Discovering Chile

PUCÓN

To the South

Pucón, a charming town located in southern Chile, offers a plethora of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by stunning lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and lush forests, Pucón is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's hiking to the summit of Villarrica Volcano, kayaking on Lake Villarrica, or relaxing in the soothing hot springs, Pucón promises unforgettable adventures for all who visit.

Activities in Pucon How to get to Pucón Weather

Hiking in Huerquehue National Park

Located close to Pucon (35 kilometers from the city), Huerquehue National Park provides epic views of the fauna, lakes, and volcanos. Popular hikes are The Lakes Trail, San Sebastian Trail, and The Crasters Trail. The Huerquehue National Park includes a 2-day trekking experience through dense araucaria forest and rivers.

Hot Springs

Located 16 km from Coñaripe, the Geothermal Hot Springs offers daytime experiences in one of the most beautiful places in southern Chile, within the native forests of the Villarrica National Park.

Volcan Villarrica

The city’s main attraction. It has volcanic caves that visitors can tour with a guide. After climbing the volcano, tourists can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The Villarrica Volcano has a ski center that operates during the winter season. The ski center offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. The Ski Resort has seven ski lifts, and 20 ski runs suitable for all levels.

Ojos de Caburgua

The Ojos del Caburga is known for its waterfalls (between 15 and 20 meters high) and landscapes. Visitors can take short walks through wooden walkways to enjoy the view.

Horseback Riding

Visitors can explore the Villarrica National Park on horseback, travelling along a circuit of trails and rural roads near the Villarrrica National Park.

Caburgua Lake

The Caburga Lake has warm waters and natural landscapes. Some activities include sailing, swimming, sport fishing, and flora and fauna photography.

Cultural Attractions

Pucón has a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore local crafts, visit Mapuche communities to learn about indigenous culture, and enjoy local cuisine, including the traditional curanto, a hearty seafood dish, and meats cooked in an underground pit.

How to get to Pucón

By air

To get to Pucón by plane, you have a few options. The closest airport is La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO), located about 100 kilometers away from Pucón. This airport offers domestic flights from Santiago and other major cities in Chile. Once you arrive at La Araucanía International Airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to travel to Pucón. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can also take a shuttle bus from the airport, which is a more economical option. These shuttle services are readily available and operate regularly between the airport and Pucón.

By Bus

Several bus companies offer services from Santiago to Pucón. The trip takes around 9 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

By Car

To get to Pucón by car, there are different routes you can take depending on your starting point. Below are some of the most common routes:

From Santiago. The most common route is to take Route 5 or Panamericana Sur (highway) south until you reach the commune of Freire. Then, take Route S-199 (Freire-Villarrica-Pucón road), heading west until you reach Pucón. The trip takes around 9 hours, with tolls along the way.

Weather in Pucón

August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile.

Temperature

August is one of the coldest months in Pucón. Daytime temperatures typically range from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius (32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

Rainfall

Rainfall is generally spread throughout the month.

Snowfall

Snowfall is possible in the higher elevations and surrounding mountains, especially in August.

Activities

While it might be too cold for some water-based activities on Lake Villarrica, this time of year is suitable for skiing or snowboarding in the nearby mountains.

Remember that weather conditions can vary, and it’s always a good idea to check closer to your travel dates for more accurate and up-to-date information.

PUNTA ARENAS

Crossroad to Antarctica

Punta Arenas is located at the southern tip of Chile, making it part of the region known for its cold and windy climate. August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
A town of 125.000 inhabitants, at the central point of the Strait of Magellan (Estrecho de Magallanes) and one of the gateways to Antarctica, is the perfect place to host the Delegates Meetings.
Punta Arenas is located in the Magallanes Region, southern Chile, 2.100 km south of Santiago.

Weather How to get to Punta Arenas

Weather in Punta Arenas

Temperature

August is one of the coldest months in Punta Arenas. Daytime temperatures range from around -1 to 5 degrees Celsius (30 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing.

Wind

Punta Arenas is known for its strong winds, which can be particularly noticeable in late winter and early spring. Wind chill can make the temperatures feel even colder.

Precipitation

There is a possibility of rain or snow during August.

Daylight

August is the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so the days are shorter. There are fewer daylight hours (7-8) compared to summer.

Visitors should be prepared for chilly temperatures and dress accordingly. It’s advisable to check the local weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate and up-to-date information.

How to get to Punta Arenas

The available transportation options to Punta Arenas include air travel and bus services.

Here are general guidelines for reaching Punta Arenas.

By air – International Flights

If you come from outside Chile, you would generally fly into an international airport in Chile, such as Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport).

By Bus – From Other Chilean Cities

You can take a long-distance bus to Punta Arenas from various cities in Chile. Bus services are available, but the journey can take several days, depending on your starting location.

By air – Domestic Flights

From Santiago, you can take a domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Several airlines operate flights to Punta Arenas, and the journey usually takes about 3-4 hours.

By Bus – From Argentina

If you come from Argentina, you can cross the border by bus. Bus services connect cities like Ushuaia and El Calafate in Argentina to Punta Arenas.

Airport information

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)

Santiago de Chile Airport, also known as Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, serves the city of Santiago, and is the largest and busiest airport in Chile.

Santiago Airport is located in Pudahuel, 15 km (9.3 miles) northwest of downtown Santiago, and has two terminals:

Terminal 1. Domestic flights.
Terminal 2. International flights.

Santiago de Chile Airport offers the following facilities:

Bank offices
Currency exchange
Chilean Automobile Club
Pharmacy
Travel agencies
Police station
Kindergarten
Medical care

Getting to and from the airport

The airport is 15km from downtown Santiago.

Taxi

You can book a fixed-rate taxi at the counters after the Baggage Claim area. Official taxi drivers wear reflective vests and can show you ID. They have metered taxis.

Bus

Turbus Aeropuerto service connects the airport with various Santiago de Chile metro stations from 06:00 to 20:00. Alternatively, the Centropuerto airport bus services the city on two routes.

Hotel Shuttle

Free airport shuttles are available for guests at several nearby hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto.

Car rental

Car rental desks are located in the International Arrivals section.

Transit and in-airport hotels

If changing to a domestic flight, you’ll have to collect your baggage and pass Immigration before heading to the domestic terminal.

The Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal is directly in front of the building, just a few steps outside Baggage Claim. Access is via an internal walkway.

Airport Contact

Address: Diego Barros Ortiz 1704, Pudahuel, Santiago de Chile, Región Metropolitana 9031219, Chile.

Phone: +56 2 2690 1796

Lost and Found: +56 22 690 1707[1]

Website: https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl

Currency / Tips / Aids / Visa

TRAVEL TIPS

Check Flight and Bus Schedules. Schedules may vary, so checking the latest flight and bus schedules online or through travel agencies is advisable.

Weather Considerations. Pucón has a cold climate and Punta Arenas has a windy climate during winter. Check the weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Travel Documentation. Make sure to have all necessary travel documents, including passports and any required visas.

VISA

Please visit https://serviciomigraciones.cl/en/permanencia-transitoria-permit/subcategories/tourists/ and check the list of countries that require a visa to enter chile.

All those listed “SI” in the REQ. VISTUR column require a visa to enter Chile.

All Visa applications can be made online directly on the Chilean Ministry of External Affairs website (Spanish). You can choose between English and Spanish. Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Chilean Consulate you select in the application.

VISA LINK