Pucón and the lake in twelve entries
Pucón sits on the shore of Lago Villarrica with the volcano behind it. The list below starts in town, moves out to the parks and springs and ends with the longer day trips. Each entry names a place, not a promise: access to the volcano, the parks and the beaches changes with the season, the weather and the rules of the day.
Two closures matter most for autumn 2026. The Pichillancahue trail in Villarrica National Park is closed from 25 July to 31 December 2026, and Huerquehue is open only as far as the Los Lagos sector. Prices are in Chilean pesos (CLP), as listed in 2026.
In and around town
The volcano view, the lakefront and the craft centres.
1. The volcano, from a distance or with a guide
Villarrica is 2,847 m high and fills the skyline from the lakeshore. Official travel information says the crater climb needs a certified guide booked in advance and technical gear, and that volcanic activity and weather can restrict access. The technical alert has been yellow since 4 September 2026, so a listed climb does not mean the rim is open on your day.
Villarrica volcano →2. Playa Grande
The main town beach in Pucón has dark volcanic sand and lies on Lago Villarrica. Whether swimming is advisable on a given day is not something a guide can tell you. Look for signs and lifeguards on site. The Playas Chile app of the maritime authority DIRECTEMAR marks which beaches are suitable, and 137 is the emergency number for the water.
Pucón →3. La Poza and the walk along the shore
La Poza is a small bay with a boat jetty. A promenade links it with the other lakefront areas, which makes an easy walk in the evening. Treat it as a place for boats and views, not as a cleared swimming spot.
Pucón →4. Craft centres
The municipal tourism portal lists eight active centres: Rukapulli, Candelaria, Artes del Sur, Centro Artesanal Plaza de la Artesanía, Mercado Municipal Galería Los Vilos, Feria Artesanal de Caburgua Playa Negra, Kui Kui and Rukatacun. Rukapulli is on the road to the volcano and lists wood, volcanic stone, ceramics, textiles and jewelry. Opening hours differ between centres, so check before you go.
Pucón →Our picks: things to do
Volcanic caves, a wine tasting at the volcano base and a hot-spring trip.
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.
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 →
Chilean wine tasting at the volcano base
Four hours with three Chilean wines, local products including araucaria nuts, dried fruit, water, a local guide and transport from Pucón. The listing shows no exclusions.
Check availability →
Volcanic caves and lava trails
Four hours with a local guide, helmet, insurance and entry to the Cuevas Volcánicas park, plus transfer to the agency and back. Snack, water and tips are extra.
Check availability →Pucón tours and day trips
Volcano climbs, rafting, hot springs and day trips to Huilo Huilo, with live prices and availability.
Parks, water and hot springs
Four places within about an hour of Pucón.
5. Huerquehue National Park
The park reopened on 12 August 2026, but only up to the Los Lagos sector. Quinchol and San Sebastián are closed until 15 December 2026. CONAF gives the Los Lagos trail as 10.8 km and 4 hours one way, while the municipal FAQ says 8 km one way, so plan for the longer figure. Snow collects from June to September. Entry is Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30–17:30, last entry 14:00, according to the official ticket portal. One unofficial site gives a later closing time, so confirm on the day.
Huerquehue →6. Ojos del Caburgua
The national tourism portal describes spring outlets fed underground from Lago Caburgua, the Laguna Azul, paths and wooden walkways. Entry is paid on site, and the place is about 20 km from Pucón. Follow the signs and do not assume swimming is allowed.
Ojos del Caburgua →7. Playa Blanca on Lago Caburgua
The municipal portal places this beach on Lago Caburgua and describes fine, pale volcanic sand and a path from Playa Negra between the rocks. Public transport reaches the lake. Check access, parking and the water on the day.
Caburgua →8. Hot springs
The site long known as Termas Geométricas continues as Termas Martini after the previous management ended on 30 September 2026, according to press reports. It lies in Los Ríos, 16 km from Coñaripe, with 7 km of asphalt and then 9 km of gravel. The operator lists adults at CLP 50,000 to 55,000 and children at CLP 40,000 to 45,000 for regular entry blocks between 10:00 and 19:00. Closer to Pucón, Huife charges CLP 40,000 for adults and Los Pozones CLP 15,000.
Termas Geométricas and Martini →Rivers, towns and a longer day trip
Four ideas that need a half day or more.
9. Rafting on the Río Trancura
One local operator rates the main Trancura Bajo section as class III for beginners and the Alto as class IV, with a strict minimum age of 14. Hydrospeed on the lower river needs swimming ability, and the same operator recommends 14 as the minimum age. These are one operator's rules, not a national standard, so ask each provider.
Rafting →10. Villarrica town and the lakeshore
Villarrica is a separate town on the same lake and the arrival point from Temuco. The national tourism portal lists sailing, kayaking, water skiing and boat trips from both Villarrica and Pucón, depending on season and weather.
Lago Villarrica →11. Lican Ray and Lago Calafquén
Lican Ray lies on the north shore of Lago Calafquén, 30 km from Villarrica and 50 km from Pucón. Playa Grande and Playa Chica are separated by a wooded peninsula, and the sand is volcanic. The tourism portal advises booking a room early for January and February.
Lican Ray →12. Huilo Huilo as a day trip
The reserve is in the Los Ríos region, not in Pucón. One operator runs a day tour from Pucón at 08:00 that lasts 9 hours and costs CLP 65,000 with transport and attraction entries. Portal entry fees are separate, for example CLP 6,500 for adults and CLP 4,500 for children at the Huilo Huilo portal. The Salto can run without water at times.
Huilo Huilo →What is limited right now
Status as listed in October 2026. Confirm before you travel.
| Place | Status | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano summit | Technical alert yellow since 4 September 2026 | Only with a certified guide; no climb is guaranteed |
| Pichillancahue trail | Closed 25 July to 31 December 2026 | Do not book it as a hike |
| Huerquehue | Open to Los Lagos since 12 August 2026 | Quinchol and San Sebastián closed until 15 December 2026 |
| Termas Geométricas | Site continues as Termas Martini | Book under the Martini name |
| Centro Pillán lift | Winter facilities listed as closed | Do not plan a day around it |
Fire, heat sources and pets are not allowed in Villarrica National Park, and you must stay on the marked trails. Drones are allowed only for approved research or professional filming.
Things to do in Pucón: frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Pucón besides the volcano?
Plenty. The list above covers the lakefront, craft centres, Huerquehue, Ojos del Caburgua, hot springs, rafting, the lakes and a day trip to Huilo Huilo. Several of them are limited in autumn 2026, so check the table above first.
Is there anything to do when the volcano is closed or in cloud?
Yes. Entries 2 to 12 do not depend on the summit. Rafting and the hot springs do not depend on the summit view, but weather, water levels and road conditions can still change plans. Ask each provider about the day.
Can I swim at the beaches in Pucón?
Do not assume it. The tourism descriptions of Playa Grande and La Poza are not swimming clearances. Follow the signs and lifeguards on site, and use the DIRECTEMAR Playas Chile app to see which beaches are suitable. The water emergency number is 137.
Do I need a car?
Not for everything. The Caburgua area is served by public transport, and tours cover Huilo Huilo, rafting and the volcano. A car helps for Huerquehue, the hot springs and the lakes. See the page on getting there.
How much time should I plan?
Three days cover the town, one park and one hot spring. A week allows the volcano, rafting and a trip to Huilo Huilo or Lican Ray, with spare days for weather.