Nested in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, Pucon is a rustic town that has become a mecca for adventure sports. Its beautiful Lago Villarrica sits under a towering volcano, which offers the perfect landscape for skiing, white-water rafting and hiking through national parks.

Things to do

The Villarrica Volcano looms over Pucon and is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike to the top in around five hours, while skiing is a favourite activity amongst locals during winter.

You can find plenty of thrills during summer, particularly water sports on the picturesque Lago Villarrica, including kayaking and cruising on a pedalo. Enjoy a white-water rafting tour along the Trancura River or admire the surrounding landscapes atop a horse at Rancho de Caballo.

Unwind from your adventures with a soak in the geothermal baths near Pucon, which are fed by natural hot springs and have heat generated by the volcano. You can also soak up the sunshine at one of the black-sand beaches along the coastline, which get their unique colour from volcanic activity.

You’re spoilt for choice in day trips from Pucon, as the beautiful azure pools at Ojos del Caburgua are on the way to Huerquehue National Park, which boasts 12,500 hectares of mountainous geography and crystalline lakes and lagoons. You can also explore waterfalls through Santuario el Cani and marvel at views of the surrounding volcanoes from its peak.

Getting around

You can fly into Temuco Airport, then drive 1.5 hours to Pucon, while Santiago is eight hours away by car. The best way to get around Pucon is by car, taxi or bus.