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| Pucón | ||
| region | Región de la Araucanía | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 28.923 (2017) | |
| height | 227 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Pucón is a town on the shores of Lake Villarrica in the La Araucanía region in the south Chile. It has about 35,000 inhabitants (2016) and is a rapidly growing tourist center at the foot of the most active volcano in Chile, the Volcán Villarica.
background
Tourism is the main industry in Pucón.
getting there
By plane
The nearest major airport is included Temuco. It is planned to expand the local small airport in Pucon, so that there will be direct flight connections to Santiago could give.
By bus
Pucon is excellent for overnight buses to the capital Santiago tied up. Tickets are available from CLP 20,000.
There are also bus connections to Puerto Montt, Temuco and San Martín de los Andes (Arg.).
In the street
From the west via the feeder roads CH-199 / S-91 from Ruta 5 to the east you come across Villarica to Pucon.
The CH-199 road east of Pucon connects the city via the Paso Mamuil Malal with the Ruta Nacional 40 in Argentina. This pass road is paved all the way up to approx. 15 km and offers a good connection San Martín de los Andes and the ones there Lanín National Park.
mobility
In the village itself you can still get around on foot. Numerous inexpensive minibuses run to the towns, national parks and thermal baths in the surrounding region, including to Villarica, Huerquehue National Park and Curarrehue.
Tourist Attractions
In particular, the Villarrica lake with its beach and the Villarrica volcano. There are also innumerable thermal baths and waterfalls in the area.
National parks
There are two national parks in the vicinity, the Villarica National Park and the Huerquehue National Park. There you can still visit wild araucaria forests. The fruits of these impressive trees are a popular food.
Ojos del Caburgua
Impressive semicircular waterfalls that meet in a turquoise shimmering stone pool. There is also another small blue lagoon to see. The "Ojos del Caburgua" are on the S-905 to Caburgua, approx. 20 km from Pucón. We recommend access via the west side (1.5 km detour on gravel road from the S-905), where entry costs CLP 1,000. The attraction is easily accessible by bus and there is also a campsite on site, as well as snack bars and kiosks.
activities
Trekking tours are mainly offered in Huerquehue National Park, Villarica National Park and partly also in Villarica National Reserve at. Pucón itself is best known for its volcano tours, which are described in more detail here.
Villarica volcano
Many consider the ascent of the Volcan Villarica called, on some days (unfortunately very seldom) you can even see the magma lake in the crater. The whole thing is very weather-dependent and takes place under the strict conditions of the parking authority CONAF. The ascent is only allowed when the peak is free of clouds and the volcano is not very active.
From the starting point at the cafeteria to the summit, approx. 1400 meters in altitude are overcome. Often the first section (approx. 400 m) can be overcome via a chair lift (without a bracket, 10,000 CLP), but the ascent remains physically demanding. The ascent takes about 5-6 hours, the descent 3 hours. For the glaciated ascent, Eisackst, respiratory masks, protective gloves, crampons and robust, suitable mountain boots are required. Furthermore, very strong sun protection (glasses, cream) is absolutely necessary.
Guided tour
Since the volcano erupted in 2015, the regulations for suppliers have been tightened and prices have increased further. The guided day tour costs around CLP 80,000 p.p. including full equipment, but without food. Normally there are three tourists per guide; the ascent is usually in groups of 12. The ascent starts early, usually around 6 a.m. at dusk, small groups are more expensive. Recommended providers are "Patagonia Experience" and "Aqua Aventura".
The tours are offered all year round, but the weather conditions are more volatile in winter. Outside the main season (end of Dec-Feb, Semana Santa) you can often negotiate a free visit to the thermal baths (or similar) for the same price.
Independent advancement
With the right equipment and experience, you can climb the volcano on your own. In order to receive the permit from CONAF you have to show your equipment and be able to prove your membership in an alpine or mountain club (e.g. DAV). At the beginning of the ascent (mountain station of the lift) and at the park entrance, compliance with the regulations is now strictly monitored.
Other volcanoes
Also on the Lanín volcano (3747 m) guided tours are offered. This glaciated peak is the highest in the region, but volcanic activity is no longer visible and the last eruption was a long time ago. The ascent is much more difficult, longer (2 day tour) and more expensive (CLP 170,000 with food). That is why this tour is carried out much less frequently. The ascent via the Argentine side is easier, but these tours can only be done in San Martín de los Andes get booked.
Another simpler volcano is the Quetrupillán (2009 m) im Villarica National Park. The tour operators often switch to these when the Volcán Villarica is closed.
Thermal baths
If you are looking for relaxation, you can visit the numerous thermal springs in the area. From luxury resorts to simple stone pools, there is something for everyone. Especially popular with backpackers are the Thermas Los Pozones (easily accessible by bus and relatively cheap entry).
Winter sports
The region around the Villarica volcano is a growing winter sports center. The main source of income for tourism is still the summer season.
Further
In addition, there are also offers for riding excursions in the vicinity, canopy (ziplining), rental bikes, rafting, hydrospeed and tandem jumps.
shop
The consumption of the fruits of the tree is typical of the region Araucaria. They served the indigenous Mapuche people living there as essential winter supplies and are still eaten a lot today.
You can eat them cooked or raw and buy them fresh in many supermarkets (at the fruit / vegetable counters). Their taste is similar to that of peanuts and almonds. With a few small exceptions, you should refrain from collecting them in the national parks in order not to impair forest growth.
kitchen
The range of restaurants in town is diverse (Italian, Asian) and geared towards tourists, but often also comparatively expensive. Many restaurants are located on the central Av. Bernardo O'Higgins.
nightlife
The nightlife in Pucon is lively and mainly characterized by the capital city from Santiago and international tourists. Most of the offers can be found on the central Av. Bernado O'Higgins.
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
Cheap
- Hostel Wohlenberg, Palguín. next to the JAC bus terminal on the 1st floor / backyard; Terrace with volcano view; modern sanitary facilities; without breakfast; Wi-fi.Price: from CLP 10,000 p.p.
medium
- Ruka Rayen - Pucon Palguín River Hostal, Palguín Bajo, Pucon, km 22. E-mail: [email protected]. Nice view, BBQ, next to river, beach, camping available, kayak, bike rental, Mapuche experience, horseback riding, breakfast served, kitchen to use, mountain hiking and mountaineering, near hot springs, lakes; Wi-fi.Price: start CLP 27,000.
Upscale
Practical advice
money
On the central Av. Bernardo O'Higgims you will find various banks and money exchange offices.
information
There are several tourist offices in the city:
- Tourist Information, at the local government ("Municipalidad") on central Av. Bernardo O'Higgins.
- Tourist Information, at "Plaza Sor Huberto Bon" on "Caupolicán" street in the southwest of the city.
cards
Good hiking maps for the surrounding national parks are available in the "Travel Aid" shop on the corner of Bernardo O'Higgins and Miguel Asorena.
camping
- Camping La Posta. only centrally located campsite; spacious and parceled out; from the end of 2016 new sanitary facilities; simple bungalow for cooking / sitting inside, benches, light and electricity on many parcels; Wi-fi.Price: CLP p.p. 6,000 / 7,000 / 8,000 (low season / January / February).
- Camping Aynoa. only open in high season; at the northern end of the beach with beach access; 2km to the center; extensive but rather neglected; no wifi.
trips
- Further south Chile
literature
Web links
- Tourism, history and webcams (in Spanish)
- http://www.municipalidadpucon.cl/ - Official website of Pucón
