Pucón, Adventure tourism destination in Cautín Province, Chile
Pucón is a town on the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica in southern Chile, within Cautín Province and the Araucanía Region. The center arranges itself along a few main streets, while residential areas and lodgings spread toward the waterfront and forested hills.
The settlement was founded in 1883 as a military post at the entrance to the Trancura Valley, after the Chilean army took control of the area during the Occupation of Araucanía. The town grew decades later into a destination for travelers drawn to the volcano and lake.
The name comes from the Mapuche language and means entrance to the mountains, a term that still reflects the town's connection to the surrounding peaks. Visitors encounter Mapuche textiles and wood carvings in the streets and markets, displaying traditional patterns and symbols.
Travelers arriving from Santiago can continue by car or bus from Temuco airport in about an hour, while overnight buses cover the route directly in around ten hours. The main season runs from December through March, but milder weather in spring and autumn offers a quieter alternative.
The Villarrica volcano allows skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with five different lakes visible from the summit in clear weather. On warm days, locals and visitors swim in the shallow water at the town beach, where volcanic sand darkens the shoreline.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
