Best Pucón Multi-sport Adventures

Read more best Pucon multi-sport adventures trips dates (NOV to APR).

Known as “the Adventure Capital of Chile” means the best Pucon multi-sport adventures offer activities for all. Imagine European ski town meets Latin America lying between a volcano and a lake. Cafes, shops, vendors and adventure agencies attract global travelers to explore the epicenter of Chile’s Lakes District and Ring of Fire. Whether you are seeking whitewater rafting thrills, catching a trout or salmon, boat tow paragliding, biking along a volcano single track, soaking in the hot springs, tasing Chilean cuisinem or sampling Chilean wines Pucon has something for every traveler. 

#1 Fire and Ice Trek Lagos Andinos(volcano & glacier views toasted at Chile’s best cerveceria).
For hiking and beer lovers. 

Intensity. Medium to high physical, Educational and tasteful.
Time/Distance. Hike is 3 to 6 hours out and back.
Perfect Paring. We pair the Lagos Andinos hike with appetizers and craft beer sampling at the Rio Puesco Cerveceria.

Hike as much or as little as you like at the Lago Andinos beaches and trails. Traverse scenic trails that lead you to pristine lakes, surrounded by the towering glacial capped Volcan Lanin in an old growth Araucania forest. The Lagos Andinos treks along a series of Volcan Lanin formed Lagunas.  Volcan Lanin stradles the border of Argentina and Chile and each turn offers another jaw dropping photo op of the ice capped volcano. Yes, Lanin is unique as it’s never blown it’s glacial cap. Hikers pack a day lunch and can add to the adventure with a cool dip in one of the lagunas. A highlight of the day is to stop at our pick for Chile’s best craft brewery. Whether you are a beer lover or not you will taste the rich quality of the pure Andean spring water along side the Rio Trancura headwaters at Cerveceria Puesco. 

#2 Whitewater Rafting Rio San Pedro or Trancura.

Intensity. High action fun. Want more action… ask for the inflatable kayak option.
Time/Distance. Rio San Pedro full day; Rio Trancura half day
Perfect Pairings. Half day rafting trips pair well with a menu list of relaxing activities such as hot springs, wine tasting, and Pucon tour.

The retreat especially embraces rafting on hot and/or rainy days. That’s right rainy days are idea for whitewater rafting because you are going to get wet no matter what. Pucon rivers are straight out of a magazine with clear turquoise and exciting rapids. Rafting is not just a float trip as you will have to paddle to get over giant waves or dodge rocks. Those waves may hit you in the face to cool you off and keep things exciting. Remember to look around and the views of surrounding volcanos. 

#3 Soak in Pucon Hot Springs.

Intensity. Relaxing especially after a few days of physical adventuring and travel.
Time/Distance. 2 hours max in hot springs
Pefect Pairing. Half day physical activities pair well with an afternoon or morning hot springs soaking such as: Hike, raft or inflatable kayak, canyoneering, horse or bike riding.

The retreat recommends relaxing in a favorite hot springs after a few days of adventures for your body to take a break. Pucon surrounding volcanos and glaciers have aquifers collecting and heating Pucon’s variety of hot springs aka thermas. Do you prefer spa style drinks and luxury or rustic and natural? Or how about views of waterfalls from the steaming pools.  The retreat presents the options and you choose. 

#4 Climb the Bolted Via Ferrata Ladder to Views of  Volcanos and Valley.

Intensity. High adventure stimulating. Medium to high exercise.
Time/Distance. 6 – 8 hours.
Perfect Pairings. After this thrilling day we recommend Pucon cocktails or artesan ice cream (what’s your flavor) and town tour.

“My guide tried to kill us!!!” laughed Melinda Hamby as she exited the van to describe the epic day. Just ten minutes from the retreat is one of Pucon’s best kept secrets. The Via Ferrata is a bolted ladder with safety clip-in system climbing an open rock face to a spectacular view of volcanos and valley. This one-day experience begins with a steep forest hike, followed by a scramble section that brings you to the base of a 300-meter wall. The Hamby family (Tennessee) received a physical and mental journey as they ascended the rock face using metal steps and clipped in for safety. The breathtaking views of Caburgua Valley, the majestic Villarrica volcano, and the sense of accomplishment at the top made this a favorite story to relieve with friends that night around the fire. 

#5 Pucón Vineyard & Wine Tasting Tour.

Intensity. Educational and tasteful.
Time/Distance. 3 hours.
Perfect Pairing. Retreat pairs this tasteful educational afternoon activity with whitewater rafting/inflatable kayak or a morning trek such as Canon del Turbio en Parque Cerduo. 

Discover the secrets of winemaking and appreciate the flavors of Chilean wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes. After a short tour of the vineyard guests are educated to the processing of vineyard’s grown pinot noir grapes from raw to final product. Appetizers accompany the variety of wines. 

#6 Hike Parque El Cerduo Turbio Basalt Lava Fields, Waterfalls and Swimming Pools.

Intensity. Family fun or High adventure medium intensity.
Time/Distance. Out and back 2 to 5 hours.
Perfect Pairings. The proximity to the retreat and Pucon makes this hike a perfect pairing for our favorite town activities such as: boat tow paragliding, town tour and souvenir shopping, Pucon culinary experience, vineyard tour and wine tasting.

The Rio Turbio lies in an open lava field with a series of waterfalls and slides. For kids we love to teach how to make foamy boaters (little foam kayakers) that kids can send down the waterfalls for hours. Boat races and mini waterfall running is more fun than you might think. The lava fields are spectacular and make the foundation for a local mountain bike park and trails along Volcan Villarrica flanks. Hikers can hike for hours, or relax and sunbathe in this anomaly high energy location. We often combine this with an afternoon tour of Pucon and/or culinary adventure.

#7 Pucón Tour and Culinary Adventure.

Intensity. Culinary, shopping, people watching…
Time/Distance. 3 – 4 hours.
Perfect Pairing. Due to travel times we pair Pucon tours with nearby activities such as: boat to paragliding, horse back riding, or hiking Parque el Cerduo.

Located between Volcan Villarrica and Lago Villarrica, what Pucon trip would be complete without a tour of town? Pucon’s streets are full of crafts markets, adventure agencies, restaurants, street vendors, and international tourists seeking deals and thrills. Whether you want to buy souvenirs, experience culinary delights such as churros or artisan ice cream, exchange money, people watch in la plaza, relax on the beach, or enjoy a streetside cerveza Pucon is a fun town to experience. 

#8 Boat Tow Paraglide Pucon’s Best Views.

Intensity. High adventure, low effort with only a 20 meter sprint off the beach.
Time/Distance. 3 hours.
Perfect Pairing. After soaring a Pucon tour, artesan ice cream or beer sampling are a must.

“Oh, I don’t want to paraglide,” little did Cindy know just how much she would love soaring over the lake with Pucon’s best views. Starting on Lago Villarrica the boat tows you and your private pilot to over a thousand feet high before you soar back toward the beach. It’s the best views in the area of surrounding mountains, town, peninsula, and volcanos. Then you land on the beach in front of your friends. We like to pair this with a Pucon event such as ice cream, or cerveceria, or culinary adventure. 

#9 Horseback Riding Along Rio Liucura.

Intensity. Mellow
Time/Distance. 3 hours
Perfect Pairing. Pairs well with half day hikes or Pucon activities.

For animal lovers there are a variety of horse rides. Our favorite is alongside the Rios Liucura y Trancura trails with views of river and volcanos. Ride through picturesque landscapes, across meadows and forests, and connect with your new best friend. 

#10 Lago Caburgua Picnic and Play – Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak Lessons, Sun Bathe and Snorkel, Tour Lakeside Shops

Intensity. Relaxing and fun.
Time/Distance. 2 – 6 hours.
Perfect Pairing. This half day activity pairs well with local hikes or to wash off the jet lag after a long day of traveling.

Just minutes from the retreat is Lago Caburgua with beaches, vendors, and plenty of toys. During summers local vendors are for hire with jet skis, paddle boats and all kinds of crafts to tow tourists around the lake. We’ll pack a variety of toys and enjoy an afternoon at the lake. 

Read More… Best Pucon Multisport Adventures.

Visit Mapuche Ruka + Lunch at Rosario’s House.

Intensity. Culturally rich experience.
Time/Distance. 2 – 3 hours.
Perfect Pairing. This educational activity pairs well with rainy day adventures such as proximal SUP board paddle or inflatable kayak Rio Tolten. 

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Mapuche people by visiting a traditional Mapuche Ruka (house). Learn about their history, customs, and way of life. To complete the experience, savor a delicious lunch prepared by Rosario, where you can taste traditional Mapuche cuisine. Experience is for those wanting cultural or non-physical activities.

Trek Santuario El Cañi. 

Intensity. High adventure, quality exercise along a steep trek.
Time/Distance. 6 hours.
Perfect Pairing. This full day trek pairs well with returning to the retreat for cocktails and appetizers at the riverside hot tub. 

Santuario El Cañi is a guide favorite hike to lead with 360 degree views of four volcanos.  The nature reserve is so renowned for its diverse flora and fauna views that the North Face and Patagonia founders Douglas Thompkins and Yvonne Chouinard started a conservation to protect the area much like a national park. Winding trails lead you through ancient forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and towards breathtaking lookout points offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Notable are the Monkey Puzzle trees classic for the region at altitude. 

Skydiving with Volcano Crater View.

Intensity. Extreme Adventure with Guide. 
Time/Distance. 2 hours.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, experience the thrill of skydiving over Pucón. Just the plane ride circling above the volcano crater is spectacular with vistas of the valleys. Feel the exhilaration as you freefall through the sky and enjoy stunning aerial views of the region.

Other Pucon Multi-Sport Adventures we love. Volcano research center, hike Volcan Quetrupillan or Villarrica, Waterfall Hikes, Pucon scavenger hunt (group Spanish language and cultural experience)…