Our 5 best view spots close to Pucón

Winter is over, the sun is shining and Pucón is already teaming with travelers seeking out the best places to enjoy the wonderful views around our picturesque town. Pucón is well-known for the long list of adventure activities available to those who are looking for action, but what about a few slightly more mellow options?

Here are our very own Lake Lodge recommendations for getting out on foot to some great locations that don’t figure on the adventure activity list:

#1. The old Quelhue hanging bridge:

This is a lovely alternative for those who don't mind wandering by the side of the road for a while before heading towards the bridge. Take the main international highway out of Pucón towards Caburgua and Huerquehue National park. You can (carefully) walk along the bicycle track but be prepared to hop to one side at regular intervals! You will pass the supermarkets as you leave town, then the Tur Bus station and then you carry on for almost two kilometers until you see the sign for the airport on your left hand side. Take that unpaved road for around another km until you spot the new traffic bridge crossing the Trancura river. The old Quelhue hanging bridge at the side is a vestige to the old Pucón, and invites you to hang out for while taking in the waters of river and looking out for ring necked kingfishers flitting in and out of the shade in their search for food.

Take: camera, snacks, water and wear good shoes.

#2. Ojos de Caburgua and Saltos (Falls) de Carileufu:

To make this into a ¾ day trip, hire a bike in town and head out along the cycle track to these picture postcard falls. Frequently visited by tour groups and locals alike they are located just 16 km from town. You will see an exit from the main route to the left which continues for around one more km. There you will see the sign which directs you to pay a small entrance fee. You can picnic in the immediate park around the crystalline pools which find their source at Caburgua Lake. The water is so transparent that you can see the bottom of these 5m deep pools where submerged tree trunks have lain for hundreds of years.

Take: camera, snacks, water and good shoes.

#3. Salto El Claro:

This is the closest waterfall to Pucón just 6 km from the center of town. On the main route towards Caburgua Lake but still in the residential radius you will find a sector called Los Calabozos. Like the Puma fall, Salto El Claro drops an immense 90 m and is a little visited gem. Not to be missed! You could try to bike there but there are a couple of steep ascents so it is recommended to drive or take a cab if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Take: camera, snacks, water and good shoes.

#4. Santa Clara Monastery:

The diminutive Monasterio Santa Clara is tucked away above the town. Just a short walk from the centre, the beautiful white stone building reveals a privileged view over Pucón and Lake Villarrica. Starting out from the far south end of Calle Ansorena the entrance path twists and turns through dappled sunlight. Despite the proximity to the town, the silence is encompassing, and you will be surprised when you reach the main courtyard and the view opens up before and below you. There is a small shop to the side of the church where chocolates, cookies and other treats made by the Capuchin nuns can be found for sale. Mass takes place Mon-Sat at 7.15am and at 3pm on a Sunday.

Take: camera, water and make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the view from the courtyard.

#5. La Poza:

The main harbour in Pucón tends to be one of the first places that people visit when they reach the town. Just at the end of the main road there are some great viewpoints of the volcano and of Lake Villarrica itself. During the summer months restaurants and a large variety of water based activities are available from there. The wooden walkways make for an easy stroll. Definitely worth a visit to while away some time. If you have extra time and want to get out on the water then don’t miss the old style boat offering tours of the harbor and the peninsula every hour throughout the day during the summer months.

Take: camera and make the time to hang out and enjoy the slow pace of life down by the waterfront.

Great as those views are, this view simply cannot be beaten. From your own room and private terrace you can enjoy this 270° view over Lake Villarrica from Lake Lodge itself. You may just be tempted to stay in every day of your vacation enjoying the sunsets, Pisco Sours and the infinity pool set in the manicured private gardens.

For more information and reservations please click here.

We look forward to welcoming you at Lake Lodge this summer!