Where the volcano meets the lake

Lake Villarrica lies at the town's edge, with black volcanic-sand beaches and calm water for sailing, paddleboarding and swimming in summer. Lake Caburgua, a short drive north, is known for clear water and white sand.

The hills are covered in temperate rainforest of coigüe, roble and lenga, and higher up by the ancient monkey-puzzle trees, the araucaria, that give the region its name.

Snowmelt from the Andes feeds fast, clear rivers. The Trancura and Liucura run through the valleys east of town and offer rafting, kayaking, canyoning and river walks, along with zip-lines, horse riding and mountain biking in the surrounding hills.

Huerquehue National Park, about 35 km from Pucón, has one of southern Chile's best day hikes, the Los Lagos trail, which climbs through araucaria forest to a chain of mountain lakes. Villarrica National Park and the Cañi Sanctuary offer volcano views and quiet forest walks.

The Trancura River is the region's classic white-water run. The lower section suits families and first-timers, while the upper section offers more demanding rapids for experienced paddlers. Local operators run trips through the summer season.

The Lake District is a long-standing fly-fishing destination. Brown and rainbow trout are found in the Trancura, Liucura and nearby rivers and lakes, with the season generally running from spring to autumn (about November to May). Local guides offer wading and drift-boat trips.

In the southern winter, roughly June to September, the slopes of Villarrica Volcano offer skiing and snowboarding with views across the lakes. Ski touring on the volcano is popular with experienced skiers, and larger resorts such as Corralco are within a few hours' drive.

Volcanic activity also brings natural hot springs. More than a dozen thermal baths lie within about an hour of Pucón, from rustic forest pools to design-led spas such as Termas Geométricas. Yoga retreats, spas and wellness lodges have grown alongside them.

Pucón is a gateway to northern Patagonia. The Mamuil Malal pass leads into Argentina's lake district and San Martín de los Andes, and the road south continues through the Chilean Lake District towards Puerto Montt and the Carretera Austral.

Pucón welcomes visitors from Europe, North America and across South America, and many have stayed. English is widely spoken in tourism, and the town has an established community of foreign residents and second-home owners.