Open large map

Pucon

Must See

From Pucon's center there are stunning views of Volcan Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile.

Must Do

• Climbing Volcan Villarrica. Snowcapped Villarrica looms majestically over Pucón at 2,840 meters (9318 feet) above sea level. Climbing to the top is non-technical and, on clear days, easy. This is especially true if you take the chair lift for an extra CLP 7,000. Make no mistake it is a challenge because of the steepness, but it's something that anyone who is in decent shape can do. Thousands of people make the climb each year, most of them in January and February, taking in the spectacular views of Volcans Llaima, Choshuenco, Quetrupillán, Lanin, and Lonquimay in the horizon. Crampons, ice axe and/or trekking poles and warm windproof clothing are essential equipment year round. To be allowed to climb without a guide you officially need to register with Conaf (in town), have your equipment checked and show proof of membership in a mountaineering organization in your home country. Climbing without permission at peak season would seem to be tricky as CONAF may have people stationed at the top of the ski lift. In April 2013 no CONAF were seen there, but earlier travelers said that they had seen them. The travelers also said a very early start would be required to be sure of avoiding them. Most people start from the skiing area, where you can take the ski lift for the first 300 meters. It doesn't sound like much, but it is a very steep climb without taking the lift. You can also start from near the refugio, at the Mirador Los Craters. From there the climb is longer, but for those carrying skis or snowboards, that means more riding when descending. Getting to the ski area or Mirador Los Craters is easy hitchhiking. Taxis in Pucón will gladly take you there as well. Most of guided excursions begin at around 630 am but some agencies offer an earlier 5am start and you will get to reach the volcano alone with your team, avoiding the big crowds that arrive later. Agencies will provide equipment and transportation for Ch$35,000 and up as of April 2013. Some agencies offer better equipment than others, including sleds to go down some parts of the volcano. Andesmar is not recommended. Their equipment is embarrassingly terrible, including duck taped boots and clothing with large holes in it. They provide no sleds like other companies, and they will often not summit the volcano due to arbitrary safety concerns. They are very proud of their safety record and will do nothing to risk it, which means that any reason to turn back will be sufficient and no refunds will be given. In one incident there was a bit of wind on a clear day and all other companies continued to the top, but Andesmar turned back to the dismay of the trekkers who had nearly made it. A once in a lifetime trip was ruined. The trekkers also noted the general apathy of the guides, noting that they could tell they really weren't into the hike that day. Backpacker's is better, offering better equipment, motivated guides, and also the cheapest. Most guides won't go further up after 2pm so get up early and don't waste too much time on your way up. Be sure to check how much money you'll get back if the climb is canceled due to bad weather. Some companies, like Andesmar, may pull a quick one and keep 100% of your money if you leave the parking lot at the base of the mountain only to decide shortly thereafter that they don't want to continue.

• Skiing and snowboarding. The skiing area on Villarrica is open May until the beginning of October. Rent equipment in Pucón, or on the drive up to the ski slope.

• Golf. In "Peninsula", a residencial area downtown, there is a well maintained golf course with views of the Villarrica volcano and the lake surrounding the course. The course is officially for members only.

• Horse back riding. This is a popular way to see the Mapuche settlements like e.g. Quelhue in the area. Tour agencies selling these tours are located all over the town. Check the conditions of the horses, as not all of them in good shape. Rides to "Salto el Claro" are in parts beside paved roads. Trustfull agencies are at Ecole and Politur.

• Hike past the waterfalls and gurgling brooks in the Huerquehue National Park. Doing this will enable you to get to know the strange Araucaria (monkey puzzle) tree, as well as other native vegetation such as Coigües and Lingues. The trails pass view points where you can while away the time namedropping volcanoes and Andean peaks. Bring food and water because you might want to stay the whole day.

• White water rafting and kayaking is a possibility in the glacier-fed Trancura River. Trancura Bajo offers third-degree rapids, good for beginners. Trancura Alto offers fourth-degree rapids and might require a little more courage. Tour agencies in the town will take you there.

• Fishing. Guided fly-fishing excursions are held on the tranquil Río Liucura and the more turbulent Río Trancura. Both rivers offer scenery and trout.

• Visit the Volcanic Caves at Villarrica Volcan.
• Antilco Horse Farm, web. They have a couple options to stay in, a guest house that has two separate rooms sleeping a total of five people and a small cabana for two. They are very cosy self catering and slightly out of town, they will come and pick you up. Also outstanding horse riding and trips from there. Getting there is fun, you head over a small bridge on a dust track and then follow the river until you find their property. I would advise a taxi or emailing them for a pick up, which they do pretty much daily at one pm from the town centre. 
• Jack Trout Fly Fishing, ☎ 94671995 Cell (info@jacktrout.com), web. Fly fishing wading and drift boat excursions on the Rio Trancura, Licura, San Pedro & all Lake District rivers since 1993. web . Single day or multiple day guide trips. Has all the fly fishing gear and accepts all major credit cards. 

• Rumbo Sur 360 Montañismo (Climbing Volcanoes and Mountains), Caupolican 635 Pucon (Colo colo 361), ☎ +56-45-443840, web. Great tours and experienced guides for climbing, scaling, reppelling or hiking the mountains and the most spectacular active volcanoes in the south of Chile. 
• Amity Tours, ☎ 56 45) 444 574, web. Founded in 2003, Amity Tours is a family owned company and was created due to the immense opportunities for diverse and attractive programs that can be offered in The Lake & Volcano District (Chile and Argentina). They believe that this enchanting area located between the mountains and the sea is a largely unspoiled zone that has been ignored by local tour operators in the region for too long. Amity Tours has programs exploring the ancestral roots of the region, together with local specialized guides. In this light, they offer hiking trips in the National Parks, road cycling, volcano-climbing, horse-back riding, insight into the local flora and fauna, ethnic discovery, trips to hot springs, and skiing on active volcanoes. The owners are amazing and very hospitable. They offer something most large tour operators do not... creativity!
• Thermal Springs Los Pozones, Km.36 Pucón - Huife Alto (there is a bus that leaves from Pucon (calle Palguín 555) at 1:30pm and comes back at 6:30pm (Ch$2800 return trip)). 5 natural pools next to the river, water around 30-40ºC with a beautiful setting, especially during winter (snow around you). Ch$4000. 
• Llama Trek Pucon (Llama trekking to Salto el Claro), (llamatrekpucon@gmail.com), ☎ +56-9-75733070. 3. Enjoy a different way of walking, trekking with llamas, this gentle animals will be your company during this tour to the amazing waterfall "Salto el Claro"

---

Chile's Menu

Travel Guide > South America > Chile >
Get in Chile
Arriving to Chile
Move around in Chile
Santiago
--Where to Sleep
--Where to Eat
--Where to Drink and Party
--Where to go Shopping
San Pedro de Atacama
--Must in San Pedro de Atacama
Easter Island
Pichilemu
Patagonia, Torres del Paine