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Gran Hotel Pucón, with the volcano Villarrica in the backgroundSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Granhotelpucon.JPG
Author: Divulgação Enjoy Casino & Resort
Pucón is a small tourist town in southern Chile. It is in the Province of Cautín in Araucanía Region, about 780 km to the south of Santiago. The town is located beside a lake and a volcano. Due to its pleasant weather, it has become a popular destination for domestic tourists offering a variety of adventure and recreational activities.
Among the activities available at Pucón include horse riding, whitewater rafting, skiing, water skiing, kayaking and mountain trekking. The availability of natural hot springs in the area makes Pucón a destination for therapeutic holidays. Your choice in this town ranges from the basic rustic springs to luxurious spas.
Pucón was founded in 1883 after the Chilean government subdued the natives of Araucanín. In its early years it served as a military installation to keep peace in the region.
Pier on Lake Caburgua, PucónSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Muelle_en_Lago_Caburgua.jpg
Author: Dario Alpern
Recreational tourism in Pucón began in the 1920's, at a time when tourism itself was only getting started in Chile as a leisure activity. The opening of the Grand Hotel Pucón helps place the town on the tourist map, leading to improvement in tourist infrastructure.
Visiting Pucón
You can reach Pucón by taking an overnight bus from Santiago. Summer is the best time to visit, but it is also the most crowded, so if you are going during that season, you should book your bus ticket well in advance.
Waterfalls of Ojos del Caburgua, PucónSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ojos_del_Caburgua_%283_cascadas%29.jpg
Author: Dario Alpern
Places of Interest in Pucón
- Huerquehue National Park
National Park in the Araucanía Region covering 125 sq km with its millenarian forests. - La Poza
Beach at Lago Villarrica where boat rides are available. - Lago Villarrica
Picturesque lake on which Pucón is located. - Lanín
Cone-shaped stratovolcano standing at 3,747 m (12,293 ft). - Monasterio Santa Clara
A functioning monastery opened to the public. - Museo Mapuche
Museum exhibiting the pre-colonial artifacts and 19th century Mapuche silverware. - Playa Grande
The main beach in Pucón, surrounded by forested mountains. - Quetrupillán
Stratovolcano in the Araucanía Region, standing at 2,360 m (7,743 ft). - Termas de Huife
Upscale hot spring area on the banks of the Río Liucura. - Termas Los Pozones
Basic hot spring on the forested banks of Río Liucura. - Villarrica National Park
National park covering 630 sq km containing three volcanoes. - Volcán Villarrica
Active volcano at the southern shore of of Lago Villarrica.
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