'''Pucon''' is a small touristy town in the middle of the southern lake district in Chile. Extremely popular both with Chileans and foreigners for its nightlife and the beautiful views of volcan Villarrica. The city center is a backpacker's Disneyland, filled with travel agencies that will offer you any kind of day trips imaginable. If you don't like it crowded, you'll be better off in the nearby town of Villarrica. January and February are the busiest months.

Get in

By bus

Buses travel between Santiago and Pucon daily, many overnight. Tickets are scarce in summer, buy yours sufficiently ahead of your intended departure time.

By air

Pucon's airport operates only during summer (for regular flights); the flights from Santiago are expensive. The closest airport for the remainder of the year is Temuco, to which airlines do the flight in about one hour from Santiago or Puerto Montt. Temuco is about 1.5 hours away by road.

By train

Trains run to Temuco in summer (Dec-Feb), and only to Chillan rest of the year. Buses are better value.

By car

Driving from Santiago takes approximately eight hours and involves the passing of seven road tolls on the ruta 5, Ch$ 1600 each. The road from the turnoff to Pucon is paved and in good shape.

Get around

See

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

Do

  • '''Climbing Volcan Villarrica'''. Snowcapped Villarrica looms majestically over Pucon at 2,840 meters (9318 feet) above sea level. Climbing to the top is non-technical and, on clear days, easy. Thousands of people make the climb each year, most of them in January and February, taking in the spectacular views of Volcans Llaima, Choshuenco, Quetrupillan, 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 (in early 2009 at least) Conaf had people stationed at the top of the ski lift. 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. 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 Pucon will gladly take you there as well. Guided excursions begin early in the morning and will provide equipment and transportation and costs for a cost of around Ch$30 000. Be sure to check how much money you'll get back if the climb is canceled due to bad weather.
  • '''Skiing and snowboarding'''. The skiing area on Villarrica is open May until the beginning of October. Rent equipment in Pucon, 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 Coigues 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 Rio Liucura and the more turbulent Rio Trancura. Both rivers offer scenery and trout.
  • Visit the '''Volcanic Caves''' at Villarrica Volcan.
  • Eat

  • '''La Maga''', Fresia Street, ''close to Pucon Square and Church''. Mouthwatering Argentinian Barbeque. Book ahead in summer.
  • '''Ecole''', Urrutia street, is a good vegetarian restaurant. www.ecole.cl
  • '''Viva Peru''', Amazing Peru food - try the fish.
  • Drink

    Bars

    '''El Bosque'''. This is the town's gringo scene, run by a local white water kayaker.

    Sleep

  • '''Hotel y Cabanas Kernayel''', Av. Camino Internacional 1395 Fono/Fax: (56-45) 44 21 64 - 44 30 52, [http://www.kernayel.cl/]. Nice place for a nice price. The "cabanas" are really great.
  • '''Cabanas Akubra''', Fono: 56 45 44191, [http://akubra.cl/]. Owned by Chilean-born Australians.
  • '''Portal Pucon''', [http://portalpucon.cl/]. Excellent place with views of the lake for an excellent price (2 bedroom 1 bath "cabanas" for ~ $72US a night.
  • '''Hotel Antumalal''' [http://www.antumalal.com]. Said to be "an experience".
  • La Bicicleta. alguin 361,Pucon. 6 45 44 45 83. 0,000 peso ppn. Owned by friendly Chilean Jose. Nice relaxing with wooden decks and views of volcano. Central, close to O'Higgins street. Choice of doubles, singles and dorms.

    Get out

    Should Pucon start to feel a bit too touristy, hop on a mini bus and make the 20 minute trip to the little city of Villarrica. It has a population of about 46 000 and escapes the tourist trappings of Pucon.

    You ca get full ifnormationabut Pucon from [www.pucon.com]