Pucón (Mapudungun: entrance of the cordillera) is a Chilean city and commune administered by the municipality of Pucón located in the Province of Cautín, Araucanía Region, 100 km to the southeast of Temuco and 780 km to the south of Santiago, Chile.
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Pucón is a centennial tourist destination, created with the support of European settlers, particularly Germans, who started arriving at the end of 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. It was initially established as an Army outpost to protect the borders and contribute to the pacification of Araucanía. A fort was thus erected on the February 27, 1883 by the Chilean Army, similar to the ones in Paillin (known today as Palguín) and Maichi. The successful coexistence between natives and settlers allowed for the cattle ranch and exploitation of the forests to fructify and become the main economic activities during the initial years. The touristic development did not begin in earnest until the 1930s, with the construction of the Gran Hotel Pucón as part of a project initiated by the Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado, alongside the small preexisting hotels and residencies (La Posada, Acevedo, Playa, Gudenschwager and Suiza).
Favourite spots:
Pucón is a major centre of adventure tourism in Chile. During the summer, tourist attractions include hiking, rafting, horse back riding, birdwatching, fishing. Due to its privileged natural surroundings, near a volcano and several lakes, nature reserves and thermal baths, Pucón is a destination which can rely on tourism all year round. In winter and spring, it is possible to go skiing or snowboarding on the trails of the Villarrica volcano.
What's really great:
Pucón is a small touristy town in the middle of the southern lake district in Chile. Extremely popular both with Chileans and foreigners for its nightlife and the beautiful views of volcan Villarrica. The city center is a backpacker's Disneyland, filled with travel agencies that will offer you any kind of day trips imaginable. If you don't like it crowded, you'll be better off in the nearby town of Villarrica. January and February are the busiest months.
Sights:
* Most people start from the skiing area, where you can take the ski lift for the first 300 meters. You can also start from near the refugio, at the Mirador Los Craters. From there the climb is longer, but for those carrying skis or snowboards, that means more riding when descending. Getting to the ski area or Mirador Los Craters is easy hitchhiking. Taxis in Pucón will gladly take you there as well. Guided excursions begin early in the morning and will provide equipment and transportation and costs for a cost of around Ch$30 000. Be sure to check how much money you'll get back if the climb is canceled due to bad weather.
* Skiing and snowboarding. The skiing area on Villarrica is open May until the beginning of October. Rent equipment in Pucón, or on the drive up to the ski slope.
* Golf. In Peninsula, a residencial area downtown, there is a well maintained golf course with views of the Villarrica volcano and the lake surrounding the course. The course is officially
Accommodations:
Pucón is a small touristy town in the middle of the southern lake district in Chile. Extremely popular both with Chileans and foreigners for its nightlife and the beautiful views of volcan Villarrica. The city center is a backpacker's Disneyland, filled with travel agencies that will offer you any kind of day trips imaginable. If you don't like it crowded, you'll be better off in the nearby town of Villarrica. January and February are the busiest months.
Restaurants:
* Skiing and snowboarding. The skiing area on Villarrica is open May until the beginning of October. Rent equipment in Pucón, or on the drive up to the ski slope.
* Golf. In Peninsula, a residencial area downtown, there is a well maintained golf course with views of the Villarrica volcano and the lake surrounding the course. The course is officially
* Horse back riding. This is a popular way to see the Mapuche settlements like e.g. Quelhue in the area. Tour agencies selling these tours are located all over the town. Check the conditions of the horses, as not all of them in good shape. Rides to Salto el Claro are in parts beside paved roads. Trustfull agencies are at Ecole and Politur.
Other recommendations:
* Climbing Volcan Villarrica. Snowcapped Villarrica looms majestically over Pucón at 2,840 meters (9318 feet) above sea level. Climbing to the top is non-technical and, on clear days, easy. Thousands of people make the climb each year, most of them in January and February, taking in the spectacular views of Volcans Llaima, Choshuenco, Quetrupillán, Lanin, and Lonquimay in the horizon. Crampons, ice axe and/or trekking poles and warm windproof clothing are essential equipment year round. To be allowed to climb without a guide you officially need to register with Conaf, have your equipment checked and show proof of membership in a mountaineering organization in your home country. Do not be put off, however, as walking to the crater unauthorized is a very straightforward affair and the recommended procedure for climbers who don't want to be part of a guided group.
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