Pucón, a resort town on Lake Villarrica in northern Chile's Lake District, is overlooked by the cone of Villarrica volcano. From here, explore forest hot springs, the Araucaria forests of Huerquehue National Park, and the whitewater of the Río Trancura.Villarrica is one of Chile's most active volcanoes. Guided ascents depend on the current alert level: Before traveling, consult SENAPRED and the German Federal Foreign Office's travel and security advisories.
Sights in Pucón
Discover the most important sights and attractions
1Villarrica Volcano
The roughly 2,850-meter-high cone south of Pucón is one of Chile's most active volcanoes and can be seen from almost anywhere in the town; its crater holds a lava lake. Guided ascents are offered by agencies in Pucón, but they only take place when authorities approve the climb. Since September 2026, an elevated alert level has been in effect: Check the current status with SENAPRED and in the travel and security advisories of the Auswärtiges Amt.
Northeast of Pucón, water tumbles in several small cascades into deep blue pools. Short paths lead from the parking lot through forest to viewpoints, a worthwhile detour on the way to Lago Caburgua.
About 35 kilometers east of Pucón, roughly an hour's drive away (with a gravel section at the end), the national park protects ancient araucaria forests and a chain of small mountain lakes like Lago Chico, Lago Toro, and Lago Verde. The Sendero Los Lagos is a full-day hike. You must buy your entry online in advance.
The thermal complex is located in a forested gorge southeast of Villarrica Volcano, already in the territory of the Región de Los Ríos. Red wooden walkways connect numerous pools with water of varying temperatures. From Pucón, it's about 80 kilometers via Coñaripe; the last approximately 17 kilometers from Coñaripe are on gravel. In winter, there can be snow there, and agencies in Pucón also offer day trips.
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Volcano, Lake and City Life: A Walk Through Pucón
Experience the pulsing heart of Pucón on this walk of about two hours. From busy streets to breathtaking lake views, discover the town's highlights and its unique atmosphere at the foot of the majestic Villarrica volcano.
Café and pastry shop on Calle Fresia 223 in central Pucón with cakes, ice cream, and coffee. Cassis has other branches in Southern Chile, such as in Puerto Varas.
Pucón thrives on tourism; its high-season offerings are thus extensive. Mapuche cuisine, smoked foods, and the Araucaria nut are regionally distinctive.
Piñones from Araucaria
The seeds of the Araucaria are a traditional staple food of the Pehuenche. They are usually eaten cooked and peeled; ground, they also yield flour for soups and pastries. Harvested in autumn, from March to April.
Mapuche Cuisine and Merkén
Merkén is a Mapuche spice made from dried and smoked Ají Cacho de Cabra, roasted coriander, and salt. In Araucanía, it is one of the typical spices; you can find it in markets and delicatessens.
Parrilla and Grill
Several restaurants in the center specialize in grilled meat, including a Uruguayan parrilla on Calle Gerónimo de Alderete.
Out and about on O'Higgins
On Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins and in side streets like Colo Colo, cafés, restaurants, and bars with draft beer are packed closely together.
The Culture and History
Land of the MapucheThe area around Pucón is part of the traditional homeland of the Mapuche, Chile's largest indigenous group. Mapudungun is still spoken in the communities surrounding the lake, and many local place names come from this language. In markets and craft shops, you'll find Mapuche textiles, silver jewelry, and wood carvings, and in the local cuisine, the smoked chili powder Merkén.Some communities offer visits where you can learn more about their daily life, agriculture, and ceremonies. It's important to remember: only with an invitation or through a reputable provider, and ask before taking photos.From Fort to Holiday ResortPucón was founded in 1883 when the army established an outpost here during the military occupation of Araucanía. Soon after, merchants and settlers arrived, including German families. For a long time, Pucón remained a small agricultural town. Its development into a holiday resort began with the opening of the Gran Hotel Pucón in 1934; today, tourism and outdoor sports shape the town's character.
Nightlife
Pucón's nightlife offers a relaxed mix of local bars and beer gardens, perfect for unwinding after an eventful day. Along the main street, you'll find popular spots like Beergarden La Ruta for craft beers, or the quaint Bar El Criollito with its Chilean flair.
Google-listed nightclub/meeting spot at Calle Las Dalias 707, roughly three kilometers east of Pucón center, hence outside the O'Higgins nightlife strip. Program and opening hours are barely documented online; ask locally or at your accommodation.
In TownPucón's town center is small and flat; everything between Avenida O'Higgins, Plaza, and Playa Grande is reachable on foot. Bicycles can be rented at several spots in town, a good alternative to a car for lakeside tours.Around the AreaFor destinations like Ojos del Caburgua or Lago Caburgua, minibuses depart from the center; pay the driver directly. Long-distance buses connect Pucón with Villarrica, Temuco, and Santiago; bus companies have their own terminals in the town center. Taxis are available; it's best to agree on the price before your trip.For Huerquehue National Park, the forest hot springs, and roads around the volcano, a rental car offers the most flexibility. Many access roads are gravel, and in winter, snow chains are sometimes needed for the volcano. Alternatively, local agencies can take you to most destinations.
