Pucón – Chile (Lake District)
Undisputed capital of adventure tourism and nature in Chile, Pucón has an enticing mix of lakes, rivers & waterfalls, volcanoes, national parks and hot springs. The highlight is definitely climbing the Villarrica Volcano, the smoking monster that dominates the scenery and is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. You can actually climb to the top and peer into the crater!
Group hiking to the top of Villarrica Volcano.
Adrenaline junkies should try white water rafting down the ferocious Trancura River. Its class 4 rapids are guaranteed to get your heart beating! Other exciting water activities are canyoning, hydrospeed, sports fishing & sailing on Pucón’s Lago Villarrica. Or keep it dry and hop on a mountain bike or horse, jump out of an airplane or visit indigenous Mapuche communities! Nature lovers should definitely not miss out on the El Cañi nature reserve, the fabulous Huerquehue NP and the Caburgua Lake. And leaving Pucón without soaking your tired muscles in one of the region’s many heavenly hot springs would be such a shame!
Lago Villarrica in Pucón.
Pucón is a real backpacker and adventure tourism heaven that has activities for everybody all year round, also in winter time with skiing & snowboarding on the flanks of the Villarrica Volcano, what a view!
Tip: it’s possible to cross by bus to Bariloche in Argentina via San Martín de los Andes.
Crater rim of Villarrica Volcano.
Where to sleep in Pucón
LACUSTRE TRIP HOSTEL – Budget Category
Sleep off Pucón’s adrenaline rush in one of the 3 recently constructed dorm rooms of 6 or 8 beds and lockers in the Lacustre Trip Hostel or why not pamper yourself with a king size bed in the private ensuite room!
Breakfast will be ready in the morning and a kitchen is there to prepare your lunch or dinner or you can grill a tasty juicy steak on the parrilla in the nice garden with local trees & plants.
Iris & Fernando and their young international crew will welcome you and inform you in Spanish or English about the wide range of activities available in Pucón.
The Lacustre Trip hostel is located very close to the Jac & Pullman bus terminals and just steps away from Pucón’s main avenue, pubs & restaurants. Towels included!
Address & contact
Palguin 510, Pucón
tel. +56 452444234
[email protected]
www.lacustretriphostel.cl
Lacustre Trip Hostel
ETNICO ECO HOSTEL – Budget Category
A 5000m² property superbly located bang in the centre of downtown Pucón and only one block from the Playa Grande beach. Etnico Eco Hostel, a former monastery, has a huge garden dotted with an array of fruit trees (cherries, figs, grapes, apples, kiwis), a fantastic swimming pool, a sauna & bbq area, comfy hammocks and many green hide-outs to relax in!
There’s also ping-pong, bike & kayak rental and the owners care about the environment with solar panels, recycling & composting for the hostel’s veggie garden & greenhouse.
A wide range of private rooms (matrimonial, doubles, triples & quadruples) with private or shared bathroom are available at Etnico Eco Hostel as well as several dorms with lockers; all include towels and use of the kitchen. Alternatively happy campers can pitch their tent in one of the seven camping spots available.
Have fun at your home away from home! Open all year. English & French spoken, laundry service available.
Address & contact
Colo Colo 36, Pucón
tel. +56 452442305
tel. & whatsapp +56 985275940
[email protected]
www.etnicohostel.com
Etnico Eco Hostel
KODKOD ECO TOURISM, Cabins & Restaurant – Flashpacker Category
The ideal place to relax and enjoy nature at its fullest, Kodkod is 20 minutes away from Pucon town (buses every 30 min.). It’s a huge lush wooded terrain with nature trails, birds, horses and lamas where sustainability is key. Their policy means precycling and recycling, composting and fair treatment of animals.
At Kodkod’s cosy restaurant with inviting terrace they use fresh, simple ingredients, locally produced and mostly grown in their own large organic vegetable gardens. Along with a delicious variety of healthy dishes you’ll find artisanal beers, fresh juice, cocktails and wine.
If you can’t pull yourself away from this nature-lover’s paradise you can stay at one of the three fully equipped and inexpensive cabins. Located in the enchanting forest, they’re ideal to enjoy with friends or family and to release all stress.
In addition there are many thermal baths nearby and Kodkod organizes 3 to 7 hour horse rides into the Cañi Sanctuary (Kodkod is located at its foot) and to other gorgeous places.
Open all year. Low season: reserve restaurant, cabins or horse riding one day in advance!
Address & contact
Km 21 on the road to Huife
Pucón – Pichares
tel. +56 976535601
tel. +56 974951536
[email protected]
www.kodkod.net
Kodkod Eco Tourism
Activities in Pucón
POLITUR – Travel & Adventure
Politur is one of the original adventure companies in Pucón, with over 20 years of experience, pro bilingual guides and fair rates! They received the official “quality label” from the government because of their professionalism & level of service.
It’s your best choice in town to hike up the Villarrica volcano, to go whitewater rafting (grade 3-4 rapids), canyoning, skiing & snowboarding (also rental), hiking the national parks or to do activities like canopy, zip-line, rappel, or relaxing in the area’s divine hot springs!
Their equipment is top-notch & safe, so no ice cold nightmares with soggy feet and soaked clothes on the snowy volcano or chattering teeth in bad weather conditions or when doing a water activity.
If you want some luxury at great prices, check out Politur’s Hotel Vientos del Sur on Brasil 640 and Hotel Cumbres del Sur on Colo Colo 540.
Address & contact
Av. Bernardo O’Higgins 635, Pucón
tel. +56 452441373
[email protected]
www.politur.com
politur
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