Pucon Bucket List Activities:

Pucon, Chile is a popular highlight of southern Chile and is deemed the adventure capital of the country. I had the pleasure of spending 3 amazing months exploring all that Pucon has to offer. Even after 3 months, I still have things on my Pucon bucket list. This region is characterized by massive lakes, towering volcanos, luscious green forests, beautiful black-sand beaches, and incredible waterfalls. There are so many things to do in Pucon and the surrounding areas.

If you are an outdoorsy adventure seeker, Pucon is the ultimate place for you to visit!

View of the Villarrica Volcano

Pucon, Chile

Situated on the banks of Villarrica Lake, and shadowed by the Villarrica Volcano, Pucon, is the ultimate nature escape. The town reminds me of the quaint mountain towns that you will find in California. Its streets are lined with restaurants, outdoor outfitters, and boutique clothing stores. It is a popular destination for Chileans during the summertime and a decent ski town during the winter.

The best time to visit Pucon in my opinion are the shoulder months of either November and December or March and April. The weather is still favorable in these months but there are half the amount of crowds. January and February are the most popular months because the weather is warmest and almost everyday is sunny. Expect the beaches to be packed, traffic to be bad, and prices to be a lot higher during January and February.

The waterfalls at Rio Turbio

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Pucon and I look forward to returning one day. I am a very adventurous person and I was in heaven with all the awesome options of things to do in Pucon.

The Best Accommodation

Budget:

Chili Kiwi Hostel is definitely the best place to stay while you are in Pucon, Chile. It is a backpacker hostel with an amazing social vibe that is great for any type of travel. This is the perfect place to meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Their dorm rooms and selection of unique private rooms make it suitable for any type of backpacker. The hostel is also located right on the lake with an incredible sunset view that can be enjoyed from the Treehouse Bar. Chili Kiwi Hostel was my favorite hostel in Chile.

Luxury:

Hotel Casa Solaria – Located in the heart of Pucon this modern hotel offers a relaxing place to rest between adventures. You will be steps away from the lake and the hotel also offers free continental breakfast and parking.

Hotel Antumalal – If you are looking for a quiet, lakefront escape this Pucon hotel is perfect! Soak in the beautiful lake views from the multiple swimming pools and jacuzzis. There is an onsite restaurant and it is a close drive to the center of Pucon.

5 Things I never Travel Without

1. Travel Insurance – Heymondo has been my go-to for the last few years. I love how reasonable the prices are and how easy it is to sign up. They also include coverage of a bunch of adventurous activities! Click here for 5% off your policy.
2. Travel Credit Cards – Having a good travel credit card is a game changer! Not only do you get the benefit of zero transaction fees, but these cards provide other benefits such as, free Priority Pass, free TSA Pre-check/Global Entry, annual travel credits, great point earnings and travel partners. My two favorite cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X.
3. Kindle – I love reading and Kindle makes it so easy to download new books on the go!
4. Osprey Backpack – whether I’m hiking in Patagonia or backpacking Europe, Osprey offers versatile backpacks for any type of travel
5. AirPods – These are a total game changer for traveling. I love the noise cancelling capability because it makes airplanes silent and blocks out unwanted noise. They are so much easier to wear around than normal headphones. 

Read Next: Don’t Miss these 5 Places in Chile

My List of 21 Awesome Things to do in Pucon, Chile:

On top of the Volcano!

1. Climb the Villarrica Volcano

The number one thing to do in Pucon is climb the Villarrica Volcano. This is the most active volcano in Chile and one of the biggest at 2,800 meters. Its presence is known from anywhere in town because it towers on the horizon. Climbing the Villarrica Volcano is a true test of physical strength and mental will power. Climbers utilize ice axes, crampons and gas masks to complete the ascent. It is a fun and challenging climb. You cant beat the views from atop the crater! You can check out all the details from my climb with Casa de Guias Pucon.

2. Hydrospeed Rio Trancura

Rafting down the river is highly advertised in Pucon, but the ultimate way to experience Rio Trancura is to sign up for a Hydrospeed Tour. Often described as bodyboarding down the rapids, Hydrospeed is the best way to tackle the rapids head on. You will be suited up in a wetsuit, helmet, and flippers while you cling to a thick foam body board. The guides will lead the way like mother ducks and will encourage you to steer right, kick left and move faster all the way down the river. Dont worry, you will have plenty of time to soak up the views of the river in between wild sections of rapids. It is the ultimate adrenaline rush, rain or shine.

3. Canyoning Los Nevados

Adventuring through the canyons is an awesome experience in Pucon. You will make your way down by jumping off cliffs, sliding down natural rock slides, zip-lining over waterfalls and swimming through beautiful pools of water. The canyon is stunning and you will be mesmerized by the massive boulders, waterfalls, crystal clear pools and luscious forest surrounding you. It is the perfect thing to do for the adrenaline seeker.

Lago Villarrica

4. Kayak to Private Beaches on Lake Villarrica

During the summer months, Playa Grande is littered with umbrellas and Chileans soaking in the summer rays. If you prefer a more relaxed beach experience, my top recommendation is to rent a kayak and paddle around the peninsula to one of 3 private beaches. Only people who are staying in the apartments on the peninsuala have access to these beaches, but if you arrive by kayak then you are allowed too. Bring a nice book and some snacks and pass the hot afternoon soaking in the sun and enjoying the views of Lago Villarrica.

Pro Tip: Most Chileans do not arrive at the beach until after 3 PM, show up before then for some more peaceful vibes.

Pucon is one of the best places to skydive in the world!

5. Skydive over an Active Volcano

Pucon is one of the best skydive locations in the world! If skydiving is on your bucketlist you have to do it here. The coolest thing about Paracaidismo Pucon is that you get at 25 minute plane tour before jumping out. The plane will fly over Lago Villarrica and give you views of all the rivers, forests and Pucon below. The coolest part is when the pilot does a pass right over the Villarrica Volcano allowing you to look straight into the crater and even see lava on some days.

The jump out of the plane itself is incredible! Skydiving is such a crazy feeling and all of your senses will be alive. The free fall is about 45 seconds, and then you have a few more minutes of gliding back to the ground. Make sure you get the video because you will not want to forget these views. Skydiving is in my top 3 favorite things to do in Pucon.

Horseback Riding Views

6. Horseback Ride Through Incredible Scenery

The horseback riding tour run by Antilco is a perfect half day adventure for all experience levels. You will get to experience the mountains and country side of Pucon. The trail leads through Mapuche land, into wide open meadows, along river trails and  through the forest. It is a 3-4 hour journey where you will get to walk, trot and canter with the horses. The best part is getting to see a different side of Pucon and explore all the beautiful nature.

Cascadas Rio Turbio

7. Waterfalls and Lava Trails at Rio Turbio

Rio Turbio is one of my favorite places to explore. I visited multiple times and always found new trails and waterfalls to explore. The crystal clear blue water flows along the lava trails as it cascades into pools below. The views are incredible and the water is so refreshing on a hot day. The best part is there are almost never other people around.

How to Arrive: Getting to the Cascades is a little tricky but you take Calle International out of Pucon and you will turn right, right after the airport ends. There is a green sign indicating El Cerduo. From here it is 8km of gravel road up to the parking area for the falls. You just have to follow the signs for cascadas.

8. Salto del Claro Waterfall

Salto del Claro waterfall is a hidden gem outside of Pucon. You can easily walk to the waterfall from the center of town. It is about 2 hours each way. You will be amazed by the 80 meter falls that plummet from above. On a warm day it is nice to jump in the water, and I definitely recommend bringing a lunch to enjoy at the bottom.

Pro Tip: Use Maps.me to locate this waterfall

9. Natural Rock Slide at Rio Plata

Sliding down the rock slide at Rio Plata is one of the more risky thing to do in Pucon, but it is heaps of fun. I was nervous before sliding down, but it turned out to be totally safe. This waterslide-waterfall falls into a beautiful swimming hole and is accessed via a trail alongside the river.

How to Arrive: Take the Calle International towards the airport. You will turn left before the airport where the signs point to Quelhue. Once you cross over the bridge you will make another left when the road splits. From here you follow the gravel road all the way to the end where there will be a parking lot. In order to access the trail you walk towards the beach, but instead of crossing the footbridge you make a right turn and head up the path. You will have to go around some wooden branches that have been put up like a fence. From here follow the trail for about 15 minutes and you will arrive at the slide.

10. Mirador los Crateres

Any hike in Villarrica National Park is stunning. I particularly liked the Sendero Mirador los Crateres because it is a quick hike, but exposes you to a variety of landscapes. Some of the trail is in dense forest, and other parts give you amazing views of the Villarrica Volcano. The trail takes 2-3 hours to complete. We decided to mix things up and instead of following the same trail back to the car we hiked down the lava trail instead. It was much quicker and easier to descend.

How to arrive: Head out of Pucon towards Villarrica and turn left onto Camino al Volcan. It is about 45 minutes to the trail head and you will pass by the CONAF station first. This trail is difficult to access without your own car.

11. Termas Geometricas

No hot springs will ever compare to Geometricas. This is the heaven of all hot springs. The hot springs are situated in the canyons of the mountains surrounding the volcano and provide a incredibly peaceful ambience to enjoy the termas. There are 17 different pools stretching into the canyon. You are surrounded by luscious green forest and ferns, and there are also a few waterfalls and a beautiful creek intertwined amongst the pools. A simple redwood path connects everything and the infrastructure blends into the nature very well. The hot springs range from 38 degrees Celsius to 46 degrees Celsius.

I can not think of a better way to spend my time after climbing the volcano or completing another strenuous activity in Pucon. Everyone loves visiting the hot springs. There are many different hot springs around Pucon but Geometricas is by far the best!

How to Arrive: Termas Geometricas are a 2 hour drive from Pucon. Most people will sign up with a tour that transports you there and includes 3 hours in the pools. If you have a car it is easy to navigate there but the road does get very steep and is unpaved. I would recommend taking a tour because you do not pay much more for the transport and you can relax the whole time.

Cerro San Sebastián

12. San Sebastian Trek in Huerquehue National Park

Cerro San Sebastian is arguably the best day trek around Pucon. The look out point from the peak offers sweeping views of the forest and lakes below, as well as, over 5 volcanos. It is a challenging 6-8 hour trek that is mostly uphill. You will pass through the forest, across an open meadow and then climb your way over rocks and boulders to reach the top. I really enjoyed this hike and could not get enough of the view at the top. We ate lunch and soaked in the views for over an hour.

Check out my full post about trekking and camping in Huerquehue National Park

13. Camp at the El Cañi Mirador

El Cañi is another beautiful place to trek. The private reserve has a 20 km trail that passes through the countryside, into the forest with indigenous Araucaria trees (Monkey Puzzle Trees), past lakes and ultimately to a lookout point. The views from the top provide an awesome look at Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin Volcanoes. It is a long hike with a lot of ascent which is why I recommend breaking up the trek by camping at the top. Watching the sunset and sunrise from El Cañi Mirador is amazing and the stars at night are incomparable. Camping in El Cañi is one of the highlights of my time in Pucon

Ojos Del Caburgua

 14. Ojos Del Caburgua

The Ojos del Caburgua waterfalls are a popular destination for tourists in Pucon, and are definitely worth a stop. Multiple waterfalls cascade into a tourqouise blue pool of water. There are multiple viewing platforms to see the waterfall from all different angles. In the summer months it can get quite crowded so make sure to arrive early!

Playa Secreta Lago Caburgua

 15. Playa Blanca Lake Caburgua

Lake Caburgua is a massive blue lake located just outside of Pucon. It has one of the only white sand beaches in the area and offers a relaxing place to soak in the sun. Lake Caburgua is a bit warmer than Villarrica Lake so it is a little more inviting if you want to swim. The forest crashes into the water and you can catch views of the volcano as well.

16. Sierra Nevada Trek Conguillio National Park

Conguillio National Park is a stunning place to explore. It is characterized by the massive Lliama Volcano. My favorite trek to take in the whole park is the Sierra Nevada trail. It is a 10 km trek that gives you beautiful views of the forest, valley, lakes and volcano. The trail ends with a beautiful view overlooking the lake and volcano. I wish I had more time to explore this park, but I am thankful I got to visit at all.

Pro Tip: I recommend visiting in the fall (end of April/ beginning of May) because the trees are all changing colors at this time.

17. Salto Leon & Salto La China

These two waterfalls are a perfect day trip from Pucon. The waterfalls are in Palguin and are 2 of a series of waterfalls you can access from the same road. Since Chileans charge an entrance fee to visit most waterfalls you have to pick and choose sometimes. I recommend starting with La China because it is an impressive waterfall with a massive drop into the canyon below. You will have trouble fitting it all into one shot because it is so tall.

After you visit La China, you can head up the road to Salto Leon. Salto Leon is the most powerful and impressive waterfall near Pucon. The waterfall is divided into two and has so much water spraying over. You will definitely get wet from the mist. Most times you can see a really beautiful rainbow forming over the falls.

How to Arrive: take Camino International out of Pucon towards the border. After about 20 minutes you will make a right on S-941 in Palguin. There are signs for the waterfalls and you follow the gravel road for about 10 km to reach the waterfalls.

Los Lagos Trail, Huerquehue National Park

18. Hike to Laguna Verde

Another beautiful trek is the Los Lagos trail in Huerquehue National Park. It is a 5 hour trek that brings you to a series of waterfalls and lakes. One of the most beautiful is Laguna Verde. The reflections of the surrounding mountains are amazing and it is a refreshing dip after a hot climb up the trail. I also completed this trek when I camped in Huerquehue National Park. You can read how to avoid the crowds here.

Hiking buddy in Lincan Ray

19. Visit the cute town of Lincan Ray

Lincan Ray is a little hippie town located on Lake Calafquén, a little over an hour from Pucon. It is a beautiful place to relax at the beach and to go for a hike. There is a beautiful peninsula that has a series of trails leading along the lake and through the forest. It is a very peaceful hike and you can find some private beaches tucked along the way.

If you want to continue around the lake to the town of Calafquén you can also access even more secret beaches with amazing views overlooking the lake and the volcanoes in the distance.

Sunset from Chili Kiwi Hostel

20. Enjoy the Sunset with a Beer

Every sunset over Lake Villarrica is amazing, and they are always different. My favorite thing to do in Pucon during sunset is to grab some beer and make my way to the beach. The best places to watch the sunset are from the treehouse at Chili Kiwi Hostel, Playa Grande, or from a kayak on the water. The sun usually lights up the  sky in the most magical way and I have a lot of photo evidence. I especially love when the light reflects onto the top of the volcano.

If you want to witness the sunset from outside of Pucon, another one of my favorite destinations is the beach in Quelhue. It is wide and open and faces perfectly for the sunset.

Villarrica Traverse Sunsets

21. The Villarrica Traverse

By far my favorite thing to do in Pucon is the Villarrica Traverse. This was an amazing 3 day 2 night trek between the Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin volcanoes. The scenery was always changing and I had to take my phone out to capture a new view every few minutes. I loved this trek because we were the only people on the trails and the nature was so untouched. I saw beautiful sunsets, volcano views, ruby red forests, sparkling lakes, and so much more.

The trek is definitely hard, but so worth every step. 27 miles later and I was sad it was coming to and end.

Read Next:

I will never forget my time in Pucon, Chile. The 3 months I spent at Chili Kiwi Hostel are some of the most memorable in my life. I’ve never lived in a place with so much natural beauty and adventurous activities to do.

Did I miss anything on my list of things to do in Pucon?

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