A wonderful, pristine, bustling place to visit is Pucón, Chile. This beautiful haven with thick forests, a live volcano and multiple hot springs is a destination that should be on any travelers list.
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!