Pucón

Pucón is hands down my favorite place in Chile. Not because it is flashy or overhyped, but because it has everything that makes traveling feel alive. A smoking volcano on the horizon, natural hot springs hidden in the forest, deep blue lakes nearby and a town that still feels genuinely Chilean instead of built only for tourists.

It is one of the highlights of the Lake District and an easy place to fall in love with. Located about 780 km south of Santiago, the town sits right on the lake, similar to Valdivia, but with a completely different vibe. Here, adventure and nature are always close, whether you want to hike, relax in thermal waters or just slow down and enjoy the view.

If you are planning a trip here, you are in the right place. This page is your starting point and your shortcut. You will find links to the best things to do, where to stay, how to rent a car, ready to use itineraries, great restaurants and practical tips that actually help you plan instead of overwhelming you.

Pucón began as a small frontier settlement in the late 19th century and developed alongside tourism thanks to its location on Lake Villarrica and at the foot of Villarrica Volcano, gradually growing into one of southern Chile’s best known adventure and holiday destinations.

The Villarrica Volcano is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes and a defining landmark of Pucón, famous for guided summit climbs, glowing lava views at night, and its constant presence shaping the town’s landscape and outdoor culture.

Pucón has two clear travel seasons. Summer runs from December to February, with January and February being the warmest months, averaging around 26 to 27°C or 79 to 81°F, offering sunny weather that is ideal for hiking, lake activities, volcano tours, and outdoor adventures. The cold season lasts from June to August, when temperatures drop to around 7 to 10°C or 45 to 50°F, bringing rain and snow to the mountains and marking the peak ski season near Villarrica Volcano.

Summer means hiking, lake days and volcano adventures. Winter is for skiing, snowboarding and hot springs. Spring and autumn are quieter, greener and slower.

Pucón is located in southern Chile, right on the edge of Lake Villarrica and at the foot of the iconic Villarrica Volcano. It sits in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by forests, lakes and national parks.

The easiest way to get there is via Temuco. You can fly from Santiago to Temuco in about 1.5 hours. From the airport, it is roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive by rental car, shuttle or bus.

Traveling by bus from Santiago is also popular and budget friendly. The journey takes around 9 to 10 hours and overnight buses are common. Once you arrive, everything in town is walkable, and having a car makes it much easier to explore the surrounding area.

Explore further south in Chile's Lake District