The southern Chilean town of Pucón is one of those places that you either love or hate. Nestled beside a sparkling lake with the majestic conical form of Volcan Villarica as a stunning backdrop, the town oozes natural beauty and offers a great platform for a wide range of outdoor pursuits and adventure sports.
However, that beauty and potential for adventure have turned it into a Mecca for holidaymakers from Santiago and thrill-seeking international backpackers. Come Easter the place is overrun with tourists on family holidays. That’s no reason to bypass the beauty of Pucón’s natural landscape, though – there are ways to avoid the crowds even during peak times, you just have to know where to go.
Termas Los Pozones
The terrain around Pucón is home to a large number of natural hot springs, a consequence of the volcanic activity in the area. Numerous businesses have cashed in on this, knowing a great tourism draw when they see one. Fancy resorts and spas have been set up by many of the springs, which are often turned into naturally heated but man-made swimming pools.
But for the real deal, away from the tourists with deep pockets, head to Termas Los Pozones. Located on land owned by a local woman, the set of nine pools of varying temperatures have been left in their natural state with just river rocks to outline them and a dirt path to connect them. Visit them at night to enjoy a warm soak whilst gazing at the stars, with not another building or person in sight.
Volcan Villarica
Admittedly, you won’t be the only travellers to Chile’s most active volcano but this place, and especially the view from the summit, is so sublime that it would be a crime not to climb it, especially when you can see its stunning snow-capped peak from everywhere you are in Pucón.
Climbing 1,000 metres in the snow from where the ski lift drops you off is tough but the views all the way up of huge crevasses, lakes, snowy mountains other volcanoes, and little towns nestled between them all, is well worth the effort. As is the incredible feeling of standing beside the rim, the raw energy of the volcano coursing through your body.
Picnic On A Secluded Beach
The main beach in Pucón is lovely but backed by a huge hotel and packed with tourists in the summer. A far better idea is to hire a speedboat, pack a cool box with barbecue items and drinks, and head out across the lake to your own private beach. Plenty of operators in town offer this service and many will provide the food, drink, and a drop-off and pick-up service to their favourite remote beaches. Lying on a beach in the sun, looking up at the snowy peak of Volcan Villarica, is wonderfully incongruous.
As a final note, if you can avoid Easter you really should. To ensure great summer weather without the Christmas or Easter throngs of tourists, early January is the perfect time to visit.