Pucón

Overview

Pucón is the adventure capital of the Chile, situated in the amazingly beautiful Lake District south of Santiago and below the snow-capped Volacno Villarica, the town gives the image of an American-style ski resort (which during the winter months is exactly what it is). During the summer (Nov-Feb) the place is packed with exceptional opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking and swimming; canopying (taking a zip-wire through the tree-tops); canyoning; parachuting; horseriding; and trecking. The most poular persuit is to climb the active Villarica which overlooks the town - a treck which must be carried out with a guide or after proving proof of snow-trekking aptitude to the national park rangers. The ascent and descent are almost entirely through snow and does require a reasonable level of fitness but (weather permitting) the views both into the crater where bubbling lava can be glimpsed) and out over the region's lakes and hills make every step worth it.

History