Lake Caburgua
A lake with white sand beaches and no visible outlet, which drains away underground through the lava.
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Caburgua is unusual among the lakes here on two counts. Its beaches are white or pale grey sand rather than the black volcanic grit of the others nearby, which is why Playa Blanca is the busiest beach around Pucon in January. And it has no surface outlet: the water leaves through the porous lava at its southern end and reappears a few kilometres away at the Ojos del Caburgua, a set of springs and pools that feed the Trancura river. The lake also warms up more than its neighbours, which makes swimming here bearable rather than merely possible.
What you actually see
- Pale sand beaches - unlike the black grit of the other lakes.
- No surface outlet - the water leaving through porous lava.
- Reappearing at the Ojos - springs a few kilometres south.
- Warmer water - swimmable rather than just enterable.
When to go
December to March. Half a day.
Honest expectations
Playa Blanca is crowded in January and February and parking is charged and difficult. The road from Pucon is partly gravel. Rain is frequent. Facilities are seasonal.
Nearby
Ojos del Caburgua are south; Huerquehue park is east.
What to pack for Lake Caburgua
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
