Lican Ray and Lake Calafquén
Lican Ray lies on the north shore of Lago Calafquén. According to the national tourism portal, its two main beaches, Playa Grande and Playa Chica, are separated by a wooded peninsula, and the sand is of volcanic origin. The town is about 30 km from Villarrica and 50 km from Pucón.
On a clear day the Villarrica volcano shows across the lake, but clouds can hide it. Local buses and shared taxis (colectivos) connect the lake towns. Check the current schedule before you plan a day without a car.
This is an independent guide and not run by the town, the tourism service or any operator.
Distances around the lake
Orientation figures from tourism sources and operators. Real driving times depend on traffic and weather.
| Place | From Villarrica | From Pucón | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lican Ray | 30 km | 50 km | North shore of Lake Calafquén |
| Coñaripe Hotel and Termas | – | 75 km, about 1 h 15 min | The operator's figure for its own site, not for the town center |
| Termas Geométricas site | – | – | 16 km from Coñaripe toward Palguín, in the Los Ríos region |
Our picks: trips from Lican Ray
Both trips offer pickup in Lican Ray: the hot springs or the Huilo Huilo reserve.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Huilo Huilo reserve and waterfalls by van
Return transport by van from Pucón, Villarrica or Lican Ray, entry fees and a driver-guide are included; the route covers waterfalls, a cave, the deer forest and the volcano museum. Lunch, drinks and tips are extra.
Check availability →
Termas Martini (formerly Termas Geométricas) with transfer
Return transfer from four towns, entry, three hours of bathing and a locker are included; a towel only in the morning. Swimwear, food, drinks and tips are extra.
Check availability →Lake Calafquén and hot spring tours
Lake trips, hot springs, the volcano and day tours from Pucón and Villarrica, with live prices and availability.
Beaches and swimming at Lican Ray
Playa Grande and Playa Chica lie on either side of the wooded peninsula, so both are within a short walk of each other. The shore is a place to walk, sit and look at the lake.
Do not assume you may swim. Swimming permission, supervision and water quality can change by day and by beach, and no blanket clearance exists for Lican Ray or Coñaripe. Look for signs and flags and ask locally. The maritime authority DIRECTEMAR offers the Playas Chile app to tell suitable beaches from unsuitable ones, and 137 is the number for maritime and water rescue emergencies.
Coñaripe and its hot springs
Coñaripe lies further along the lake. Its beach has dark sand and a view of the volcano on clear days. Hot springs are the other reason to come. Coñaripe Hotel and Termas is an independent operator in the Los Ríos region and lists nine thermal pools. The operator gives 75 km and about 1 hour 15 minutes from Pucón for its own site.
The operator sets the pool pass price by date and number of people, and the payment is arranged by WhatsApp. Room prices at the hotel are not the same as the price of the pool pass, so ask which you are quoted.
The Termas Geométricas site is 16 km from Coñaripe toward Palguín and, according to press reports, continues as Termas Martini. For tickets and hours, see Termas Geométricas and Termas Martini.
Planning the trip
Four points that save time.
Season
The tourism service recommends booking accommodation ahead for January and February because of higher visitor numbers. This is advice, not a legal rule.
Transport
Local buses and colectivos run between the lake towns. Ask for the current timetable and the last return before you go without a car.
Roads
Follow signs for Lican Ray and Coñaripe, or use a map app, and check the road before a long drive.
Volcano
The Villarrica volcano alert was raised to yellow on 4 September 2026. Check the latest status in the volcano guide.
More from the lake district
Places that connect with Lake Calafquén.
Day trip or base?
From Pucón, Lican Ray is a long day trip at 50 km. From Villarrica, at 30 km, it is easier. Staying on the lake makes sense if you want beach time and the Coñaripe hot springs on the same trip. Book early for January and February.
The route to the Huilo Huilo reserve in the Los Ríos region also passes through Lican Ray, Panguipulli and Puerto Fuy on the one day tour listed from Pucón. Read the Huilo Huilo guide if you plan that trip. For the larger picture of the region, see the Chilean Lake District guide.
Lican Ray and Coñaripe: frequently asked questions
How far is Lican Ray from Pucón and Villarrica?
About 30 km from Villarrica and 50 km from Pucón, according to the national tourism portal. Allow extra time for traffic.
Which beaches does Lican Ray have?
Playa Grande and Playa Chica, separated by a wooded peninsula. The sand is volcanic.
Can I swim at Lican Ray?
Do not assume so. Swimming permission and water quality vary by day and beach. Follow signs and flags and ask locally.
Where are the hot springs near Coñaripe?
Coñaripe Hotel and Termas lists nine pools. The Termas Geométricas site, now Termas Martini, is 16 km from Coñaripe toward Palguín. See our hot springs guide.
When should I book accommodation?
The tourism service recommends booking ahead for January and February. Read where to stay for the areas.
Can I get there without a car?
Local buses and colectivos connect the lake towns. Check the current timetable and the last return. For the route from the airport, see getting there.