Pucon in Chile: Top 5 Reasons to Visit
Pucon in Chile is a charming town lying on Lake Villarrica in the north of Chile’s Lake District. It nestles into the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica and is looked over by the Villarrica Volcano, a majestic snow-capped conical mountain. Pucon is a place full of activities for all ages and tastes.
The area is lush and green with many lakes, forests and rivers. It is a popular summer destination for the Chileans. If you are wondering what to do in Pucon then here are our top 5 reasons for you to visit the area:
1-Volcanoes
This part of Chile is peppered with volcanoes.
The most striking volcano near Pucon is the Villarrica Volcano. It is a beautifully conical snow capped mountain that rises to 2,860m above sea level. This is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You can trek to the crater if conditions permit.
The Lanin Volcano on the border of Chile and Argentina is another striking ice clad conical mountain. Currently dormant it dominates the skyline to the east of Pucon.
The Sollipulli Volcano is north of Pucon and is dormant with a 4 km glaciated summit caldera. There are trails to trek on the mountain and the surrounding countryside.
The Llaima Volcano is one of the largest and most active in Chile. It is north of Pucon bordering the Conguillio National Park. There are trails for hiking on the volcano.
The best time to hike the volcanoes is from November through to April.
2-Lakes
Pucon rests on Lake Villarrica. The town has a beach which is popular in summer and there are also boating activities.
Around Pucon there are several lakes which can easily be visited on a day trip. Lake Caburga is only 23 km north east of Pucon. It is a quiet lake in a spectacular setting. This is where the current Chilean president has his private holiday home. The drainage from this lake is by underground volcanic tunnels which come out at the Ojos de Caburga, a series of waterfalls 15 km east of Pucon.
Lake Calafquen and the holiday town of Licanray is a 50 km drive from Pucon. It is popular for its beach and fishing opportunities.
Hidden in the mountains north of Pucon is Lake Colico. One of the attractions, apart from the natural beauty of the area is the fishing, particularly for rainbow trout.
3-National Parks
This part of Chile is dotted with national parks. The Villarrica National Park covers and area of 630 km2 and encompasses the Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin Volcanoes. The park protects Valdivian Rainforest with oak and beech forests as well as monkey puzzle trees at higher elevations. There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the park.
North of Pucon is the Conguillio National Park. This park, covering an area of 608 km2, includes the Llaima Volcano. There are nothofagus forests but it is best known for the monkey puzzle tree (araucaria) and is sometimes know as the “Umbrella Park” due to the shape of these trees.
Huerquehue National Park found east of Pucon covers an area of 125 km2. It nestles into the Andes and is popular to visit for its trekking trails close to Pucon.
4-Hot Springs
As a result of the areas volcanic activity you can choose many different hot springs where to bathe.
The Termas Geometricas, 52 km from Pucon, is a series of 16 pools (between 35 and 42 °C) linked by wooden walk ways set in a rocky gully.
East of Pucon are the Termas de Huife. This is a more traditional hot springs and the facilities include two naturally heated pools. There is a spa and you can also jump from a hot pool into the cold river!
Offering complete facilities including a hotel, 83 km from Pucon, are the Termas de Coñaripe. As well as the pools there are mud treatments and hydrotherapy.
The Termas El Rincon, 66 Km from Pucon, have a much simpler offering. Here you will find four large wooden baths and 3 natural pools set amongst lush vegetation.
5-Culture and Adventure
Pucon is in the heart of the Araucania Region and the ancestral lands of the Mapuche people. The town of Currarehue is 40 km east of Pucon and nestles into the Andes foothills. It is a town whose population is of predominately Mapuche origins . Here you can learn about their traditions. There is a small museum open to visitors and you can learn about local weaving and other artisanal traditions.
Quelhue is a small Mapuche community on the road to Lake Caburga. Here visitors can visit a traditional Mapuche dwelling, “ruka”, as well as learn about their traditions in music, clothing and handicrafts.
For thrill seekers, in the area around Pucon there is white water rafting and hidrospeed on the Trancura River, horse riding, mountain biking, volcano helicopter over-flights, canopy and canyoning.
Whatever your interest, Pucon and the Araucania region in Chile offer activities for all. A five day, 4 night stay in the area can be a great complement to that holiday to Chile and South America.
For further information get in touch with us at Andean Trails.
