Pucón in winter: 5 days of snow, hot springs, and adventure
Updated on 25 de May, 2026
Adventure and relaxation by Lake Villarrica
5 DAYS
A winter getaway to discover Pucón in winter, the capital of adventure tourism in southern Chile. For five days, this city will be the starting point to explore landscapes dominated by snow, volcanoes, araucarias, and ancient forests.
The tour combines mountain experiences, hikes through national parks, and relaxation in thermal waters. With Lake Villarrica as a reference point, this itinerary offers a perfect balance between adventure and rest.
DISTANCE
116KM
DAYS
5 days
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arrival in Pucón
Your adventure begins with your arrival in the La Araucanía Region. From the airport, you will continue with a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Pucón, where the imposing Villarrica Volcano will welcome you.
During the afternoon, walk along the Lake Villarrica waterfront and continue towards the La Poza pier area, an ideal spot to contemplate the snow-covered volcano. A unique postcard of southern Chile.
To beat the cold, you can take a break in the artisanal chocolate shops and cafes downtown, where you can enjoy chocolates made with local fruits and a traditional “once” (afternoon tea) with pastries from southern Chile.
Photography: @viajesypaisajesdechile
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arrival in Pucón
Your adventure begins with your arrival in the La Araucanía Region. From the airport, you will continue with a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Pucón, where the imposing Villarrica Volcano will welcome you.
During the afternoon, walk along the Lake Villarrica waterfront and continue towards the La Poza pier area, an ideal spot to contemplate the snow-covered volcano. A unique postcard of southern Chile.
To beat the cold, you can take a break in the artisanal chocolate shops and cafes downtown, where you can enjoy chocolates made with local fruits and a traditional “once” (afternoon tea) with pastries from southern Chile.
Photography: @viajesypaisajesdechile
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Ski center and snow on the volcano
The second day is dedicated to adventure. On the slopes of the Villarrica Volcano is the Pillán Mountain Center, the main ski center in the area and one of the few in the world located on an active volcano.
Located 30 minutes from Pucón, inside the Villarrica National Park, this center has ski lifts and services that allow you to enjoy a full day in the snow.
Here you can practice skiing or snowboarding, take lessons if you are a beginner, or have fun with activities like sledding. From the slopes, the views of Lake Villarrica are privileged, creating a unique scenic environment.
Photography: Chile Ski.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Ski center and snow on the volcano
The second day is dedicated to adventure. On the slopes of the Villarrica Volcano is the Pillán Mountain Center, the main ski center in the area and one of the few in the world located on an active volcano.
Located 30 minutes from Pucón, inside the Villarrica National Park, this center has ski lifts and services that allow you to enjoy a full day in the snow.
Here you can practice skiing or snowboarding, take lessons if you are a beginner, or have fun with activities like sledding. From the slopes, the views of Lake Villarrica are privileged, creating a unique scenic environment.
Photography: Chile Ski.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Trekking in Huerquehue National Park
It’s time to delve into the nature of the lake district. 35 kilometers from Pucón, Huerquehue National Park offers landscapes that become magical in winter.
The adventure begins by traveling through forests of araucarias, coigües, and lengas covered in snow. You can walk the Los Lagos Trail (12 kilometers), the most popular in the park and of medium difficulty. At the end of the route, the frozen lagoons provide one of the most memorable postcards of the trip.
It is also possible to go snowshoe trekking, ideal for moving more easily on snowy terrain. During the walk, you can observe native fauna such as the pudú or the culpeo fox, as well as various birds of the Andean forest.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Trekking in Huerquehue National Park
It’s time to delve into the nature of the lake district. 35 kilometers from Pucón, Huerquehue National Park offers landscapes that become magical in winter.
The adventure begins by traveling through forests of araucarias, coigües, and lengas covered in snow. You can walk the Los Lagos Trail (12 kilometers), the most popular in the park and of medium difficulty. At the end of the route, the frozen lagoons provide one of the most memorable postcards of the trip.
It is also possible to go snowshoe trekking, ideal for moving more easily on snowy terrain. During the walk, you can observe native fauna such as the pudú or the culpeo fox, as well as various birds of the Andean forest.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Natural hot springs and relaxation in the mountains
Pucón in winter is ideal for resting. This area has the highest density of thermal centers in Chile. You will find more than 10 alternatives within a 35-kilometer radius, with waters rich in minerals such as lithium, sulfur, and potassium.
During the day you will enjoy outdoor thermal baths, alternating between pools of different temperatures, as well as options for massages and relaxing therapies.
You can choose between more rustic spaces by the river or fully equipped spa complexes. Back in the city, the night is free to enjoy the local gastronomy, with hot dishes of Mapuche influence that close a day of total relaxation.
Photography: @hotelytermashuife
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Natural hot springs and relaxation in the mountains
Pucón in winter is ideal for resting. This area has the highest density of thermal centers in Chile. You will find more than 10 alternatives within a 35-kilometer radius, with waters rich in minerals such as lithium, sulfur, and potassium.
During the day you will enjoy outdoor thermal baths, alternating between pools of different temperatures, as well as options for massages and relaxing therapies.
You can choose between more rustic spaces by the river or fully equipped spa complexes. Back in the city, the night is free to enjoy the local gastronomy, with hot dishes of Mapuche influence that close a day of total relaxation.
Photography: @hotelytermashuife
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Volcanic nature and farewell to Pucón
During the last day, you will connect with nature in the Villarrica National Park. Here we walk the Los Lagos trail, a circuit of about 10 kilometers, of low to medium difficulty. The route crosses araucaria forests and volcanic areas, taking you to three lagoons: Escondida, Huenfuica, and Verde.
In winter, these lagoons are usually frozen, creating a unique postcard with views of the Lanín Volcano and the mountain range, ideal for taking photographs and enjoying the silence of the landscape.
In the afternoon, we return to Pucón to prepare for the trip back, closing an itinerary that mixes adventure, nature, and well-being in one of the most beautiful destinations in southern Chile.
Photography: Rutas por el Mundo
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Volcanic nature and farewell to Pucón
During the last day, you will connect with nature in the Villarrica National Park. Here we walk the Los Lagos trail, a circuit of about 10 kilometers, of low to medium difficulty. The route crosses araucaria forests and volcanic areas, taking you to three lagoons: Escondida, Huenfuica, and Verde.
In winter, these lagoons are usually frozen, creating a unique postcard with views of the Lanín Volcano and the mountain range, ideal for taking photographs and enjoying the silence of the landscape.
In the afternoon, we return to Pucón to prepare for the trip back, closing an itinerary that mixes adventure, nature, and well-being in one of the most beautiful destinations in southern Chile.
Photography: Rutas por el Mundo
What you should know
How to get there by air
From Santiago, drive along Route 5 South for about 780 km (9 to 10 hours) until the detour in Freire towards Villarrica/Pucón. There are also several bus lines with premium night services that arrive directly at the center. For this itinerary, a 4×4 vehicle or carrying chains is highly recommended, as they are mandatory for going up to the ski center and parks, or you can go with a tour operator registered with Sernatur.
How to get there by land
Fly from Santiago to Araucanía Airport (ZCO) in Temuco, the nearest main terminal. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon landing, take a transfer, bus, or rent a vehicle to travel the 90 km (90 minutes) to Pucón. In high season, check the availability of direct flights to the city’s local airfield.
Climate and clothing
Winter is cold and rainy with snow at high altitudes. Dress in layers: a thermal base layer, fleece, and waterproof jacket. Waterproof trekking shoes, thermal socks, a hat, gloves, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the snow’s reflection are essential.
Must-Know Tips
Book the hot springs and the ski center in advance, as spots are limited. Always check the status of the trails on the CONAF website and check the weather report before going up the volcano or trekking.
