Pucón and Villarrica: the practical guide

Updated July 2026 · Written from Puerto Varas by Patagonia SimRacing

An active volcano looming over the lake, natural hot springs tucked into native forest, and the river with more rafting than anywhere else in Chile: Pucón packs La Araucanía's adventure scene into a single town. Here's what to know before you go.

The must-sees

1. Villarrica volcano

At 2,860 m, with one of the most accessible active craters in the world (sometimes with lava visible at night), Villarrica volcano is the region's signature postcard — and when conditions allow, you can summit it in a full day with a certified agency: a climb over snow or ash depending on the season, crampons and ice axe in winter, and the reward of peering into the smoking crater. The ascent is not always available: it's suspended whenever SERNAGEOMIN raises the volcanic alert or the weather can't guarantee safety, so book with flexible dates and confirm the day before.

2. Hot springs: the volcano's other face

The same heat that fuels the volcano feeds dozens of thermal springs across the valley. The most visited from Pucón are Los Pozones (rustic, open at night, the cheapest), Termas de Quimey-Co and San Luis (riverside, with more facilities) and, a bit farther toward Coñaripe, Termas Geométricas: 17 stone pools linked by red wooden walkways inside a canyon — the most photographed hot-spring scene in Chile. Each complex has its own style, from full spa experience to a mud pool in the middle of the forest.

3. Adventure sports on the Trancura river

The Trancura river has two clearly distinct rafting sections: the Lower Trancura (class III, fine for beginners and families) and the Upper Trancura (class IV, more technical and only for people who have paddled before). Beyond rafting, Pucón's agencies offer kayaking, hydrospeed, canyoning, canopy ziplines through the treetops, horseback rides toward the volcano and fly-fishing trips on the area's rivers and lakes. Together with Puerto Varas, it's the biggest concentration of adventure-tourism operators in southern Chile.

4. Lake Villarrica and its black-sand beaches

The town sits right on Lake Villarrica, with beaches of dark volcanic sand (Playa Grande and Playa Chica in Pucón itself) that fill up with swimmers, kayaks and boats in January-February. At sunset, the lakefront with the volcano behind it is the classic stroll after a day of activities. Villarrica, the neighboring town 25 km away, has a quieter lakefront and tends to be a cheaper base for the night.

5. Huerquehue National Park and Ojos del Caburgua

About 35 km from Pucón, Huerquehue National Park has the area's most popular day hike: the Lagos Chico, Verde and Toro trail winds through ancient araucaria (monkey puzzle) forest in about 4-5 hours round trip. On the way you can add the Ojos del Caburgua, two turquoise pools fed by an underground waterfall, right at the start of the same road. A well-spent full day, and a good breather between the more intense volcano or rafting days.

Approximate prices (2026, per person)

The volcano ascent depends on the current volcanic alert (SERNAGEOMIN) and the day's weather: confirm availability with the agency before locking in fixed dates.

How to get there and when to go

• By plane: La Araucanía airport in Temuco (~1 h by car to Pucón, about 110 km), with direct flights from Santiago.
• By car or bus: Temuco → Pucón on a paved road; frequent buses take 1 h 30 to 2 h.
• Base of operations: Pucón concentrates most agencies and accommodation; Villarrica (25 km) is a quieter, somewhat cheaper alternative.
• Bookings: reserve the volcano ascent and high-season rafting in advance, especially for January-February.
• Season: December-March for a warm lake and the full adventure lineup; June-September for snow and skiing on the volcano; October-November and April for fewer tourists and better rates.

FAQ

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