Pucon

Pucon sits on Lake Villarrica directly below Villarrica volcano, one of the most active in South America, with a lava lake in its crater that glows visibly at night in active periods - the volcano erupted in 2015 and the town was partly evacuated, and its alert level is watched constantly. That proximity is also the business: climbing the volcano, rafting the Trancura, canyoning, hot springs at Geometricas and elsewhere, and skiing on the cone in winter. The town is the most developed adventure base in Chile, with a main street of outfitters, and it fills completely in January and February.

Background

The name comes from Mapudungun and means 'entrance to the cordillera'. The town lies on the eastern shore of Lake Villarrica in the Province of Cautín, 780 km south of Santiago, with Villarrica volcano roughly 17 km to the south. The Spanish founded a city named Villarrica in this area in 1552, and at some point in the 16th century lahars from the volcano are presumed to have buried its gold placers. The modern settlement dates from 1883. Tourism began with the Gudenschwager hotel in 1923 and took hold after the Gran Hotel Pucón opened in 1934. The volcano has erupted more than 82 times since 1558. El Cañi, a privately protected reserve of 500 hectares, lies nearby.

Source: Wikipedia, "Pucón"

What you'll find

• A town below an active volcano - with a visible lava lake in its crater.
• An eruption in 2015 - and partial evacuation of the town.
• Chile's adventure base - climbing, rafting, canyoning and hot springs.
• A street of outfitters - the town's whole economy.

When to go

December to March; June to September for skiing. Several days.

What to expect

Volcano climbs are cancelled when the alert level rises, and that happens. The town is packed and expensive in January and February. Operators vary a great deal in quality - checking guides and equipment matters. Rain is frequent.

Nearby

Huerquehue park is north-east; Villarrica and its lake are west.

Key facts