Located in the northern outskirts of Chilean Patagonia, this cute town is the home to around twenty one thousand year-round residents. The locals have created a unique, stylish town that is decorated with log and European style facades.

But it’s the natural surroundings that make this place so special.

Approximately thirty minutes to the south is the picture perfect volcano, Volcan Villarrica (elevation: 2,840 m/9317 feet). This smoldering volcano is active; giving off smoke and sometimes lighting the night sky red with its burning molten lava burping from the earth’s core. There are many guide outfits in town that provide all needed equipment to summit the mountain. These guides are especially gifted in helping people with little experience with walking on snow, let alone a large mountain.

There is also a ski area, with the same name, at the base of the mountain. The ski area has nine chairlifts and is perfect for the beginner skier.

For the advanced backcountry skier the ski lifts offer a nice way to bypass the first 1400 vertical feet (427 vertical meters). The backcountry ski route follows the main hiking route to the toxic summit.

Because of the gaseous fumes it is important to be wary of standing too close to the edge. It is also advised to have some fabric soaked with lemon juice to dissipate the affects of the escaping smoke.

The views from the summit are breathtaking. From the crater rim it is possible to see six different volcanoes and the ocean in the far distance.

The other great gift that Mother Nature bestowed upon this area is the various hot springs.

There are multiple different establishments that have been created to enjoy the healing attributes of the sulfur water. There are hotels and camping areas surrounding the bathing areas. There are also different healing modalities offered by the hotels such as massage, facials and reiki for a spa like excursion. If you would rather stay in town there are services to transport you to the baths at night after a day full of adventure.

Other activities that can be enjoyed include many different adventures. There are trail systems throughout the area allowing exciting horse back riding tours or day hikes. The lakes district, where Pucón is located, has many beautiful mountain lakes and waterfalls to enjoy. Also there are canopy tour groups that give you the chance to fly up to fifty kilometers per hour between trees.

Visit Pucón – a Patagonian paradise!

Located forty five minutes outside of Temuco in northern Patagonia, this area of friendly locals and open space is surrounded by fun, outdoor and educational things to do. Here is a list of some of the activities that you can enjoy:

• The Anthropology Museum of Cunco: This museum is helping to increase the knowledge of the history of the area. Offering photos and artifacts of the local Indian tribe, the Mapuche. Through displays, pictures and text the visitor is able to understand the plight of the native people and the evolution that took place for the peace and tranquility that is found today.
• Villa Garcia Spa: Located ten kilometers to the east of Cunco you will find a natural spa on the banks of the Allipén River. Reasonable prices and easy access for people of all abilities.
• Lake Colico: Located fifteen kilometers to the south of Cunco. This clear and chilly lake offers a great place for the family. The park offers nice beaches, picnic areas and water activities such as kayaking. There is also abundant fish available for the avid fisherman. Be sure to get a fishing license from the Cabineros (the Chilean Forest Service).
• Lake Caburgua: Located fifty two kilometers to the southeast of Cunco. This is one of the many lakes in the lakes district of Chile. This body of water offers outstanding fishing and beautiful scenery. There is also camping along the lake.
• The San Sebastián of the White River Hot Springs: This is a wonderful location to feel the healing qualities of natural hot springs. Located 64 kilometers to the south east of Cunco these bathing areas are located in beautiful valleys surrounded by the local mountains. There are services included with the springs. Small cabins, camp sites and party areas are available as well as delicious food. There are guides available for hiking tours or horse adventures. This area is open year round.
• Volcano Llaima: This beautiful volcano is the most active in the series of volcanoes in Southern Chile. It is known to smolder and smoke and has been an active player in reshaping the land around it. It is located in a national park that is decorated with the space-age tree the Araucania or Monkey Puzzle tree. These trees only grow naturally in the Southern Patagonia areas of Chile and Argentina.

When traveling and recreating in southern Chile remember the small, unknown areas like Cunco. It is in these special places that unforgettable travel experiences are made.

Mount Vesuvius in Italy. History has it that Mount Vesuvius has erupted 36 times with the first one being the most destructive. It was in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius erupted burying in ash 3,360 wealthy Romans living in the nearby town of Pompeii. The disaster was said to be memorable as it ash fall preserved perfectly the town including its victims and their pets. For visitors hungry to discover the volcano’s history, the site is a must-see.

Mount Fuji in Japan. Mount Fuji, standing at more than 12,000 feet, is the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most famous in the world. Although covered with clouds through most part of the year, Mount Fuji can be seen on a clear day from Tokyo which is 60 miles away. Tokyo was actually buried in ash when Mount Fuji erupted in 1707. The volcano is open for visitors anytime of the year but its facilities are open only during July and August.

Kilauea in The Big Island of Hawaii. This volcano, considered a national park, is the most visited among all other volcanoes in the world. It also claims to have the longest uninterrupted eruption in world history because of its unceasing explosions since 1983. So if you want real experience with lava flow going down the slopes anytime of the year, then Kilauea is the place to go. From there, you can go to Mauna Loa nearby which is the world’s biggest volcano standing at more than 19,000 cubic miles.

Pacaya in Guatemala City. Pacaya remains to be in an active state since 1965. But despite this, climbers continue to visit the place which is at over 8,000 feet. Pacaya is Guatemala’s most frequently climbed mountain. Tourists used to flock to this volcano but since bandit problems broke out, guided tours for beginners are no longer permitted.

Mt. Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. Mt. Bromo, located in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, is famous for its beautiful peak. This active volcano last erupted in December 2000. Visitors can only go there through a horseback ride as the volcano’s location is not very accessible for travelers. During fall notably every November, an extraordinary Kasodo ceremony takes place. During the rite, a religious leader throws offerings into the mouth of the volcano afterwhich the locals attending the ceremony either jump into or run down the crater to try to catch the things that were thrown. They believe that getting the offerings will give them prosperity.

Soufriere Hills in Monseratt, West Indies. This volcano first erupted in July 1995 burying in ash Monserrat’s capital of Plymouth as well as the island’s whole southern part. Most of the residents then moved to a safer zone in the northern part which, unfortunately, was also put into risk by the volcano’s second series of eruptions beginning in March 2000. This caused Monserrat’s population to lessen from the original 11,000 to only 4,000 today. Monserrat was once called by the British as “the Emerald Isle of the Carribbean.”

Popocatepetl in Mexico. This volcano is the second highest in Mexico standing at more than 17,000 feet. Called “smoking mountain” by the Aztecs and “popo” by the locals, Popocatepetl is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. It has erupted 36 times since the Spaniards arrived in the country in 1519 A.D. and in 1995. Although not as popular as the other regions in Mexico, Popocatepetl has its own share of visitors.

Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima, Japan. Sakurajima stands at 3,663 feet and is one of the world’s most active volcanoes today. It has erupted between 100 and 200 times each year since 1955. It has its own island which can be reached by a ferry boat from downtown Kagoshima.

Shishaldin Volcano in Unimak Island, Alaska. Standing at more than 9,00 feet, this volcano is the highest peak in the Aleutian islands. Its first eruption was recorded in 1775 and has since erupted at least 27 times. Shisaldin last erupted in 1995 and is considered an active volcano.

Mount Pelee in St. Pierre, Martinique. Mount Pelee first erupted in 1902 claiming the lives of more than 29,000 residents and destroying ships docked in the harbor. St. Pierre, where Pelee is located, used to be the capital of Martinique. The town was restored by the elder residents after the eruption of Pelee.