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Pucón

Chile · Coast · CLP · -39.270000, -71.970000
Family friendly 7.4/10 · Rank 429 of 2 709
Best season: December-February

Best for

Suitable for active holiday lovers, volcanoes, thermal springs, families, and couples

Best season

December-February

Daily budget
$111.00 (≈ 9 315 ₽ · ≈ 99 900 CLP)
For 7 days
$777.00 (≈ 65 206 ₽ · ≈ 699 300 CLP)
Pucón is a popular tourist centre on the shores of Lake Villarrica, at the foot of the namesake volcano. The city offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities: trekking, rafting, skiing, and swimming in thermal springs. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Summer
34.0°C
Winter
4.0°C
Sea
17.4°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with Mapuche culture

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Villarrica Volcano for trekking
  • Scenic lake with black sand
  • Natural thermal springs
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Excellent base for active holidays

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • Cool water for swimming
  • Rainy season from April to October
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
16.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
25.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
34.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
4.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
12.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
4.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
20.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
17.4°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
April-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
black
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Grande
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Lake Villarrica is safe for swimming, but water is cool. Caution advised

Sea urchins — details

  • No sea urchins in the freshwater Lake Villarrica. Freshwater snails and molluscs are found.

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in the freshwater Lake Villarrica. Only freshwater sponges and molluscs are found.

Jellyfish — details

  • The jellyfish risk in Lake Villarrica is rated as zero. No jellyfish in the freshwater lake.

Sharks — details

  • No sharks in the freshwater Lake Villarrica. Trout, salmon and other freshwater fish inhabit the lake.
Attractions

Villarrica Volcano

Active volcano 2847 m high, popular for trekking

Lake Villarrica

Scenic lake with black sand and water sports opportunities

Thermal Springs

Natural hot springs around the volcano, popular for relaxation

Huerquehue National Park

Park with tropical forests and trekking

Playa Grande

Main beach of Pucón with black sand and volcano views

Best areas

Pucón Center

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops

Playa Grande

Area near main beach with hotels and restaurants

Volcano Surroundings

Area with thermal springs and lodges

Must-try food

Paila Marina

Stewed seafood with rice and spices

Curanto

Traditional Mapuche dish cooked in an earth oven

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime

Pisco Sour

Cocktail of pisco with lime and sugar

Merquén

Spicy smoked pepper seasoning, popular in the region

Where to go next

Villarrica Volcano

Active volcano for trekking, 30 minutes away

Huerquehue National Park

Park with tropical forests, 30 minutes away

Thermal Springs

Natural hot springs, 20 minutes away

Villarrica

Lakeside town with beaches, 25 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Пукон (ZPC).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-February
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 500 CLP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$71.00
≈ 5 958 ₽ · ≈ 63 900 CLP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 162 000 CLP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 225 000 CLP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 135 000 CLP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 000 CLP
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 10 800 CLP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 500 CLP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 2 700 CLP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 2 700 CLP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 900 CLP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 000 CLP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 200 CLP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 3 600 CLP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 200 CLP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 000 CLP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 900 CLP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 500 CLP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 500 CLP
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 000 CLP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 000 CLP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 000 CLP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 000 CLP
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Pucón Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 000 CLP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 000 CLP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 000 CLP
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Frequently asked questions
Pucón: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-February. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Pucón: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Pucón: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +4.0°C, during the day — up to +12.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Pucón: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +17.4°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Pucón: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on April-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Pucón: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, black sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Grande. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Pucón: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Pucón: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $111.00 (≈ 9 315 ₽ · ≈ 99 900 CLP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Pucón: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $71.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $180.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Pucón: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Pucón: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Pucón: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Villarrica Volcano — Active volcano 2847 m high, popular for trekking; Lake Villarrica — Scenic lake with black sand and water sports opportunities; Thermal Springs — Natural hot springs around the volcano, popular for relaxation; Huerquehue National Park — Park with tropical forests and trekking; Playa Grande — Main beach of Pucón with black sand and volcano views. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Pucón: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Paila Marina — Stewed seafood with rice and spices; Curanto — Traditional Mapuche dish cooked in an earth oven; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime; Pisco Sour — Cocktail of pisco with lime and sugar; Merquén — Spicy smoked pepper seasoning, popular in the region. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Pucón: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Pucón Center — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops; Playa Grande — Area near main beach with hotels and restaurants; Volcano Surroundings — Area with thermal springs and lodges. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Pucón: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Pucón: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Пукон (code ZPC). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Pucón: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CLP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $111.00 (≈ 9 315 ₽ · ≈ 99 900 CLP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Pucón: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Pucón: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Pucón: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Villarrica Volcano — Active volcano for trekking, 30 minutes away; Huerquehue National Park — Park with tropical forests, 30 minutes away; Thermal Springs — Natural hot springs, 20 minutes away; Villarrica — Lakeside town with beaches, 25 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.4/10
Overall rank: 429 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 297

Best season

December-February

Useful information

Currency: CLP
Coordinates: -39.270000, -71.970000