Chile · PUCóN TOURS
A lake town under a live volcano, with rafting, hot springs and araucaria forest in every direction. These 13 are priced and clear on fitness, gear and which ones the weather calls off.
Meet Zenit Travel in Pucón at 6:15 am, fit your mountain gear, and ride 30 minutes to Villarrica National Park. Climb from 1,200 to 2,847 meters with certified guides, crampons, and ice axes. Expect a hard ascent, possible crater gases, wide views, and a fast snow slide descent when conditions allow.
“Fantastic! Incredible experience, especially tobogganing back down! Would easily recommend this; it's a truly unforgettable experience.”
Start at 6:00 am in Pucón for a guided ascent of 2,847-meter Villarrica Volcano. Zenit provides the technical gear, and guides such as Luisa, Felipe, Agustin, Leo, Edgar, and Jorge lead you through walking, crampon work, summit conditions, and a snow-slide descent. The 9-hour day includes transfers and may reach the crater edge only when conditions allow.
“The day before we had a meeting at the Zenit agency to find out more details about what the day would be like, and also to try on the trekking boots. We went up in a small group with 4 guides, all of whom were very friendly and communicative. The climb was tiring, but the stops and the enthusiasm of the guides made all the difference in regaining energy and moving forward. Unfortunately we were unable to reach the edge of the crater, as it is prohibited at the moment (due to the intense activity of the volcano). But it was really good nonetheless! The descent was also a lot…”
Paddle the Liucura River near Pucón with guides Guillermo, Gio, or Lorenzo. You’ll use open sit-on-top kayaks, neoprene gear, and safety equipment while handling calm stretches and bubbly rapids. The trip includes private transportation, local wildlife and plant life, secret river spots, and views toward Villarrica Volcano.
“Gio is wonderful guide. He is thoughtful, friendly and he loves to be on the river kayaking. His knowledge and friendliness are exceptional. We had a wonderful trip. The surroundings are beautiful. Highly, highly recommended!!”
Start at 6:00 am in Pucón for a guided ascent of Villarrica Volcano, one of the world’s few open-crater volcanoes. Turismo Montañas del Sur provides transport, park entry, crampons, ice ax, helmet, backpack, and bilingual guides. Expect about nine hours, demanding snow and ice travel, and a descent by snow slide when conditions allow.
“Volcano status of yellow meant we couldn’t hike up to the carter so I didn’t get to see any lava or the full height of the mountain (we did hike pretty high up though). The chest strap on the backpack I had was broken so that made carrying it more difficult. Also, because of the time of year (May) there was not enough snow to slide so we hiked down. Volcano status and time of year are just for reference as those are not related to the particular company you go with. I enjoyed hiking on the snow/ice close to the top. The guide took photos for me and spoke…”
Travel from Pucón or Villarrica to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve on a 10-hour guided day trip with Turismo Paixão por Chile. You’ll visit Lake Panguipulli, forest trails, waterfalls, volcanic caverns, the Rakin Mapu Museum, and Puerto Fuy. Private transport, pickup, and admission are included, while a possible boat transfer costs $15.
“Magnífico viaje, todo estuvo fenomenal. Mi familia que vino a visitarme de México quedó encantada con el tour. Pablo es una persona amable y super atenta que cuidó cada detalle para que todos nos sintiéramos a gusto.”
Ride from Antilco ranch through Araucania meadows, along the Liucura River, and into the Carhuello range. You’ll see Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin volcanoes, stop at a waterfall, and may walk, trot, canter, or gallop. Mathias and his team set a calm pace at first. The four-hour ride suits experienced mountain riders and has an 80-kilo weight limit.
“Did the 2 hour ride as the 4 hour was unavailable due to poor weather. Beautiful property, helpful and friendly guides, the scenery was excellent and was overall a lovely experience.”
Leave Pucón with guide Blas for a private trek on Villarrica Volcano’s southern side. Walk about three hours through native forest and araucarias to open volcanic slopes, then relax in Geometric Baths, where 20 thermal pools sit along 450 meters of red walkways. Transport, park entry, equipment, insurance, and a certified guide are included.
“The site on a private land is very beautiful. The hike can be a bit sporty with thick snow and an ascending grade from the beginning, but is very worthwhile. Due to the weather the view of the volcanos from the top was obstructed. But the forest with the snow and nature sound was so beautiful that it didn’t matter. On a clearer day with the view the hike must be even more fantastic for sure. Blas, the guide and owner of the agency, is very professional and highly experienced in mountain hiking and trekking. He provided good technical advices and made the hike very pleasant and fun. The geométrical…”
From Pucón, you’ll ride to Villarrica National Park, fit your mountain gear, and climb to the 2,847-meter summit with certified guides. Expect 5 to 6 hours uphill, big views of lakes and volcanoes, and possible magma in the crater. Snow-season descents use a sled, followed by a snack and drink at the office.
“Got lucky with a perfect weather day which I know you can’t control but operations wise everything was top- notch.”
Travel 86 km from Pucón to Geometric Hot Springs in Villarrica National Park. You get hotel pickup, entry, and three hours to move among 16 pools heated from 35°C to 42°C, plus four cold pools. The setting beside the Aihúe stream is lovely, but pickup coordination with Bercovich Travels needs care.
“Horrible experience. The driver ignored our messages and calls, left us waiting, and we had to walk 15 minutes through mud to catch the van. The van almost left without us, and they had to stop it on the road. The driver pretended not to have an internet connection, wrote fake addresses to avoid finding our location, and refused to drop us off at the same place. He didn’t speak a single word of English, and when we suggested calling a uber, he told us to just get out of the van and figure it out ourselves. We had to pay for an Uber. Completely unprofessional and unacceptable.”
You’ll climb Villarrica Volcano with certified guides, gaining 1,570 meters over 5 to 6 hours. Terra Volcano provides boots, crampons, ice axe, clothing, transport, park entry, and insurance. Guides such as Felipe, Cristian, and JR have helped groups manage different hiking speeds, glacier skills, and the final snow slide.
“Hard hike, straight up…we had lots of wind too…but, very cool to summit a volcano! And sliding down was a blast!”
Spend six hours touring the Pucon area by vehicle and on foot, with stops at the Trancura and Turbio rivers, volcano viewpoints, Ojos del Caburgua, a fish viewpoint, Caburgua Lake and beach, then two hours at hot springs. Guides Marcelo and Rocío lead in Spanish and English. Pickup, drop-off, and entry are included.
“da guai, mas esperava mais, a terma uma decepção, lugar ruim atendimento péssimo, nem entramos nas piscinas, pedimos para o carro retornar e fomos embora, muito caro pra pouco.”
Start at Terra Volcano in Pucón at 9:00 a.m. After a 90-minute ride, hike to Laguna Quillehue, Lago Escondido, and Laguna Huinfiuca near Lanín Volcano. Certified guides lead the route in Spanish, Portuguese, or English. Boots, poles, jackets, and winter snowshoes are provided, with beer or hot chocolate afterward.
“Es hermoso el paisaje parece de una película de Navidad, lo único es que le pondría de dificultad intermedia ya que caminar con las raquetas entre tanta nieve cansa bastante”
You’ll tour Villarrica and Pucón with a live Spanish or English-speaking guide, traveling in a group of up to 15. Expect a lakefront walk, the Municipal Historical and Archaeological Museum, a craft market, Mirador Canela, Pucón’s wooden flowers, Grande Beach, La Poza, O’Higgins Street, and the main square. Food is not included.
Pick an altitude, a coastline or a cellar.
