🌋Pucón: the perfect balance between adventure and calm
🕰️ History of the place
The territory that Pucón occupies today was ancestrally inhabited by Mapuche-Pehuenche communities, who considered the Villarrica Volcano (Ruka Pillán) a sacred mountain.
The town was officially founded in 1883 as a military fort and later evolved into one of the most renowned tourist centers in South America .
Its name in Mapudungun means "entrance to the mountain range", reflecting its privileged position among lakes, forests and one of the most active volcanoes in South America, the "Rukapillan" (house of the spirits) or Villarrica.
🌿 Flora and fauna
The area surrounding Pucón is home to a unique biodiversity.
The landscape is dominated by forests of araucaria, coigüe, raulí and lenga trees, while its rivers and lakes are home to trout, salmon, black-necked swans and coypus .
In the nearby national parks it is possible to spot foxes, black woodpeckers and, with luck, pumas .
Nature here is not the background, it is the protagonist.
🌎 Destination description
Located in the Araucanía Region , on the shores of Lake Villarrica , Pucón is the meeting point between adventure, culture and well-being.
Its surroundings are enclosed by three national parks — Villarrica, Huerquehue and El Cañi —, making it a paradise for ecotourism.
The village retains an alpine aesthetic, with wooden cabins, cafes and artisan shops, but its heart beats with youthful energy, vibrant nature and a free spirit.
🎒 Main activities
🌋 Adventure and nature
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Ascent to the Villarrica Volcano: one of the most iconic experiences in the south; guided trekking with crampons to the active crater.
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Huerquehue National Park: trails among lagoons and ancient araucaria trees.
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Rafting on the Trancura River: Level II to IV rapids, pure adrenaline.
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Canopy tours, mountain biking, and horseback riding with panoramic views of the lake and volcano.
💧 Thermal baths and wellness
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Geometric Hot Springs (Coñaripe): 20 natural pools in the middle of the native forest.
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Huife Hot Springs and Los Pozones: ideal for relaxing after your adventure.
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Boutique massages and spas: wellness experiences with natural oils and thermal waters.
🎭 Culture and gastronomy
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Quelhue Mapuche Center: workshops, ancestral cuisine and cultural preservation.
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Pucón Market: handicrafts, wool and local products.
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Southern gastronomic route: smoked trout, spit-roasted lamb, merken, pine nuts and craft beers.
📸 Featured tourist attractions
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Villarrica Volcano: an icon of Pucón and one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
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Lake Villarrica: ideal for water sports and kayaking.
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Huerquehue National Park: green lagoons and eternal forests.
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Ojos del Caburgua: natural pools of turquoise water.
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Geometric Hot Springs and Huife: the most famous in the country.
🏡 Types of accommodation
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Lodges and eco-hotels: mountain style, integrated into the landscape.
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Family cabins and glamping: rural and sustainable options.
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4★ and 5★ hotels: hotels like Enjoy, Antumalal and &Beyond Vira Vira combine luxury with nature.
🍽️ Gastronomy
Pucón's cuisine is a reflection of the deep south.
The flavors combine local products with international cuisine:
lamb, trout, pine nuts, merkén, craft beers, kuchen and mountain chocolates.
The cafes and restaurants facing the lake create a complete sensory experience, amidst aromas, fire and views.
Pucón's nightlife is a major draw for domestic tourism; bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants brighten up the tourist scene every year.
“Pucón is fire, water and life: a refuge where nature inspires and the soul is ignited.”
