Before you go

Your trip to Pucón.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Pucón – Araucanía Destination Lakes and Volcanoes

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional La Araucanía (ZCO) Temuco · 90 km
Terminal de Buses JAC Pucón 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

The airport used is Temuco, about 90 km away, with transfers and rental cars. Overnight buses link Santiago to Pucón, and there are frequent services from Temuco and Villarrica. From Puerto Varas it's about 300 km via Ruta 5.

How many days

Three days allow for the volcano ascent, if conditions permit, one day in Huerquehue and an afternoon at the Ojos del Caburgua and the beach. With four or five days there's leeway to postpone the climb.

When to go

Summer, from December to March, is the beach and volcano-climbing season, with the town crowded. In autumn the forests change color and there are fewer people. In winter it rains a lot and the volcano's slope is often covered in snow.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The town center and the beach are walkable, and agencies take visitors to the volcano. There are buses to Huerquehue and Caburgua, but a car gives more freedom to combine parks, waterfalls and lakes.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Pucón

Morning
Ojos del Caburgua
Go early to the Ojos del Caburgua, east of town, and continue to Lago Caburgua to see the light-sand beach.
Afternoon
Center and waterfront
Return for lunch in town, walk along avenida O'Higgins and go down to La Poza, with its boats and kayaks.
Late afternoon
Playa Grande
Stay at Playa Grande until dusk, when Volcán Villarrica takes on color above the lake.
Evening
Dinner and preparation for the volcano
Have dinner in town and, if you're going to climb the volcano the next day, go to bed early: departure is at dawn.

3 days in Pucón

Day 1

Morning
Arrival and lakeshore
Walk through the center, La Poza and Playa Grande, and confirm the volcano ascent with the agency.
Afternoon
Ojos del Caburgua
Visit the Ojos del Caburgua and Lago Caburgua on the way back.

Day 2

Morning
Ascent of Volcán Villarrica
Depart at dawn with the agency for the north slope and climb as far as conditions allow.
Afternoon
Rest
Descend by sliding down the snow trails, have a late lunch and rest on the beach.

Day 3

Morning
Parque Nacional Huerquehue
Head to Huerquehue early and start the trail from Lago Tinquilco.
Afternoon
Lagos Chico, Verde and Toro
Reach the mountain lakes among the araucarias and return to Pucón while there's still daylight.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Pucón?

By plane to Temuco, about 90 km away, then by transfer, bus or car. From Santiago there are also direct overnight buses to Pucón.

How many days to stay in Pucón?

Three days are the minimum for the volcano, Huerquehue and the lakes. Four or five give leeway if the volcano ascent is postponed.

What is the best time to go to Pucón?

Summer, from December to March, for the beach and volcano climb. Autumn brings colorful forests and fewer people.

Can you go from Puerto Varas to Pucón in the same day?

Yes. It's about 300 km, roughly four hours by car via Ruta 5 and the Villarrica road. There are also buses with connections in Osorno or Temuco.

Back to Pucón