Pucon Sports Activities
Pucon is Chilean Patagonia's hub for adventure travel. The pristine environment is the perfect place to lie on the beach, or to share stories about your latest bike ride, raft trip, or horseback riding adventure while sitting in a hot springs pool. The opportunities are endless, so one thing's for sure: you'll never be bored in Pucon.

Trekking on Volcano Villarrica
The area's most popular activity is climbing the Villarrica volcano. Tour companies lead guided hikes and provide all of the gear you would need-including a gas mask "just in case" the volcano should decide to spew toxic fumes. If you have your own hiking boots though, it's always a good idea to wear them. Despite the volcano's intimidating stature, tours to the summit and back take only one day and are relatively slow-paced.

At the smoking and snow capped peak, you have a stunning view of several other volcanoes: Quetrupillan, Lanin, Llaima, Lonquimay, Sierra Nevada, Chohuenco, Osorno, Tolhuaca & the three volcanoes of the Caburgua Lake. There are bodies of water abound on this hike-from the summit you'll have views of the Caburgua, Calafquen, Huilipilun, Neltume, Panguipulli & Villarrica lakes. If you only have time for one day of active adventure, the Villarrica climb should be the one that makes the cut.

Whitewater Rafting
Pucon's proximity to the mighty Rio Trancura river can create quite a rush-of water toward the sea and of adrenaline through your veins. From Pucon, you can take half or full day class III-V raft trips. Many of the rafting outfitters also head up fly fishing and canoe trips if you're interested in a more laid-back river adventure.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a relaxing way to see the natural environment and take in views of the lake and town. While most outfitters prefer prior experience, it isn't essential. Half or full day rides may lead you through neighboring towns or native Mapuche communities in addition to trail riding.

Skiing and Snowboarding
The ski season lasts from May to November at Ski Pucon. The resort at the foot of the Villarrica volcano has great snow riding on 20 trails. You can take a lesson at the resort, or freeride on gear that you rented at one of the many shops in town. The resort has one of the best views of the lake, especially from its café and restaurant where you can warm up with a hot cocoa on a chilly day.

Mountain Biking
Finding a bike shop in Pucon should be as easy as finding a clothing shop or café to sip a latte. The most popular route for bikers in Pucon leads to Ojos de Caburgua, or Eyes of Caburgua, which are deep holes filled from the underground waters of Lago Caburgua. If a bus full of tourists hasn't just unloaded, it's a great place to take a dip.

 Northern Patagonia

  Towns and Cities:
  Puerto Montt
    Puerto Montt Dining

  Pucon
    Highlights
    Sports Activities
    Lodging
    Dining
    Shopping

  Puerto Varas
  Validivia
  Temuco

  Highlights:
  Chiloe
  Frutillar
  Alerce Andino Park
  Laguna San Rafael
  Lake Crossing