and keep a spare day for the weather |
The volcano climb is often called off because of wind or changes in the volcanic alert, so schedule it at the start of the trip and keep a free day to reschedule. If the volcano can't be climbed, the day is well spent rafting on the Trancura or at the hot springs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb Villarrica volcano without a guide?
No. The climb is done with authorized guides and depends on the current volcanic alert level.
Are Termas Geométricas in Pucón?
No, they are in the Los Ríos region, near Coñaripe, although many travelers visit them from Pucón.
How big is Huerquehue National Park?
12,500 hectares, between 750 and 2,000 meters in altitude.
