Pucon, Chile

By travellers, for travelers.

So, you are headed to South America and wondering what there is to do between Santiago and the Patagonia region? Well, Chile is full of beautiful little towns, big cities and plenty of things to do! For a full scope on the places we recommend you visit, how to get there and what to do... Keep on reading and you will have enough knowledge to put your own plan in action!

The first town that needs to be on your “must see” list is Pucon. Situated roughly 785 km from Santiago. The best way to get there in by taking an overnight bus from Santiago. You will save money on accommodation by sleeping on the bus (travel tip) and really get to make the most of the time you spend here. Bus prices can range from 12,000 Chilean pesos to 19,000 and takes about 10 hours.

The small eight by eight block adventure town, has a lot to offer travellers of all budgets. But to start with, where to stay, right? We recommend to stay at the “Chili Kiwi” hostel. We had a great time here. Easy to find and located roughly 20 minutes walk from Turbus bus station and sits right on the lakefront. A great hostel with a range of themed rooms such as tree houses, a Harry Potter room, Hobbit rooms as well as a few VW vans kitted out. The best thing about this particular hostel is the owner, James. Very friendly, knowledgeable and knows exactly what travellers want and need. As soon as we checked in, we received a full orientation on the town and all the activities we were able to do there. Even going the extra mile getting all guests a personal discount on all the tours you can do in the area... As travellers every saving is a good saving, so clearly the best place to start! You can find them here​.

Now that we have a place to stay and kick back, what can we actually do here?

First of all, the key attraction to visit in Pucon, is Villarica. One of 9 Volcanoes in the area. We suggest speaking directly to the hostel staff to pick the best day to do this as you do not want to be stuck hiking volcano in the rain only to reach the summit and have the view covered by rain clouds. Of course it is a fair hike to get to the top but it is one of the best view points in all of Chile! You simply can not come to Pucon and miss this! You can arrange the Hike directly via the hosel at a fair and discounted price. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and bring plenty of water!

P.S. For the crazy travellers out there (you know who you are). For the craziest of the crazy adrenaline junkies out there here is a little something for you.. It is possible (for a hefty price of course, and an unforgettable experience) to hire a helicopter, a pilot and an instructor to fly you directly above the volcano and not only look at it spitting lava from above... But also, to bungee jump out of the helicopter, directly in to the mouth of the volcano. Yes you read that correctly. So, ask yourself, are you brave enough?

Next up, Salto Del Claro waterfall. A secret waterfall not everyone knows about. You are able to take a photo of a hand drawn map and receive personal directions on how to find this hidden gem! It is about a 4-5 hour round trip and we suggest to take the hike there and try and hitch a ride home - the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. We hiked in some pretty wet weather but it was an amazing experience. Once you follow the emergency route out of town (the road to take if the volcano erupts) and reach the top of the hill, you will trek down a very steep, and for us incredibly muddy cliff. All part of the experience though right? Finally, when you reach the bottom of the cliff, and out of the forest you are greeted to a 90 metre tall waterfall crashing down in front of you!....Well worth the hike in the rain and through the mud! But be warned, you are going to get wet with splash of tonnes and tonnes of water crashing into the pool at the bottom! Great fun rain or shine!

If you are unlucky and stuck in some wet weather as we were, the best thing to do is head to the thermal pools to relax. 33,000 Chilean pesos (another Chili Kiwi discount) will get you from door to door and return! Also included is a towel, free locker and entry into Geometricas termas. By far the best, volcanic hot springs in Pucon! With a number of pools ranging in temperature and two waterfalls amongst the pools (note: the waterfalls are not heated by the volcano and in winter are ice cold) it is a relaxing and great day out. Once again you are able to bring a packed lunch, however at varied prices there is a restaurant where you are able to purchase snacks, meals and drinks.

Other activities to do in Pucon include White water rafting and tubing, ski and snowboard down one of the many volcanoes in the area...How many people can say they have boarded down a volcano? As there is many waterfalls in the area you are able to go horse riding to find them, Kayaking in the lake, checking out the black sand beaches around town, walk through some of Chile's most beautiful national parks, even visiting some of the famous volcanic caves! If you are wanting to see some of the national parks in the area we suggest to visit Santuario el Cani. You will see some beautiful wildlife and at the peak of the reserve, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of 4 volcanoes. Most certainly something to boast about on social media!

#SoWhatDidYouDoToday?

Special mention - Nightlife in Pucon.

Pucon is renowned more as an adventure town as opposed to a party town. This being said it is not all adventure and no party. As it is in most places in South America, most people will not go out until 12-1am so you are best to make some friends in the hostel (which is super easy) and stay there until then. Chilli Kiwi has a bar that closes at 11pm. Near perfect timing! Once the bar closes here you and your new friends can hit the town! There is only a few possible places to go and most will charge you a cover charge of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 pesos.. Which in all fairness is a little ridiculous, so to skip the fees, head to the number one dance floor in the area “Mamas & Tapas”. Latin American music, Piscos all round, and a great vibe! Best thing is at the end of the night, you are only a short walk away from home!

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