Pucón is located north of Villarrica, a towering volcano that’s popular with hikers.
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Measuring in at more than 4,300 kilometers from the Peruvian border down to its southernmost point, the nation of Chile boasts 16 distinct regions all packed into one country—and when it comes to abundant natural beauty, it’s tough to beat Araucanía. This sprawling region is home to iconic national parks, a pristine shoreline and a vast expanse of ancient mountains, and to sweeten the deal, it also comes equipped with its fair share of charming towns. Resting on the banks of Chile’s Villarrica Lake, Pucón offers a glimpse into the idyllic beauty of central Chile at its best, serving as the perfect base for a deep dive into the incredible outdoor adventure and cultural immersion opportunities available across this storied region.
Sandwiched in between Huerquehue National Park and Villarrica National Park, this charming community was established in 1883 as a military outpost, later earning widespread acclaim in the early 20th century thanks to its scenic shoreline and high-end hotels—and in the modern era, it offers particularly cozy accommodations in the form of the Aldea Naukana. Constructed with indigenous wood and bamboo and imbued with a vibrant flower garden, this rustic hotel provides guests with a glimpse into the traditional architecture and culture of Araucanía, with ten colorful rooms to choose from across the property.
Pucón is a part of Chile’s Ruta Lagos y Volcanes, a scenic district that’s renowned for its abundant … [+] natural beauty.
Aldea Naukana
During a stay, guests can lounge in the sauna, soak in the hot tub or scan the treetops for wildlife on the open-air terrace—and as an added bonus, Pucón also comes equipped with its fair share of charming restaurants as well. In the heart of town, Beerhouse is a top spot for sampling local craft ale as well as classic German lagers that pay homage to the region’s European heritage, while Trawen is perfect for a refined meal crafted from indigenous Chilean ingredients. Upon arrival, guests can take advantage of the lengthy wine list that features varietals from all across Chile, while the food menu comes equipped with hearty dishes like smoked salmon cappelletti, grilled octopus and bacon-wrapped venison.
While roughly 30,000 people reside in Pucón today, it’s not just humans that call this idyllic town home. During early morning hours, visiting birdwatchers can make their way to the placid banks of Villarrica Lake to search for all sorts of avian life, with species like the upland goose, white-tufted grebe and southern lapwing all thriving across its shores. Beyond the beach, Pucón’s Plaza de Armas de Fuego is also a top spot for birdwatching, with towering trees in place that harbor one of the region’s most charismatic species: the chimango caracara. Common across southern Chile and Argentina, this striking bird of prey is renowned for both its high level of intelligence and booming calls, allowing birders to easily identify the creature as it vocalizes from high in the treetops.
The Termas Geométricas are a popular day trip destination for visitors to Pucón.
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Once you’ve had your fill of exploring Pucón, there’s a wealth of fascinating outdoor adventure sites to explore across the region, with Mawida Adventures in place to craft the perfect itinerary. Equipped with a team of expert adventurers that are well-versed in the natural splendor of Chile, this local company offers a diverse array of expeditions that span from heart-racing volcano summits to forays into some of the region’s most idyllic natural oases. For thrill seekers, a via ferrata voyage or whitewater rafting session are both top choices, while those in search of a more tranquil experience should be sure to book a tour of the Termas Geométricas, a network of natural hot springs that’s made up of more than 20 different pools.
While countries like Colombia and Brazil draw tourists in droves thanks to their balmy weather, Chile provides visitors with an opportunity to discover an entirely different side of South America, with Pucón offering a glimpse into the snow-capped peaks and evergreen forests that blanket the interior of central Chile. As a top-tier dining, relaxation and outdoor adventure destination all rolled into one, this scenic city is a top spot for immersing yourself into the idyllic beauty of Araucanía at its very best.
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Publish date : 2025-01-10 00:44:00
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