Volcanoes, lakes and hot springs
Pucón
Green, wet and alive. A smoking volcano above a lake, waterfalls in ancient forest, and thermal baths hidden in the trees. The most relaxing part of Chile.
- Best time
- October to April
- Recommended days
- 4–7 days
- Getting there
- 1.5h flight Santiago–Temuco, then 1h by car
Where to fly
Fly Santiago (SCL) → Temuco, La Araucanía airport (ZCO) with LATAM, SKY or JetSMART — 1h35, from €70 return. Rent a car at the airport (the best option here, everything is spread out) or take the Transfer Pucón shuttle, about 1 hour to town. There are also comfortable overnight buses from Santiago if you prefer.
What not to miss
Volcán Villarrica
The smoking cone above town. Climb it with a guide — 5–6 hours up on crampons, sliding back down on your bum — or just admire it from the lake.
Parque Nacional Huerquehue
A 5-hour loop past three lakes through ancient araucaria forest. The best walk in the region and easy enough for anyone.
Ojos del Caburgua & Salto El Claro
Turquoise waterfalls 20 minutes from town, and the black-sand beaches of Lago Caburgua right after.
Termas Geométricas & Los Pozones
Hot spring pools in a mossy gorge. Geométricas for the design and the red walkways, Los Pozones at night by the river for the cheap and magic version.
Day by day
Day 1
Lake day
Settle in, swim in Lago Villarrica, walk the black sand beach and eat at a terrace with a volcano view.
Day 2
Huerquehue National Park
The three-lake loop through araucaria forest. Finish at the Termas Los Pozones hot springs after dark.
Day 3
A chill day in town
No plans today — walk around Pucón, browse the outdoor shops, wander along the lakefront and have a long, lazy lunch at Cassis, the best restaurant in town.
Day 4
Ojos del Caburgua
Visit the turquoise waterfalls at Ojos del Caburgua, continue to Salto El Claro and finish at the black-sand beaches of Lago Caburgua.
Day 5
La Ruta de los Saltos
Spend the day visiting La Ruta de los Saltos — a string of waterfalls hidden in the forest around town. Stop for lunch or dinner at Onas, the best meat in the region.
Day 6
Termas Geométricas
An afternoon soaking in the red-walkway hot springs hidden in the forest, then a parrillada back in town.
Day 7
Last swim & back
One more dip in the lake, souvenir chocolate, and the bus or flight back to Santiago via Temuco.
Where to stay
- There are so many lovely places to stay here — have a browse on Booking.com and Airbnb and pick whatever feels right for you. These buttons will take you straight there.
Don't forget
- · Book the volcano climb for your first clear-weather day, not your last
- · Hot springs are best after dark
- · Rain gear, even in summer — this is the temperate rainforest
Who we booked with
We have not worked with these agencies first hand ourselves, but they look reliable and come recommended.
Summit Chile
Our pick for the Villarrica volcano climb: proper guides, gear included, small groups.
Visit websitePolitur
The all-rounder in town for rafting, canyoning, Huerquehue transfers and hot spring trips.
Visit website