Day Hike Pucon

Day 1: Arrival in the Northern

Chilean Lake District Just a short 1 hour flight south from Santiago takes you to Temuco, the access point to the northern part of the Chilean Lake District. On arrival at the airport you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the lakeside town of Pucon (1hr). Pucon sits on the shores of the Villarrica Lake under the shadow if the still active Villarrica Volcano. The town of 22,000 people is an outdoor adventure playground for those wanting to raft, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak or fly fish.

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Day 2: Climb to the crater of the Villarrica

Volcano This perfect cone-shaped volcano, with its open crater and simmering lava pool, makes for the most incredible day hike. The hike can take up to 9 hours, although this varies depending on the time of year. No previous technical experience is necessary, just experience of long day hikes. At 2,847m the views are reward enough for the challenge of hiking. Standing on the edge of a smouldering crater, with views north and south of the Andes Mountains, is a truly unique experience.

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

Day 3: Hiking in the Huerquehue National Park

This hike takes you deep into a forest of monkey puzzle trees, with waterfalls, hidden lakes and perfect reflections. The hike begins with a steep two-hour ascent, with incredible views of the Villarica Volcano along the way, then once you reach the plateau, it levels off, the forest changes and there are a series of lakes which make for great picnic and siesta stops. The hike will take you 6 hours in total and leads you through some interesting rural landscapes.

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

Day 4: Depart the Northern Chilean Lake District

After breakfast, you will wave goodbye to the glistening Villarica Lake as you return to Temuco airport. From here you can fly north to Santiago (1 hr) or drive south to Puerto Montt airport (4hrs) and take an onward flight south to Punta Arenas (2hrs), the access point to Torres del Paine and the wonders of Southern Patagonia

Meals: Breakfast