Take a breather in Pucon, Chile
Pucon, Chile offers an exciting getaway for travelers, and it has beautiful weather for outdoor enjoyment. It is located at the foot of a volcano and on a lake in the Province of Cautin of the Araucania Region. The city is in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range. Visitors to Pucon can find plenty to do, from backpacking to snow skiing to hot springs, and even touring the Villarrica volcano.
Pucon history
Pucon was established as an army outpost by early European settlers (mainly Germans) around the end of the 19th century. The city was meant to protect the borders and pacify Araucania. In 1883, a fort was built by the Chilean Army. Initially, the economy thrived with a cattle ranch and forest exploration. The city started attracting tourists during the 1930s when the Gran Hotel Pucon was built.
Today, the city invites tourists during both summer and winter for activities fitting for the weather. There are about 8,000 residents living in Pucon. The urban area is located on the south shores of Lake Villarrica.
National Parks in Pucon
The region has two national parks, which are the Villarrica and Huerquehue National Parks. The Villarrica National Park (www.visitchile.com/ficha-destino.asp?ciudad=368&idioma=ing) is a reserve for the volcano. The volcano is 2,847 meters high and is also one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. During summer months, visitors can climb to the volcano's crater. During winter, visitors enjoy skiing and other winter sports on the volcano's slopes.
Other natural sites in Pucon
Pucon also features the Trancura River (www.interpatagonia.com/paseos/raftingtrancura/index_i.html) with its rapids and hot springs. At this river, visitors enjoy water sports such as rafting and canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, nature exploration, canyon exploration, windsurfing, and more. The main lakes in Pucon are Lake Villarrica, Caburgua Lake, and Tinquilco Lake. Natural hot springs are located in these areas of Pucon: Rio Blanco, Los Pozones, Quimey-Co, Palguin, and Huife.
Discover Pucon history at the Mapuche Museum
At the Mapuche Museum (www.turismochile.com/guide/pucon/articles/1024) in Pucon, visitors can explore rock sculptures (clavas), which are similar to sceptres that were carried by the leaders of Mapuche. The sceptres were to help them gain more political power. The museum also features other great exhibits and interesting shows for all ages.
White water rafting in Pucon
White water rafting can be enjoyed on three different levels of adventures. Rafting Tracura Bajo is one of the most popular things to do in Pucon. With this type of rafting, one will descend on the low part of the Trancura River. It's good for beginners and requires no prior experience. On the high part of the river is Rafting Trancura Alto. This does require some white water rafting experience. There's also rafting on the upper Trancura with Class 4 rapids and several tummy-grabbing drops.
Pucon for golfers
Golf is popular in Pucon, and many hotels offer special discount packages for golfers. The golf club in Pucon is The Club Peninsula of Pucon. It has 9 beautiful holes, a lake view, and a volcano view. The course is designed with both the beginner and expert in mind, so everyone can enjoy playing at this course while in Pucon.
Pucon lodging
Pucon offers numerous hotels, hostels, and resorts for any occasion - honeymoons, family vacations, business travel, etc. The Antumalal is a gorgeous hotel located on a hillside, which overlooks 14 acres and Lake Villarrica. A great farm environment can be enjoyed at Landhaus. Landhaus offers a fine restaurant, plenty of nature adventures, cozy rooms, and affordable prices for all passers-by.
For those who want luxury, the Villarrica Park Lake Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel. It offers lovely gardens and panoramic views, spacious rooms, a swimming pool with whirlpools, saunas, a children's pool, a beauty center, a Jacuzzi, private terraces, and more. Not to mention the excellent cuisine offered by its Aquas Verde restaurant.
For those who need very affordable accommodations, the Hostal Geronimo offers 10 guestrooms, each with a private bathroom. It is in a great location too, just a few minutes from Pucon's main city area.
Pucon also offers a variety of lodges and cabins that are tucked away in the forests. These usually work great for those planning to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding, boating, fishing, etc.
Dining in Pucon
Pucon is packed with restaurants, all with their own unique cuisine and mouthwatering Chilean recipes. Chilean foods are primarily of Mediterranean type. International cuisines also grace the restaurant tables and buffets. Some of the more popular dishes include porotos granados, pebre cuchareado, sopaipillas, etc. There are vegetable pies (quiche) for the vegetarian, fish entrees, delightful breakfast spreads, and many other unique foods to delight the taste buds.
Whether staying for an entire vacation or just passing through for an overnight visit, travelers are sure to discover much more than they imagined in Pucon, Chile.