From soaking in hot springs surrounded by native forest to refreshing your wardrobe right downtown, Pucón brings together adventure, relaxation, culture, and shopping tourism in a single trip.
What to do in Pucón? The list includes running the rapids of the Trancura River, unwinding in thermal pools, visiting the Ojos del Caburgua, and getting closer to Mapuche traditions in Curarrehue. You can also hike the trails of Villarrica National Park or spend an afternoon window-shopping along Avenida O’Higgins and the streets downtown.
What to do in Pucón
A day of shopping downtown
Much of the shopping scene is concentrated around Bernardo O’Higgins and Fresia avenues, as well as streets like Caupolicán, so you can explore several shops and galleries on foot. Options include outdoor clothing and gear, with apparel and accessories for trekking, rafting, and excursions, plus chocolate shops and local food products.
To take home a souvenir, you can round out your downtown stroll with a visit to the artisan markets. Local craftspeople offer creations such as woodwork, textiles, and pieces inspired by Mapuche culture.
The recommendation is to make your shopping day the first stop on your southern Chile getaway, and then dive into the hot springs or hit the area’s trails.
Hot springs, forests, and relaxation
Pucón is home to one of the highest concentrations of hot springs in Chile. Its volcanic waters emerge amid native forests, with options ranging from open-air pools to full complexes with spa services, accommodation, and dining.
- Parque Termal Botánico: has 10 pools between 35 and 41°C, including cave pools and a glass palace, plus saunas and wellness rituals.
- Termas de Huife: 35 km from Pucón, it offers three outdoor pools with temperatures between 38 and 40°C, plus a hotel, spa, and restaurant.
- Termas Quimey-Co: its mineral waters, with temperatures between 36 and 43°C, were declared a Healing Spring in 2014. The complex also has private mini pools.
- Termas Menetúe: combines thermal pools, accommodation with hot tubs, a restaurant, and a spa. It also features a thermal vineyard, blending grape growing with the hot-springs setting.
Trancura River: where to get your adrenaline going
About 50 minutes from Pucón, the Trancura River is one of the area’s top rafting spots. Its rapids reach Class II, III, and IV, making it ideal for different experience levels.
Rafting excursions start at around $25,000 Chilean pesos per person (US$27), depending on the operator, route, and season. You can also find activities like kayaking and hydrospeed. For adventure tourism, make sure the provider is registered with Sernatur.
Trekking and adventure tourism in Villarrica National Park
If you’re looking for adventure tourism, Chile is a destination that has it all, and Pucón is one of its standout hubs. Villarrica National Park is one option, with trails ranging from 30-minute walks to five-day routes.
- Distance: about 20 km from Pucón.
- What to do: trekking, hiking, and routes through ancient lava landscapes and forests of araucarias and lengas. In winter, you can visit the Pucón Ski Center, while the rest of the year brings volcanic caves and the climb up to the active crater.
- Entrance fee: $11,000 Chilean pesos (US$12). Tickets are purchased through Pases Parques.
Ojos del Caburgua: crystal-clear waterfalls in the heart of the native forest
This natural corner offers one of La Araucanía’s most impressive spectacles. The Ojos del Caburgua are formed by underground water upwellings from Lake Caburgua. One of its most photographed spots is Laguna Azul, named for its intense color.
- Distance: 20 km from downtown Pucón via Route S-199 toward Caburgua.
- Route: Trails and wooden boardwalks.
- Access: Paid entry directly at the site.
A walk along Lake Villarrica
For those looking for a slower pace, the Pucón waterfront promenade delivers one of southern Chile’s most iconic postcard views, with the imposing Villarrica Volcano. This walk connects Playa Grande, with its dark volcanic sands, and La Poza, a calm little pier.
During the summer months, this shoreline is the epicenter of outdoor life and water sports. In autumn and winter, the landscape turns into a serene retreat, ideal for a walk or simply watching the sunset.
Rural tourism and Mapuche culture in Kurarewe
40 km from Pucón, on the way to the Mamuil Malal Pass, Kurarewe (Curarrehue) invites you to connect with the territory’s ancient traditions. The community network Rutas Ancestrales Araucarias brings together local families who open their homes to share their culture.
Their routes offer flexible programs, from day itineraries to immersive journeys of up to eight days that delve deep into Mapuche-Pehuenche life.
- Ruka and traditional cooking: Typical lunches and ancestral cooking workshops using produce from local gardens.
- Gardens and natural medicine: Guided tours to learn about the traditional use of medicinal plants.
- Mapuche loom: Hands-on weaving lessons to learn techniques passed down through generations.
- Family homestay: Stays in community homes for an authentic cultural immersion.
If your trip continues on to Argentina, you can save this experience for the end of your stay in Pucón and use the drive to the Mamuil Malal Pass to visit Curarrehue before crossing the Andes.
