Pucon is one of  main tourism centers of Araucania and Chile which lies at Villarrica volcano foot and on eastern shore of Villarrica lake, which is one of first links of a long chain of lakes in southern Chile.

At 800 kilometers from Santiago, if it is accessed by 5 sur route or Mamuil-Malal border pass from Argentina, the greenery of the landscape, with attractive flowers that adorn the roads anticipate the beauty of Pucon.

Pucon has almost 10 000 inhabitants and its history is marked by its Mapuche ancestors and German settlers who built the first hotels in 1928.

Here Los Andes nature and cultural heritage are combined. In Villarrica and Pucon there are activities for gourmet traveler, consumer and outdoors lover, because here are variety ranges as casinos, restaurants, fairs and markets, thermal circuits and national parks.

The microclimate generated by its location gives warm waters lakes and lagoons, especially in summer. Average maximum temperature of Pucon and surroundings is 23 º C and minimum is 4 º.

Hotels, restaurants and entertainment infrastructure ensures a pleasant stay to its visitors. Also, the routes are in excellent condition, and an airport providing access to Pucon.

Anytime of year is great to know Pucon, which has two national parks, Huerquehue and Villarrica. Within last park, the Villarrica volcano of 2,847 altitude meters is one of  10 more actives in the world, with permanent "vents" can be seen from Pucon and Villarrica. In winter its slopes for skiing and other winter sports. In summer, you may climb to volcano crater. Trancura river and its rapids allow kayaking and rafting, hotsprings and the cultural richness make Pucon as one of most visited places in southern Chile. This variety of environments invites water sports, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, fly fishing and cultural tours, among other activities.

How to get there

By plane. There are daily flights from Santiago to Temuco (1 hour). In summer and ski season, there are direct flights from Santiago to Pucon.

By Bus. From Santiago to Pucon buses daily depart (10 hours). There is also daily transportation from Pucon and Villarrica. Once in Pucon, intercity buses available to destinations. You can also hire a package that includes transportation at travel agencies.

By Car. From Santiago to Temuco on 5 sur route. From Temuco to Villarrica are 81 km and to Pucon 107 km.

Activities and Attractions

As commented above, in Pucon and Villarrica cosmopolitan heritage of German settlers who arrived in the nineteenth century mixes with traditions of Mapuche ethnic group, which is visible both in its architecture and attractions available, from a day playing at casino to a traditional dinner in a "ruca", a Mapuche traditional house  located on Villarrica downtown. Located on Pedro de Valdivia and Julio Zegers streets, the place emulates a traditional Mapuche home, with its circular shape, mud walls and conical roof. There you can enjoy Mapuche meals, with ingredients like pine nuts, fruit of Araucaria tree and merken, dry chili based and smoked condiment. It is also present typical silver craftsmanship of this ethnicity, also wool and native wood work.

At Fresia street, which runs into Pucon main square, concentrates most part of culinary and commercial city activities. With restaurants open until late at night, here you can find everything from German-style tea rooms to barbecues, and multiple shops with typical products and exclusive handicrafts .

Impossible to miss any spa in Pucon and its surroundings, such as Conaripe, San Luis, Huife or Geometric hotsprings, or miss a tour to Huerquehue National Park, with splendid natural wonders such as lago Verde.

Also various travel agencies offer daily climbings to Villarrica Volcano, which has 2,847 meters altitude and is one of most active volcanoes in South America. No experience is necessary, but physically fit. If you want less demanding trekking, Villarrica National Park has several trails, where you can contemplate the vast araucaria forests, can stay on any camping sites.

Huerquehue National Park is 35 km from Pucon by Caburgua route. "Los Lagos" track covers an interesting number of lagoons present, such as Lago Verde, known for its deep emerald green waters. Here live endangered species such as wink and the peregrine falcon. It is also mountain monkey habitat, one of three marsupials species in Chile.

Caburgua "eyes" are two natural pools located next to the homonymous lake, which are surrounded by three waterfalls. Is located about 20 km from Pucon, on road leading to Caburgua lake, and can be explored on foot, bicycle or horse.

Lican Ray town noted for its rural setting, where you can see pellin native species (oak that lives in Chile and Argentina) and interesting geological formations. Located innorth of Calafquen lake, is 25 km from Villarrica and 50 km from Pucon. Is particularly attractive in February, when is celebrated its foundation week.

Finally, it is possible to extend the tour through Mamuil-Malal, that in just over 200 km good road links Pucon to San Martin de los Andes in Argentina with a amazing landscape with abundance of araucarias and  imposing Lanin volcano.