39.6425° N, 105.8719° W TAKE THIS AS YOUR SIGN TO HEAD OUT ON AN EPIC SPRING SKIING ADVENTURE. LEARN WHY SPRING IS THE BEST TIME TO SKI AS WELL AS WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU. While we are sure that most people would assume that the middle of winter would be the best time of year to ski (think December and January), in truth in most places - including many of the top ski resorts in North America - the most optimal time to hit the slopes is actually during the spring season (mid-February to mid-April). This is due to a number of things - from weather, to crowds to the actual snow on the mountains. Below we outline why spring is the best time to be out on the mountain skiing or snowboarding, the top ski resorts to visit for the absolute best conditions and the most fun, and finally, what gear you will want to have with you on the mountain. \\ Why Spring is the Best Time of Year to Ski There are a few key reasons why we think springtime is the best time to hit the slopes for an epic ski adventure. Below we outline 4 of them: 1 | CHEAPER LIFT TICKETS AND LODGING Overall, you can expect the price of a day pass to drop once the high season (December and January) passes. Likewise, some ski resorts - especially the smaller, independent ones - will even release a spring season pass at a pretty significant discount than the full season options. 💬INSIDER TIP: Monarch Ski Resort in central Colorado (near the town of Salida) puts out their "Wings Pass" every year in late February or early March. This season pass gives you access to the mountain for the rest of the season (the resort usually closes in mid-April) as well as the whole next season. In our view, this is definitely one of the best ski deals around. You can learn more about the Wings Pass here. Similarly, you can usually find some pretty sweet lodging deals once spring rolls around - including at some of the more popular ski resorts like Vail, Steamboat and Crested Butte. While you may still see some expensive nights during the holidays (especially during Spring Break), if you are able to visit on a random week and especially on a random weeknight, you may be surprised at the very low prices. 2 | SHORTER LIFT LINES Now this isn't always the case - especially during spring holidays like Spring Break - but we would say overall you can usually expect shorter lift lines during the spring. This is mostly due to the fact that a lot of the people who come to ski like to visit during the middle of the winter and the holidays. So, once spring rolls around, the mountains are often a lot quieter. Definitely take advantage of this - especially if you have the chance to ski on a weekday. 3 | GREAT SNOWPACK We are not snow scientists, but we will say that during the spring the snow just seems to be better. Especially if you are able to hit the slopes early in the morning when it is still untouched and the sun hasn't made it super slushy yet. While it would be easy to think that the mountains get the most snow during the middle of winter (December and January) in fact, many resorts (especially the ones in Colorado) get most of their best snow during the spring. Watch the snow forecasts and try to plan your adventure to happen right after a big snowstorm. 4 | A HIGHER CHANCE OF BLUEBIRD DAYS Now this might sound like the exact opposite of what we said above about snow storms, but bear with us. While a lot of snow does fall during the spring, you also have a great chance of skiing under some truly amazing blue skies. Honestly, a warm ski day under a sunny sky is one of the best feelings out there. If you can hit the mountain on a bluebird day, do it. 💬INSIDER TIP: we highly recommend checking the weather report before hitting the slopes just to make sure you are actually going to be able to ski under a sunny sky and so you also know what to pack in case the weather does turn bad (see our gear guide below). EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN COLORADO FOR ALL ABILITIES AND STYLES \\ The 5 Best Ski Resorts For Spring Skiing We would say that for the most part, a lot of the ski resorts in the USA (and Canada) are overall better during the spring. But with that being said, there are a few real standouts when it comes to just being an epic destination for spring skiing. Find our list of the top 5 ski resorts in North America for spring skiing (in no particular order) below. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the mentioned closing dates are based on previous year estimates. Note that some resorts may stay open longer or close earlier depending on the overall snow levels. 1 | PALISADES TAHOE LOCATION: Lake Tahoe, California CLOSING DAY: May 29th Known as the Spring Skiing Capital, Palisades Tahoe Resort should definitely be high on everyone's skiing bucket list. With over 40 lifts, 270 trails and 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains, there truly are endless adventures to be had at this California resort. Other important things to know about spring skiing at Palisade Tahoe is that the resort gets (on average) 400 inches of snow a year, it is also known to have endless sunshine and lots of soft powdery snow, and finally, it starts offering discounted lift tickets on April 1st. LEARN MORE ABOUT PALISADES TAHOE SKI RESORT ⛷ PASS: Palisades Tahoe is on the IKON Pass. 2 | ARAPAHOE BASIN LOCATION: Dillon, Colorado CLOSING DAY: June 1st In a state full of ski resorts (at last count there were 28), it can be hard to stand out. Luckily, Arapahoe Basin has some really unique offerings. Including, being home to some of Colorado's most legendary terrain (it is ranked 1st in Colorado for being the most challenging and 4th in the West). It is also known for its chill, laid-back vibe, fun community events, and great food. When it comes to spring skiing, Arapahoe Basin (or A-Basin) really shines due to its cheaper lift tickets and for having the longest season in the state. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: A-Basin doesn't just talk the talk when it comes to having challenging terrain. It really walks the walk too. In fact, of the 1,428 acres that make up the resort, 73% of it is rated as black or double-black. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARAPAHOE BASIN SKI RESORT ⛷ PASS: Arapahoe Basin is on the IKON Pass. 3 | MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, California CLOSING DAY: May 29th While Palisades Tahoe might be known as the Spring Skiing Capital, its more southern brother isn't too far behind. Mammoth Mountain, located in the town of Mammoth Lakes, California, is often one of the snowiest resorts in North America (on average it receives over 400 inches of snow). But, what makes it really special is that it also usually sees 300 days of sunshine a year. Other things that make Mammoth Mountain stand out include the fact that the resort's summit sits at 11,053 feet and it (unsurprisingly) has the highest lift-served skiable terrain in California. From the top, you will be rewarded with unparalleled Sierra Nevada views, access to incredible bowls and powder (the mountain is known for its legendary snowpack), and over 3,500 acres of amazing runs. LEARN MORE ABOUT MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT ⛷ PASS: Mammoth Mountain is on the IKON Pass. 4 | MT. BACHELOR LOCATION: Bend, Oregon CLOSING DAY: May 28th Next we have Mt. Bachelor, a large resort located near the adventurous town of Bend, Oregon. Home to over 4,300 acres of lift-accessed terrain and some stunning views of the surrounding area from the 9,065 foot summit (a volcanic summit no less), Mt. Bachelor is one epic place to spend some time skiing - especially during the spring season. If you want to check it out for yourself, consider purchasing the resort's Spring Pass, which is valid for unlimited skiing or snowboarding between April 1st and May 28th (closing day). LEARN MORE ABOUT MT. BACHELOR SKI RESORT ⛷ PASS: Mt. Bachelor is on the IKON Pass. 5 | PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT LOCATION: Park City, Utah CLOSING DAY: April 17th While Park City Ski Resort in Utah is a great resort to ski at no matter the time of year, we think it really shines during the spring. Here is why: it is the largest ski resort in the U.S. with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and 330+ trails (and half of those are considered more "advanced"), it gets over 300 inches of snow (on average), and it offers some amazing snowpack later in the season thanks to lots of sunshine. Plus, the resort starts offering discounted lift tickets later in the season. LEARN MORE ABOUT PARK CITY RESORT ⛷ PASS: Park City is on the EPIC Pass. \\ The Top Spring Skiing Gear The main trick with spring skiing when it comes to what to wear is to layer, layer, layer. This is because spring weather can be really unpredictable: sometimes it will be really cold in the morning and then seriously warm up once the sun starts to peak over the mountain, or it can be the total opposite - warm, sunny mornings and then blizzarding in the afternoon. That is why you should try to come prepared for any and all types of weather. Below you will find our recommended ski gear for all of your spring skiing adventures. BASE LAYER (TOP) It is smart to start with a comfortable and moisture-wicking base set for this is what will be touching your skin the most. This Kara Traa top is made from renewable and biodegradable wood fibers, making it not only eco-friendly but also super soft and form-fitting. Plus, the breathable underarm panels give you some added ventilation (aka less sweat). CHECK IT OUT. BASE LAYER (BOTTOMS) Finish the set by purchasing the Kara Traa bottoms, which are made out of the same soft and breathable wool blend as the top. CHECK IT OUT. MID-LAYER JACKET Now to start the layering process. We recommend wearing a thin but warm jacket on top of your base layer. This fleece Mammut full-zip jacket will help keep you warm on the slopes without adding a lot of extra weight. CHECK IT OUT. OUTER LAYER Finish your upper half with a sturdy outer layer, like this Gore-Tex Pro Jacket by Backcountry. This somewhat lightweight outer shell is perfect for both cold and warm days on the slopes. It is also super stretchy and good for mobility (even if you choose to wear a backpack) and it has 2 options for the hood to help really protect you from the wind. CHECK IT OUT. SWEATPANTS Just like with your top half, we recommend wearing a warm mid-layer on your legs. This super soft fleece-lined jogger pant by Backcountry is perfect since it will help keep your legs nice and warm, while not adding too much bulk. CHECK IT OUT. SNOWPANTS For the final bottom layer we recommend this ultra-durable bib (also by Backcountry). With its easily detachable bib (top half) and durable but still breathable GORE-TEX membrane, this pant is perfect for those deep powder days. CHECK IT OUT. BUFF OR BALACLAVA Maybe one of the most important pieces of your ski kit is a buff or baklava. Not only will this help keep your neck warm, but it is also important for sun protection (the sun's reflections off of the snow can be intense). This buff by Skida Alpine is not only comfortable and warm, but it is also made with a Polartec micro-fleece lining which dries really quickly - meaning less gross and sweaty material on your face. CHECK IT OUT. STOCKING CAP Keep your head warm on the slopes with this lightweight and ultra-wicking stocking cap by Kari Traa. Made primarily of merino wool, this thin hat is great at managing moisture - no matter how long you are out sweating on the mountain. CHECK IT OUT. GLOVES Nothing seems to ruin a day on the slopes like cold hands. That is why having proper gloves can be such a game changer while skiing or snowboarding. This insulated mitten pair by Hestra is made up of a cozy and soft fleece interior and a durable leather exterior. CHECK IT OUT. WOOL SOCKS Just like cold hands can turn a good day of skiing into something close to miserable, so can frozen toes. That is why we always wear warm wool socks on the slopes. This set by Darn Tough is made up of a moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep your feet dry even during high periods of activity (like skiing). Plus, the underfoot cushion can help enhance your comfort while wearing ski and snowboard boots (now that's a win-win). CHECK IT OUT. SKI GEAR Goggles: if you are hoping to ski a lot, then we recommend investing in a good pair of goggles. This one by Smith includes more durable lenses that will help decrease the number of scratches and impacts, while also boosting clarity (even during cloudy conditions). It also comes with better airflow technology and an inner coating to help prevent fogging. CHECK IT OUT. Helmet: let us first say that you should never ski or snowboard without a helmet. Seriously, just don't. Luckily, this helmet by Smith has in-mold construction for a lighter, more streamlined performance, adjustable front and rear vents for better airflow, and removable ear pads that offer both warmth and the option to add audio-chips. CHECK IT OUT. EXTRA THINGS TO BRING ON THE SLOPES | Waterproof sunscreen | Chapstick with UVB and UVA protection | Sunglasses | Water bottle and backpack (if possible): this larger backpack (18 liters) is great for those long backcountry days when you need avalanche gear, extra layers and plenty of snacks and water. EXPLORE MORE | THE 8 BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT IN THE SPRING In our opinion, spring skiing is definitely the way to go. With cheaper prices, shorter lift lines and a higher chance of skiing on a gorgeous sunny day, spring skiing should be a no brainer when it comes to the best time of year to hit the slopes. If you have any questions or comments about spring skiing, then let us know below or reach out to us directly! Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS SPRING SKIING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE WINTER ADVENTURE GUIDES 9 TIPS FOR ADVENTURING SAFELY IN THE WINTER | Read These Tips Before Your Next Trip 6 WINTER VANLIFE TIPS TO KNOW | Learn These Now So You Don't Suffer Lately THE 8 BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN THE WINTER | Add These to Your Bucket List PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR EPIC ADVENTURES | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling abroad. | Wise: an easy-to-use app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad. No more worrying about exchange fees!

38.8697° N, 106.9878° W CHECK OUT OUR TOP RECOMMENDED APPS FOR ADVENTURING. THESE 11 ARE THE PERFECT APPS TO HELP YOU FIND INSPIRATION, PLAN YOUR ROUTE, AND FIGURE OUT WHERE TO GO NEXT. Planning an epic outdoor adventure can be an exciting and fun experience. Especially when you have the right set of tools. We have found ourselves often turning to a few super useful mapping apps to help us plan our own travels, be it trips to major cities or out on a wild outdoor adventure. Below are 11 of the best adventure mapping apps on the market. We have split them up into specific categories based on what they do best, from the top app for finding epic hiking trails to the best app for making your way around a new city via public transportation. Explore the top adventure apps below. 11 BEST MAP APPS FOR ADVENTURING \\ For Hiking and Backpacking ALLTRAILS Probably the most popular hiking app out there, AllTrails is a great tool to have if you are either looking to quickly find trails in your area or planning your own epic adventure. We often use AllTrails when we are looking to plan shorter weekend trips (day-hikes, trail runs), especially if we are in a newer place and haven't gotten used to the area yet. There are two versions of AllTrails: the free basic plan and AllTrails+, which costs $2.99 a month (or $36 a year). The paid version allows you to download offline maps, find trails by distance from you and check out 3D maps (plus some other cool features). PROS | Lots of mapped trails | Super handy filters to help you find the perfect trail for you (you can sort by distance, activity and difficulty) | Each trail clearly shows you the elevation gain, route type | Largest network of users (which usually means up-to-date comments) CONS | You need to purchase AllTrails+ in order to use it when you don't have service (which is common while hiking) | Isn't the best for recording your hikes and/or activities ➳ Explore it here. KOMOOT We first heard about komoot during our adventures in Colombia. And since then, we have turned to the easy-to-use app many times - especially when we are looking to plan long distance routes (including for backpacking and bikepacking). This app really shines when it comes to finding inspiring routes around the world. While it isn't as widely used in the USA (especially compared to some other apps like AllTrails), it is still a great app to have if you are looking to travel abroad - especially to Europe. PROS | Great route-planning capabilities, especially for backpacking and trekking | Has turn-by-turn navigation and even information on the exact surfaces you will be exploring (which is especially good for biking) | Tons of inspiring routes for lots of different activities around the world CONS | Not as many routes in the USA compared to other apps | Some services are only available with a premium subscription ($4.99 a month) ➳ Explore all of komoot here. GAIA GPS We have been using Gaia GPS as our main adventure tracking app for a couple of years now. This adventure app is actually a partnership with Outside Magazine, and if you choose to subscribe to their Gaia GPS+ and Outside plan you will get access to expert-led online courses on Outside Learn and other benefits through their Outside Network. We specifically like this mapping app because it has so much available data - including adventure-focused points of interest (like Nordic centers, ski resorts and marinas), as well as clear markings for dirt roads, paved roads, trails and the like. This is especially helpful if you are planning a quick run or bike ride and don't want to be on pavement. PROS | Easy to use map and route maker, especially for hiking, biking and running | The paid versions (especially the one with Outside) gives you a ton of helpful tools, including outdoor classes | Very easy to transfer the GPX files to other apps and sites CONS | There is a lot of information on the maps, so it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming | The free version doesn't include offline use ➳ Explore all of Gaia GPS here. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you want to use this app offline, you have two premium subscription options. The first is just Gaia GPS Premium which is $3.33 USD a month (this includes offline maps and weather and terrain information), and the second is the Gaia GPS Premium + Outside which costs $3.74 a month and includes offline maps, weather and terrain information, outdoor classes and access to the app Trailforks Pro (see more on this app below). PEAKVISOR Have you ever been out hiking or backpacking and wondered what epic mountain was way off in the distance? I know we have. Luckily, if you had the handy PeakVisor app you wouldn't be left wandering (and maybe arguing) and instead you would be able to know exactly what mountain it was and also its elevation. At its core, PeakVisor is an AR map that shows you a 3D view of your surroundings, with easy to read highlighted mountain peaks (watch this video to see what we mean). When out hiking you simply need to scan your surroundings and boom, the name and elevation will pop up. Plus, in some cases you can even see the best trails for reaching the summit. PROS | Great tool to learn more about your surroundings | Can be downloaded so you can use it offline | Pretty much every mountain range (big and small) is on the app, with more places being added daily CONS | Really only useful for identifying nearby mountain peaks and not for actual route planning ➳ Learn more about this app here. \\ For Mountain Biking TRAILFORKS More of a trail database than a route planning app, Trailforks is focused on providing users the most up to date information on mountain bike trail conditions as well as information on the trail's popularity, topographic layers to give you an idea of elevation, points of interest, and useful photos. On the app you can find mountain biking routes in 100 countries, with more being added regularly. PROS | Decent free version of the app is available (there is also the paid version for $3.74 /month) | It's a basic map that is easy to use, so if you just want the activity maps and nothing else this is a good option CONS | Not a ton of bells and whistles with this one | The routes/maps are not as intuitive as some other mapping apps ➳ Learn more about Trailforks here. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: while Trailforks is mostly used for mountain biking, it does also have routes and information on hiking, horseback riding, dirt biking, and skiing (downhill, backcountry and Nordic). MOUNTAIN BIKE PROJECT Maybe the premier mountain biking app out there, Mountain Bike Project has the most comprehensive list of trails available (especially in the USA) thanks to it being a totally crowd-sourced site. You can easily search for mountain bike routes by distance, difficulty level (green, blue, black), type of trail and elevation profile. We have used Mountain Bike Projects pretty consistently (especially when we are in the Utah and Colorado area) and we find it really easy to navigate. Plus, they have so many "recommended" trails that it is hard to actually know what route to do (there are just soooo many options). PROS | Lots of mountain biking routes available, especially if you are looking to ride in the USA | Plenty of information on each trail - including total distance, percentage of singletrack, elevation profile, and max grade | Usually (especially on the more popular trails) there are some good comments to give you a good idea of what to expect. Plus, they also let people rate the difficulty so you have a more honest view of how challenging it is. | Free! CONS | There is a lot on the app, which can sometimes be overwhelming ➳ Check it out for yourself here. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you like the way Mountain Bike Project is set up, you can check out other apps by the same makers: Mountain Project (for climbing), Hiking Project, Trail Running Project and Powder Project. \\ For Exploring New Areas and Cities MAPS.ME Often rated as one of the best offline maps, maps.me is one of the top apps to download before heading off to explore a new place - especially a new city. We will usually download a specific area of the country we plan to visit so that we are 100% prepared to find our way around it just in case we don't have service (which in a foreign country is common). The app is great at giving you lots of important map information, including showing you streets, public transit stations and stops, popular restaurants and cafes, hotels and hostels and points of interest. When we travel internationally, this is our go-to app for getting around urban areas. PROS | So much useful information on the maps - especially if you are exploring a city. | Easy to download a map of a specific region or of a city. | The app also has interesting walking routes for some of the most popular cities (London, NYC, Paris), so you can skip the city tours and do it all on your own. | Free! CONS | The downloaded maps can take up a lot of space on your phone, so when you are done using them we recommend deleting the files. | The map is not the most reliable option when hiking or trekking. While it does have some trails, we recommend other apps that are specifically meant for adventures out in nature. ➳ Explore all of the maps.me maps here. CITYMAPPER By far one of the most stressful things about exploring a new city is figuring out how to actually get around. Luckily, with the help of the Citymapper app you can easily put in where you are starting from and where you are going and get all the best suggestions on routes to take if walking or biking and/or what public transportation options are available. Plus, if you are looking to use public transportation, it will give you real-time updates on when the next bus or train will arrive. PROS | Easy to navigate map with lots of insights on the public transportation network. | Great for helping you explore a new city - especially in a foreign country. CONS | Not every major city is on the app. This is especially true if you are looking to travel to cities in South America, Africa and Asia. ➳ Check out all of the city maps here. \\ For Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures FATMAP Often touted as one of the most reliable mapping apps for outdoor adventures (it is a favorite of guides), FATMAP is a great option if you are looking to head off on more rugged, off the beaten path adventures - especially ones that involve backcountry skiing, mountain biking and hiking. Some of the best perks of this adventure app are the 3D mapping, the ability to follow other outdoor athletes and friends, super in-depth route planning information, including avalanche risks, elevation profiles, aspects and gradients. Plus, many of the routes are curated by actual outdoor guides and athletes - meaning you can trust their knowledge and advice. PROS | Super in-depth information for route planning. | Great for backcountry skiing, especially with the provided information on avalanches and terrain. CONS | Great for adventures in Europe, but not as in-depth as some other apps for the USA. | Can be a bit overwhelming to use at first. ➳ Check out all of the stuff on FATMAP here. SPOTTED-BY-LOCALS Less of a map and more of a forum, Spotted by Locals is one of the best ways to get off the beaten path while exploring a new city. Located in 80 cities, the app is founded on the idea that only locals (real locals) can give you the best tips and advice when checking out a place. The app can also be used offline as long as you purchase the city map ahead of time (each map costs $3.99 USD). Then it is super easy to walk around and learn about the area with the help of locally pinned spots - from restaurants to random points of interests, you are sure to find something that interests you. PROS | Great way to get away from the popular tourist sites and discover more "authentic" places. | An alternative way to do a city tour - all on your own. | The app is easy to navigate and can be used offline after purchase. CONS | You do have to pay for each city map ($3.99 each). | Not as high-tech as some other apps. ➳ Explore the app for yourself here. THE USA NATIONAL PARK SERVICE APP Not really a map but more like a database of everything you need to know about each national park. The National Park Service app is one of the best resources to help you plan your own epic national park adventure (check out some of ours). The app includes everything you need to know; including, entrance fees, in-depth information on the best things to do, where to stay, transportation options, visitor centers and up-to-date issues that may be found in the park (like road construction). PROS | Free app with a ton of information for almost every national park service managed area (this includes national monuments, national recreation areas, etc.). | Easy to use navigation. | Helps you learn everything you need to know about the park before you even step foot inside. CONS | There is a lot of information available - maybe too much depending on what you need. | It is more about overall planning and not just about the things to do there, so if you just want information on trails maybe head to a different app. ➳ Check out the app for yourself here. Planning an epic outdoor adventure can be a lot of fun - especially when you have the right set of tools. We have used all of these 11 mapping apps during our own adventures and we cannot recommend them enough. Hopefully, you find the adventure app that is right for you. If you have any questions, please leave them below or reach out to us directly! Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS HELPFUL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HELPFUL GUIDES THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO CANYONEERING | Learn Everything You Need to Know THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN BIKING | Insightful Tips and Tricks ADVENTURING SAFELY DURING THE WINTER | 9 Important Tips to Know PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR TRAVELING ABROAD | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling abroad. | Wise: an easy-to-use app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad. No more worrying about exchange fees!

16.4897° S, 68.1193° W ALTITUDE SICKNESS CAN REALLY PUT A DAMPER ON ANY HIGH-ELEVATION ADVENTURE. LUCKILY, WITH A BIT OF PLANNING AND LEARNING YOU CAN LOWER YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING SICK. LEARN THE MAJOR CAUSES AND CURES HERE. Imagine, you are finally heading out on the epic adventure that you have been planning for months (maybe even years) when all of a sudden you start to get a killer headache and you just start to feel really tired and out of breath. Welp, more likely than not you have come down with the dreaded altitude sickness. Turns out, this is quite common - especially for people that are traveling from much lower elevations up to higher elevations. But what is altitude sickness? And how do you beat it when it feels like it is totally beating you? We explain all of this in this handy, straight-to-the-point article. Keep reading to learn more. \\ What is Altitude Sickness? Also known as “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can hit you when you walk, hike or climb to a higher elevation or altitude too quickly. This is one of the most common dangers and issues when traveling to destinations that are at a much higher elevation than where you are used to. Likewise, when adventuring - especially trekking or mountaineering - it is very common for you to have to put aside a couple of days to acclimate to the change in elevation. While altitude sickness is kind of an all encompassing thing, there are actually three different levels of severity. Below they are listed from least dangerous to the most dangerous. | Acute mountain sickness (AMS) | High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) | High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) So how long does altitude sickness last? Well, it depends. Usually you will get the worst of the symptoms on the first day or night and then they may level off a bit. This is especially true if you decide to head back down to a lower elevation. Now, if you continue to climb higher up you can likely expect the symptoms to not go away and maybe even get worse. More often than not, the altitude sickness symptoms will go away after a couple of days, especially if you spend those days resting and at a lower elevation. EXPLORE MORE | WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000+ FOOT MOUNTAIN COMMON ALTITUDE SICKNESS SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Below are the most common symptoms you may feel when adventuring at higher elevations. Do note that you may not feel all of these symptoms at once. For example, when we have been hiking or backpacking at higher elevations we each have felt different symptoms. Madalyne often gets headaches and a bit of dizziness and lightheadedness, while Luke usually feels more nauseous and has an overall loss of energy. | Headache | Dizziness and lightheadedness | Nausea and vomiting | Fatigue and an overall loss of energy | Shortness of breath | Problems with sleeping | Loss of appetite The symptoms above are the most common signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS), the least severe form of altitude sickness. The five symptoms below are signs that you may be experiencing an even more severe form of altitude sickness; including, HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema). | Confusion | Shortness of breath even when resting/not moving | An overall inability to walk | A cough that produces a frothy substance that is often white or pink | Coma READ MORE | HOW TO EXPLORE LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK IN COLOMBIA WITHOUT A GUIDE \\ Where Do You Commonly Get Altitude Sickness At the heart of it, altitude sickness occurs when you go to higher elevations than what you are used to - especially if you go to higher elevations quickly and/or without taking the proper amount of time to allow your body to get used to the change in pressure and loss of oxygen. For the most part, you can be at risk of altitude sickness anytime you go above 8,000 feet (2,438 feet) OR if you travel too fast from a lower elevation to a much higher elevation. This second reason is why it is always recommended to take a couple of days to acclimate to the higher elevation. Acclimation, along with a few health choices (see below) is one of the best ways to not get altitude sickness. COMMON HIGHER ELEVATION DESTINATIONS WHERE ALTITUDE SICKNESS IS POSSIBLE Some of the most popular destinations in the world sit at higher elevations - meaning it is quite possible (and even common) for travelers to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness while visiting. Below are a few popular higher elevation destinations. | La Paz, Bolivia (elevation: 11,893 feet) | Cusco, Peru (elevation: 11,152 feet) | Quito, Ecuador (elevation: 9,350 feet) | Bogota, Colombia (elevation: 8,661 feet) | Mexico City, Mexico (elevation: 7,349 feet) | Denver, Colorado (and other popular Colorado destinations like Aspen, Crested Butte, and Vail) ❔GOOD TO KNOW: so can you get altitude sickness at Machu Picchu in Peru? While the uber famous ruins do only sit at 2,430 meters above sea level (7,972 ft) it is definitely still possible to get altitude sickness upon visiting - especially if you are coming from a much lower elevation (like Lima, the capital of Peru). The best tip to help yourself from getting altitude sickness is to spend some time acclimating beforehand, especially in a city like Cusco, which sits at a much higher 11,152 feet. Besides visiting some higher elevation cities, it is also really common to get symptoms of altitude sickness when you are out adventuring - especially if you are climbing up big mountains and/or trekking in higher alpine environments. In South America especially, altitude sickness is relatively common for people looking to trek or mountaineer in the Andes. Even on very popular hikes like the Inca Trail in Peru, altitude sickness is a well-known possibility (and something guides take into account when planning trips). EXPLORE MORE | OUR ADVENTUROUS ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU: RIDING MOTORCYCLES IN PERU \\ Top Tips to Fight Altitude Sickness There are a few key ways to fight altitude sickness. Though again the number one way to keep yourself from getting altitude sickness is to simply take your time and move up to higher elevations slowly. This is especially true if you live at much lower elevations (like sea level). When planning to head to much higher elevations - like above 8,000 feet - make sure to put aside a couple of days to acclimate before doing anything physically demanding (like hiking, backpacking, climbing or running). Other ways to help you NOT get altitude sickness: | Make sure you are drinking enough water. This is a great way to fight headaches and dizziness. | Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol until you are fully acclimated. | Avoid physically demanding exercise for at least the first 24 hours. | Eat a light, but high-calorie diet. BUT IF YOU DO GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS... If you do end up getting altitude sickness while traveling - which, don't worry everyone is susceptible to it, even young and fit people - there are a couple of sure-fire ways to help you beat it fast. This includes: | Taking more rest breaks while exercising, including while hiking, backpacking, running, etc. | If you are starting to get a headache, drink lots of water and take some ibuprofen (if necessary). | Try to eat some high calorie foods to help boost your energy. We find simple ramen works really well. | And if it gets too bad, or if the above tips don't help, you may need to make the tough decision to stop and head back down to lower elevations. 💬INSIDER TIP: there have been a couple of times while hiking that we have each experienced our own form of altitude sickness. We have found that eating either salty or high sugar foods helps us, as well as taking breaks out of the sun (the sun feels much more intense at higher elevations). Altitude sickness can really put a damper on many outdoor adventures. While anyone and everyone can get altitude sickness, there are some tried and tested ways to lower your susceptibility; including, taking your time when heading to higher elevations, drinking plenty of water and taking as many rest breaks as you need. If you have any questions about altitude sickness, please leave them below or reach out to us directly. You can also find even more health-related information on altitude sickness here. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS HOW-TO GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HELPFUL HOW-TO GUIDES HOW TO STAY SAFE HIKING & BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY | Real-World Tips to Have a Great Time in the Woods HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES IN THE USA | Our Tried and Tested Tips for Finding Epic Spots to Sleep HOW TO BE AN EXPERIENCER, NOT A TRAVELER | There is a Simple Difference Between the Two PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR TRAVELING ABROAD | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling abroad. | Wise: an easy-to-use app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad. No more worrying about exchange fees!

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAVELERS: THOSE WHO VISIT A PLACE AND THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE A PLACE. BELOW WE OUTLINE HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE AND WHICH ONE YOU SHOULD BE. While they may seem like the same thing - being a visitor and being an experiencer - we have actually come to realize that they are two relatively separate forms of travelers. Now we are not saying as a traveler you solely have to be one or the other, often times there is some blurring of the lines, but what we are trying to explain is that being an experiencer means you step past the surface and instead focus on becoming more connected to the place and culture you are exploring. It is the idea of going deeper, putting in that extra effort and time to really try to get to know the place you are visiting. While you can do this in a number of ways, we often believe that there are four main ways to know whether you are an experiencer or just a visitor. Read about the differences below. 1 | Visitors Only Go to the Popular Sites, Experiencers Go to the Hidden Gems Visitors will often only go to the “top” five sites — also known as the tourist hotspots. These are great, don’t get us wrong, but they don’t usually encompass the “true” culture. More often than not, they are instead so full of tourist traps and memorabilia that it can be hard to look past the commercialization and see the beauty and wonder of the place itself. While we do agree that a lot of the touristy spots are must-sees — for example, Machu Picchu, the Coliseum, and the Eiffel Tower - it is still challenging to say that those places actually encompass a country’s real culture. As two people who have visited Machu Picchu, we can personally say that while the ruins are absolutely breathtaking, Peru actually has so much more to offer. Including, more than a hundred ruins that are just as inspiring, but not nearly as famous. And those ruins often capture Peruvian culture and history more than Machu Picchu. Why? Because they haven’t been commercialized and changed to be tourist-friendly. Instead we would suggest trying to put the time in to find places that are equally as amazing as the tourist-hot spots but that have still stayed a bit more under-the-radar. We know this can be tough and time consuming, but one way we have found this to be possible is by simply asking the locals where they would suggest checking out. So, in conclusion, try to branch out from the main tourist circuit and instead put a bit of energy into seeking those hidden gems. You will likely be amazed at what you find. We know we always have. READ MORE | OUR MOTORCYCLE TRIP TO MACHU PICCHU: HOW EVERYTHING WENT WRONG 2 | Visitors Go to Touristy Restaurants, Experiencers Eat With the Locals You see them everywhere when traveling, especially in the popular areas: restaurants that claim to be authentic, but really only cater to the palettes of tourists. The food, while good, is never the same as if you went to a real restaurant that the locals flock to. In our experience traveling, one of the main rules is to ALWAYS follow the locals and only eat at places that are busy. If you want to get a real, authentic experience, leave behind your preconceived notions of what constitutes “good” food and instead follow in the footsteps of the people who live there full-time. That means that if they always go to one restaurant that you didn’t give a second thought to, follow and sit down next to them. Better yet, once there, ask what they like to eat or what they recommend. Or, if this is challenging due to a language barrier, then simply look around and see what everyone else is eating and then just point to it when the waiter comes. While there will definitely be instances where the food is just not what you wanted, isn’t it better that you at least tried it instead of safely eating away in a restaurant that is only “quasi-authentic?” One thing experiencers know is that the biggest reward, and memories, come from stepping outside your comfort zone. So don’t be afraid to try something new - and to talk to the locals while you're at it. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE FOOD GUIDE TO SALENTO, COLOMBIA 3 | Visitors Are Obvious, Experiencers Are Not We have all been there: sitting in a café in some far off land, or even just hanging out in your hometown. Either way, you can spot a tourist from a mile away. There is just something about their appearance and mannerisms that show they aren’t locals. Maybe it’s the large map they keep pulling out, or how they always seem to be reading and rereading their guidebook. Whatever it is, they just don’t blend in. But experiencers often do. Why? Because they quickly figure out the rhythm of their surroundings and follow suit. That means walking around like you know exactly where you are going - even if you don’t - and following the standard cultural norms when it comes to dressing and mannerisms. If the locals often head to the park in the morning, then go to the park and sit and people watch and feed the birds. If the locals eat late, then don’t go to a restaurant until 10 o’clock. Getting in touch with the local culture will help you feel much more a part of it. Plus, this is a great way to learn about the culture itself and interact with the local people. Which, isn't that one of the biggest perks of traveling anyway? EXPLORE MORE | GETTING OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH IN THE JUNGLE OF COLOMBIA: OUR TIME IN SAN CIPRIANO 4 | Visitors Speak in Their Native Tongue, While Experiencers Try to Learn the Local Language Learning a language is hard, really hard, but it can go a long way when interacting with the locals. We have found that if you appear like you are at least trying to converse in the culture's native tongue, even if you are absolutely failing at it, the local people will really appreciate it and likely be much more friendly and helpful. In our experience, one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a visitor and an experiencer is that visitors usually don’t even attempt to learn a couple of major phrases of the local language (not even hello or thank you). Why? Because they know they won’t be there long - so what's the point? But people who want to experience the culture, and go below the surface level, understand that language is the gateway to learning and seeing so much more than what you find in guidebooks or online. Plus, it isn’t that hard to learn a couple of those key phrases. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: while experiencers often shy away from guidebooks, many will pick up a handy travel size translation book and work at learning the basics during their travels. LEARN MORE | TOP SPANISH PHRASES ALL TRAVELERS TO LATIN AMERICA NEED TO KNOW Traveling to a new place is an exciting opportunity, no matter where you go. But how you approach your time there can make a world of a difference. While we know plenty of people who are perfectly happy going to a new country and simply doing the touristy things. For us, we understand that you gain so much more of an appreciation of the place and the culture (and often have a better trip overall) when you work to become an experiencer and not just stay a visitor. If you have any questions or comments about this article (we know it is a bit controversial), please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE TRAVEL TIPS HOW TO BE A SLOW TRAVELER | Learn Why This Should Be the Only Way You Travel SLOW TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA | Why We Did It & What We Learned TOP TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL | Easy Switches to Be More Eco-Friendly Abroad PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR TRAVELING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

38.0877° N, 111.1355° W IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO AVOID CROWDS AND HAVE A TRULY OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURE ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO UTAH, THEN WE CANNOT RECOMMEND CHECKING OUT CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK ENOUGH. LEARN WHY BELOW. With way more popular neighbors like Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park (the latter of which usually ranks as one of the 5 most visited national parks in the whole USA), it is easy to understand why Capitol Reef National Park has somehow stayed under-the-radar. It seems that in such a beautiful state as Utah - where two-thirds of the land is federally owned - it can be rather hard for one natural area to stand out. Seriously, Capitol Reef National Park might just be one of the best-kept secrets in all of Utah. Because of the national park's location - smack dab in the middle of canyon country and smushed between other, more popular outdoor recreation areas - it is not only beautiful, but also pretty quiet. More often than not when visiting you will have much of the park to yourself: no congested hiking trails, no loud campgrounds, no backed up traffic. In a time where many national parks are getting busier and busier, it is kind of refreshing to experience one that doesn’t feel like Disneyland. So if you are an adventurer looking to get a bit more off-the-beaten-path, then we highly recommend adding Capitol Reef National Park to your travel bucket list (and definitely if you are planning a southern Utah road trip, like this one). Below you will find our top tips to help you have an absolutely amazing trip to Capitol Reef. ADVENTURING IN CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK | WHAT TO KNOW There are a lot of outdoor adventure options in Capitol Reef National Park - from the rather chill to the extreme, we are sure you will find something to do during your visit. In our opinion, one of the best things to do is go canyoneering. We believe that some of the best canyoneering routes in Utah (a state teeming with amazing canyons), can be found in this desert national park, including Cassidy Arch, Stegosaur Slot, and The Wives (all five of them). If you have any experience with canyoneering or are down to try it with a guide, then Capitol Reef is an amazing place to start and/or expand your repertoire and experience. Now, don't worry if canyoneering seems a bit too adventurous for you (totally fair - rappelling off a 50-meter cliff is not for everyone). There are still a lot of other adventures to be had within the park's boundaries, including hiking, biking and scenic driving. A couple of the best hikes in the park are the aforementioned Cassidy Arch (you don’t have to rappel off the arch if you don't want too), the Chimney Rock Loop, and the Sulphur Creek Trail. For more hikes in the Fruita area - the historic center of the park - check out this helpful list. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: while the main historic area of Fruita - where you can still see the old schoolhouse, orchards, and cabins (and even buy fresh pie and cinnamon rolls in the summer) - is worth visiting, we instead suggest heading to the farther reaches of Capitol Reef to get a better idea of the park's uniqueness and beauty. If hiking isn't your cup of tea, then consider hopping in your car and driving out to explore some of the park's more rugged areas - including the famous Cathedral Valley. Below is an outline of two of the best off-road routes. \\ Top Scenic Drives in Capitol Reef National Park CATHEDRAL VALLEY This district of the park is incredibly remote and rugged, meaning you should only try to explore it when you are 100% prepared: you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, and enough food to last a couple days (for if you break down it might take a few days for help to arrive). While the roads out to Cathedral Valley aren’t too rough, it is a long drive (around 57 miles). The loop, which many do clockwise, usually takes 6-8 hours to complete. While some people do it in a single day, we instead recommend breaking it up into two (more time to sightsee) and spending the night in the Cathedral Valley campground (do know that it is quite primitive and there is NO water). A couple of the top highlights in Cathedral Valley are checking out the Walls of Jericho and the Temples of the Sun, Moon, and Stars (huge rock monoliths that shoot up from the desert floor towards the heavens above). THE WATERPOCKET FOLD Located in the southern region of the park (Cathedral Valley is up in the north), this driving route takes you through the famous Waterpocket Fold, which is notable for its great length of multiple layers of colorful exposed sedimentary rock. This is also the region that gave the park its name: the Navajo Sandstone domes resemble the Capitol building, hence the name "Capitol,” while many early prospectors to the area were former sailors who likened the vertical cliffs of the Wingate Sandstone to a barrier common in nautical travel, aka a "Reef." If planning on doing the whole Waterpocket Fold loop - which is 124 miles total - then we suggest starting really early in the morning (the loop usually takes 4-6 hours to complete). To start the scenic drive, first head out on Highway 12 (a Scenic Byway, and once named the second prettiest drive in the WORLD) towards the town of Boulder. From there turn onto the Burr Trail Road (you will find it at the main intersection of town). You will stay on the Burr Trail Road for about half of the drive. It is dirt, but not too rough (there is one set of steep switchbacks but that is about it in terms of technicality). This dirt roads twists and turns through empty, red dirt and juniper-filled desert landscapes, and gives you an awesome up close view of the large rock walls that is the Waterpocket Fold. Eventually, you will get to a junction with Notom-Bullfrog Road. Here you have to make a decision: either head back north (left) towards the national park, or head south (right) towards the town of Bullfrog, which sits along the bank of Lake Powell. 💬 INSIDER TIP: If you want to check out these two roads but want to up the ante a bit, then consider exploring them on a mountain bike. Just as with a car, make sure you are 100% prepared for any and all issues. Capitol Reef is an absolutely beautiful national park. With marvelous scenery, rich history, and lots of outdoor exploration - not to mention some of the darkest skies around - Capitol Reef might just be Utah’s best-kept secret. So grab your best hiking boots, a tent and a good amount of gumption and head out to one of the best national parks in the USA. If you have any questions about visiting Capitol Reef National Park - or any of the other Mighty 5 National Parks - then please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring!

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W PUCÓN HAS A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE, BUT IN OUR OPINION ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IS HEAD OUT FOR A HIKE. BELOW ARE 8 OF THE TOP HIKING TRAILS IN AND AROUND PUCÓN. Pucón, Chile is a mecca for outdoor adventures. So much so that it has garnered the nickname, "The Adventure Capital of Chile." We know that because of its multitude of outdoor adventure possibilities - from rafting to canyoneering, it can be tough to narrow down exactly what to do while visiting. But after spending a month living in the small mountain town, we realized that one of the best ways to explore the area is via your own two feet. Hiking is truly an awesome way to check out the local scenery of the place you are exploring. In the case of the Pucón area, this means a lot of forests of the famous araucaria or monkey puzzle trees, clear mountain lakes and snow-capped volcanoes. Plus, hiking will definitely give you the chance to get a more off the beaten path view of what makes Pucón so special. So if you are sold on spending some of your time out on the trails, then keep reading to discover 8 of the top hikes to do while visiting Pucón. TOP 8 HIKES NEAR PUCÓN, CHILE 1 | Villarrica Volcano Villarrica National Park is definitely one of the most popular places to explore in Pucón - especially if you are looking to check summiting a volcano off of your bucket list. If you want to do the iconic hike up to the summit of Villarrica Volcano - an adventure often rated as one of the best hikes in the whole country of Chile (now that is saying something) - then you will need to go with a tour and guide, which you should have no problem finding along the main road (O'Higgins) in downtown Pucon. The hike up to the top of the volcano does include a bit of snow travel - which is why a guide is necessary. Come prepared with the proper clothing, including firm boots that can be worn with crampons (the firmer the better), sun and wind protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if summitting a volcano seems like a bit much, but you still want to hike around the area, then consider checking out one of these two hikes: Los Crateres Viewpoint (4.9 miles total) and Cuevas Volcanicas (1.9 miles total). The latter explores some caves (cuevas). DETAILS DISTANCE: 5.6 miles / 9 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: medium to tough TIME NEEDED: 6-8 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: solid hiking boots, sun protection (especially proper eyewear), some snow gear ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE 2 | Huerquehue Lakes Trail Located on the banks of Lago Tinquilco (Tinquilco Lake) and high up in the forested hills near Pucon, Huerquehue National Park is one of the top places to head to if you want to explore high mountain lakes, see some raging waterfalls and check out some local flora and fauna. In fact, Huerquehue National Park is one of the best examples of a Valdivian temperate rainforest, which is an ecoregion found on the west coast of southern South America and mostly within the countries of Chile and Argentina. The most popular hiking trail in the national park is the Los Lagos or Huerquehue Lakes Trail. This long-ish loop starts and ends at the park entrance station (where the public bus that you will take from Pucon drops you off). The Los Lagos trail is partly on a quiet dirt road until you reach Refugio Trinquilo - a building off the side of the trail. From there the trail is totally singletrack - and uphill. Luckily, almost the entire trail is shaded - which makes it definitely bearable and really quite pleasant even on the hottest of days. ► Check out our full article on exploring Huerquehue National Park and the Los Lagos Trail here. DETAILS DISTANCE: 6.5 miles / 10.4 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: moderate TIME NEEDED: 3-6 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: solid hiking boots, a camera, bug spray ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE EXPLORE MORE | HIKING IN HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK IN CHILE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 3 | Volcan Quetrupillan This is a great hike to do if you want to check out the surrounding area of Pucón, spend a full day outside adventuring, and see some other nearby volcanoes (or volcans). The hike takes between 4 and 5 hours to get up to the top of the volcano rim and about half that time to come back down. Altogether it is about 10 miles round trip and a little over 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gain - which you will get to do over the entire hike instead of right at the end (aka it is a gradual climb for the most part). There is also a very clear trail almost the whole way up; though, once you get within 500 meters of the summit you will need to maneuver up a sandy scree field to reach the actual rim (this is definitely the most physically challenging part). But man the views from the top are 100% worth it! From the edge of the caldera (which is now completely filled in with ice and snow), you will be able to see Villarrica Volcano, Lanin Volcano, Mocho and Choshuenco Volcanoes, Llaima Volcano and if the clouds are not too thick, Sollipulli, another dormant, ice-filled volcano (read about that epic hike below). ► Check out our short cinematic adventure film on summitting Quetrupillan. DETAILS DISTANCE: 10 miles / 16 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: medium to tough TIME NEEDED: 7-10 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: hiking boots that can handle dirt, scree and some snow, waterproof pants, a warm jacket, sun protection ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE SEE MORE | AN AERIAL VIEW OF QUETRUPILLAN VOLCANO IN CHILE 4 | Voipir Glacier Now if you want some awesome views of Villarrica Volcano but not the crowds, then instead consider heading to the trailhead for Voipir Glacier, which is located on the western side of Villarrica National Park. 💬INSIDER TIP: to reach the trailhead for the hike you will need a private vehicle with 4-wheel drive capabilities. The last bit of dirt road is really pretty but also incredibly rough. If you don't have a car with 4-wheel drive then you can also park farther down and add on a couple of miles to the hike. Along the southwestern slope of the Villarrica Volcano, this beautiful hiking trail takes you up to the Voipir Glacier, one of two glaciers on Villarrica. From the trail, you will be able to see views of the many nearby lakes as well as a few volcanoes (as long as it is a clear day). Half of the 7.3 mile hike is in the trees, while the other half is completely out in the open. During the second part of the hike you will get some truly epic views of Villarrica in front of you. Keep hiking up the dirt singletrack trail until you reach a mirador and then the actual glacier. DETAILS DISTANCE: 7.3 miles / 11.7 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: medium to tough TIME NEEDED: 4-6 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: strong boots, hiking poles, sun protection ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE 5 | Laguna Negra in El Cani Sanctuary Santuario El Cañi or El Cañi Sanctuary was actually the first privately protected area in the whole country of Chile - a country known for its absolutely stunning beauty and focus on environmental protections (it is now home to 41 national parks). If you are looking for a beautiful and exciting day hike within just a short drive (or bus ride) from Pucon, then the Laguna Negra trail might be the best one for you. then make sure to add El Cañi Sanctuary and its main trail, Laguna Negra to your list. The roughly 10-mile hike is quite steep - especially for the first half - but it is also very pretty. Along the trail you will get to see different types of forests, including some very large araucaria or monkey puzzle trees, a few clear mountain lakes, and if you make it all the way to the mirador at the end, you will be rewarded with some epic views of the surrounding mountains. ► Check out our short cinematic adventure film on hiking in El Cani. DETAILS DISTANCE: 10.1 miles / 16.2 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: tough TIME NEEDED: 6-9 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: hiking boots that can handle a lot of sandy uphill, sun protection, binoculars ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE LEARN MORE | HOW TO SPEND 5 DAYS ADVENTURING IN PUCON, CHILE 6 | Lagos Andinos If you have your own private car and are looking to check out a much more off the beaten path hiking destination near Pucón, then make sure to add the Lagos Andinos hiking trail to your list. This 9.3 mile out and back trail is actually located in Villarrica National Park - though it is so far from Pucón that you will likely have most of the trail to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday). The main draw of this route is the opportunity to check out 3 different mountain lakes - including the fairly large Huinfiuca Lake. 💬 INSIDER TIP: the sun can be intense out on the trail - especially when you get out of the trees. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water and sun-protective clothing. DETAILS DISTANCE: 9.3 miles / 14.9 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: medium TIME NEEDED: 4-6 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE 7 | Nevados de Sollipulli Nevados de Sollipulli, or just Sollipulli, is an absolutely stunning (and massive) ice-filled volcanic caldera and volcano complex. Located just north of Pucón, Sollipulli is 100% worth seeking out, especially if you are interested in seeing a slightly different type of volcanic landscape. The trail to the caldera rim is less than 8 miles round trip (or 12.8 kilometers), with just around 3,000 feet of elevation gain (but somehow it doesn't feel that steep while hiking...). Plus, while the ice-filled Sollipulli caldera is definitely the star of the show, along the way, you will also be able to check out a large araucaria forest, take in some amazing views of nearby Llaima Volcano and maybe even see a bright blue glacier lake. ► Explore our short cinematic adventure film on trekking to the top of Sollipulli. DETAILS DISTANCE: 7.8 miles / 12.5 kilometers round-trip DIFFICULTY: medium TIME NEEDED: 4-7 hours SPECIFIC GEAR: good hiking boots, sun protection, warm jacket ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE EXPLORE MORE | OUR ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE FOR NEVADOS DE SOLLIPULLI IN CHILE 8 | The Villarrica Traverse By far one of the longest trails in the Pucón area is this roughly 45 mile (or 72 kilometer) long trail that starts at the Pucón Ski Resort and heads around Villarrica and down through some rugged backcountry before ending near the town of Puesco. The Villarrica Traverse usually takes backpackers 5 days to complete - though this time frame totally depends on how fast you are hiking and how much you want to see in a day. The hiking route covers a pretty wide swath of terrain, from thick native araucaria forests to large and small volcanoes to slick scree fields to clear mountainous lagoons. If you are looking to truly explore the native landscape around Pucón and you have the time (and gear), then this long-distance trail might be absolutely perfect! DETAILS DISTANCE: 45.5 miles / 73.2 kilometers DIFFICULTY: challenging TIME NEEDED: 5 - 7 days depending on your hiking speed SPECIFIC GEAR: a full backpacking set-up, plus some snow gear if heading out early in the season (November or December) ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PUCÓN, CHILE TRAVEL GUIDE (LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!) \\ Top Gear for Hiking in Chile HIKING BOOTS You will want some solid hiking boots for the majority of the hikes in Pucón. While the trails are usually not very challenging, a lot of them are on old volcanic lava fields (aka lots of loose dirt and sand). These hardy boots by Asolo should work perfectly for all of your hiking adventures in the area. Check them out here. TREKKING POLES Similarly, you may want to bring some trekking poles with you on a few of the steeper hikes - especially if you are someone who struggles with slick downhills or has bad knees. There are definitely a few parts on some of the trails (especially Quetrupillan and Sollipulli) where having that extra bit of support would have been helpful. These poles by Black Diamond would be a great addition to your hiking gear. Check them out here. WARM JACKET While hiking in the summer should afford you some awesome sunny days, it is more than likely that at the top of some of the mountains there will be some sort of icy wind. That is why no matter where you plan to hike in Pucón, you should always bring a jacket. This one by Patagonia is warm enough to keep you nice and cozy, while still being small enough to pack down easily when you don't need it. Check it out here. GLOVES & HAT The final pieces of hiking gear you may want to bring with you on some of the longer, higher elevation hikes (Villarrica, Sollipulli, Quetrupillan) will be a warm pair of gloves and a hat. This pair of gloves from Hestra are small enough to not take up too much space in your hiking bag, yet still warm enough to keep your hands cozy while up at higher elevations. Likewise, this cozy and simple stocking cap from Patagonia should do the trick no matter how much wind there is at the top. Check out the gloves here and the hat here. WATER BOTTLE We have been absolutely loving our LARQ water bottles lately - especially when we get to use them out on the trails. Thanks to their super handy UV filter (which kills 99% of bacteria) we feel comfortable drinking water from all kinds of sources; including, from rivers and lakes, popular restaurants and even bus stations. Check out the LARQ bottles for yourself here. READ MORE | OUR COMPLETE GEAR GUIDE FOR FALL ADVENTURES Pucón is known as the adventure capital of Chile for a reason. But with so many hiking trails scattered around the area - from the very easy to longer, multi-day adventures - it can be hard to figure out where to go. We know we struggled with the overwhelming amount of options while we lived in Pucón - which is why we wanted to list out some of the top hikes to explore when visiting the area. If you have any questions about these 8 hiking trails, or about Pucón in general, then please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly! Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS CHILE HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE CHILE HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDES KENDALL KATWALK TRAIL IN WASHINGTON, USA | The Ultimate Hiking Guide HIKING IN THE DESERT | Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe & Have Fun HIKING IN COLOMBIA | Everything You Need to Know + The Top Hiking Trails to Explore PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN CHILE | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE LARGEST VOLCANIC CALDERA IN ALL OF SOUTH AMERICA WITH THIS IN-DEPTH ADVENTURE GUIDE. Nevados de Sollipulli, or just Sollipulli, is an absolutely stunning (and massive) ice-filled volcanic caldera and volcano complex. Located just north of the adventurous town of Pucón in central Chile, Sollipulli - while definitely not the most famous volcano in the area (that likely goes to Villarrica) - is still 100% worth seeking out, especially if you are interested in seeing a slightly different type of volcanic landscape. The trail to the caldera rim is less than 8 miles round trip (or 12.8 kilometers), with just around 3,000 feet of elevation gain (but somehow it doesn't feel that steep while hiking...). Plus, while the Sollipulli caldera is definitely the star of the show, along the trail, you will also be able to check out a large araucaria forest, take in some amazing views of nearby Llaima volcano and maybe see a bright blue glacier lake. If this epic Chile hiking trail sounds like fun to you, then keep reading for our full Sollipulli hiking guide. ➳ Check out the Alltrails hiking map here. \\ How to Get to the Sollipulli Trailhead Located in the heart of the Araucania region in central Chile, the Sollipulli trailhead is relatively easy to reach from multiple towns - including the highly popular outdoor adventure town of Pucón, as well as the capital of the region, Temuco. While public buses do run between some of the towns nearby, from what we gathered, it would not be possible to take a bus all the way up to the trailhead. It is highly likely that the closest you could get to the start of the hike if taking public transportation would be at the turn-off from the main highway and onto the dirt road. From that point you would still need to hike up (and we mean up) another 12.3 kilometers / 7.6 miles before ending at the national reserve and the start of the trail. Therefore you would instead need your own form of transportation. Luckily, it is pretty easy to rent one in either Pucón, Villarrica or Temuco. ➳ Learn more about renting a car in Chile here. DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE NEVADOS DE SOLLIPULLI TRAILHEAD FROM PUCÓN If starting in Pucón, you will need to head out of town on the International Highway towards the town of Villarrica. Once you pass through Villarrica, turn right immediately after crossing the bridge outside of town. Take this road (S-69) until it meets up with S-61 (approximately 38 kilometers / 23.6 miles later) in the town of Los Laureles. Do know that once you pass through the very small town of Pedregosa the road turns to dirt (it is quite washboard-y). Once you get to Los Laureles, turn right onto S-61 and keep driving for about another 1.5 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Cunco and Melipueco, the former of which has a couple of restaurants and gas stations. Once past Melipueco, keep an eye out for a large sign for Reserva Nacional Villarrica. Soon enough you will see a turn on the right onto S-571, another dirt road. Take this road until it T’s off with S-575. Turn left here and keep driving all the way up until the road eventually ends at the reserve entrance station. 💬INSIDER TIP: we highly suggest having an offline driving map with you just in case you get turned around on the backroads up to the trailhead. We used maps.me and had no problems making our way to the entrance station of the reserve. TOTAL DISTANCE: 147 kilometers / 91.3 miles TOTAL DRIVING TIME: 2.5 hours FROM TEMUCO Make your way out of the large city of Temuco on S-51, which heads towards the town of Miraflores. Drive S-51 until it meets up with S-61. Once here, turn left and drive into the town of Cunco. Just like the directions above, once out of Cunco keep driving on S-61 until you reach the turn-off for Reserva Nacional Villarrica and road S-571. Once on S-571 (and eventually S-575) drive for another 12.3 kilometers until you reach the trailhead. TOTAL DISTANCE: 120 kilometers / 74.5 miles TOTAL DRIVING TIME: 2 hours and 15 minutes EXPLORE MORE | THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING IN HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK IN CHILE \\ The Best Time to Hike Sollipulli You can hike the Sollipulli trail year-round - though sometimes the reserve does close it if there are dangerous conditions present (check the status of the trail here). Between the months of December and February (summer) you can expect the trail to be relatively clear of snow and very easy to follow. We hiked in early January and only found a bit of snow right at the end - and even that was so packed down that we were able to hike across it with very few problems. During the winter season (June - August) you will need to wear proper clothing and snowshoes in order to reach the caldera. Do know that there are a few steep sections along the trail that may or may not be prone to avalanches and slides, not to mention a fair bit of slick ice. If you are planning to hike the trail during the winter, make sure to come with the proper safety gear and an offline map (the trail may not be as easy to follow). \\ What to Bring With You to Hike Nevados de Sollipulli HIKING BOOTS You will want some solid hiking boots for Sollipulli. While the trail is not very challenging, half of it is on old volcanic lava fields (aka loose dirt and sand). The trail can be quite slick in places - especially on the last bit of the trail near the caldera rim. Plus, there are a few snowy sections that can be slick when walking downhill on them. These hardy boots by Asolo should work perfectly. Check them out here. TREKKING POLES Similarly, you may want some trekking poles - especially if you are someone who struggles with slick downhills or has bad knees. There were definitely a few parts where having that extra bit of support would have been helpful, especially on the hike down. These poles by Black Diamond would be a great addition to your hiking gear. Check them out here. WARM JACKET While hiking in the summer should afford you some awesome sunny days, it is likely that no matter the weather the icy wind at the top of the caldera rim will make you wish you had a warm jacket (or thankful you brought one). This one by Patagonia is warm enough to work on the caldera rim (and many other hikes in Chile) while still being small enough to pack down easily when you don't need it. Check it out here. GLOVES & HAT The final pieces of hiking gear you may want to bring with you on the Sollipulli hike will be a warm pair of gloves and a hat. This pair of gloves from Hestra are small enough to not take up too much space in your hiking bag, yet still warm enough to keep your hands cozy while up on the caldera rim. Likewise, this cozy and simple stocking cap from Patagonia should do the trick no matter how much wind there is at the top. Check out the gloves here and the hat here. HIKING NEVADOS DE SOLLIPULLI | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: 12.5 kilometers / 7.8 miles ELEVATION PROFILE: 1,060 meters / 3,480 feet gained TIME NEEDED: 5-6 hours, not including the driving time to the trailhead TRAIL CONDITIONS: easy to follow the trail, with half in an araucaria forest and half out on the volcanic field (where there is no shade), the last bit can be a bit tough as it is on scree and sand. START | The trail starts right from the parking lot at the end of the road. There is a small guard station where you may see one of the CONAF rangers. It is free to enter the reserve but you will have to add your name to the check-in book (this is so they know if someone doesn't make it out and they have to send a search party). There are also bathrooms and water available at the trailhead. 1 | Once you leave the trailhead, you will walk through a thick forest of coigües, lengas and ancient araucaria trees (also knowns as Monkey Puzzle trees). During this section of the trail, you should have plenty of shade and easily be able to follow the trail (there are numerous sign posts along the way). 2 | You will hike through the thick forest for the first 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) before the trees eventually give way to a wide open volcanic plain. Once you leave the trees behind, you will be completely out in the sun for the rest of the hike (so consider applying more sunscreen or donning your sun protective clothing here). 3 | Keep following the singletrack trail along the edge of the volcanic plain as it climbs steadily up to a ridgeline where there are some epic views of the nearby Llaima Volcano. There are also some really cool araucaria trees in this section. 4 | Once at the top of that ridgeline, you will need to turn left and follow the trail down a small ravine and then back up the other side (don't worry it isn't that steep). This part of the trail is a bit sandy and slick though, so definitely take your time and don't rush the downhill parts. 5 | Soon you will reach the other side of the volcanic plain. From there you can clearly see the trail as it meanders up the ridgeline and onto the top of Sollipulli. As with the first part of the open section of trail, this part is mostly loose sand and dirt so it can be quite slick. Take your time walking up and make sure to look behind you at the amazing view of the nearby mountain landscape - including of Llaima and Sierra Nevada. 6 | There is a nice mirador about 3 miles (4.85 kilometers) up the trail. Consider stopping here for a quick snack break. This part of the trail is really pretty and it gives you the chance to look out at the mountains to the north as well as out towards the different volcanic colors along the mountains around you. From the mirador, it is only another mile to the very top. 7 | The trail flattens out a bit after the mirador. Follow it as it heads into a likely snow filled gully. The trail will soon cross a large snowfield, though don't be too worried by it, it shouldn't be too bad. When we visited in early January (peak summertime) we were able to walk along the snow without any problems (our boots barely got wet). Keep walking along the snow and up the gulley until it meets back up with dirt a hundred or so yards later. 8 | Once you land back on dirt you should clearly be able to see the top of the hike and the caldera rim of Sollipulli. This last section is quite steep - though very short. Keep pushing until you get to the rim where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the ice sheet inside the caldera as well as the colorful mountains that line the outside. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the wind can be quite strong up at the caldera rim. Plus, due to all of the ice and snow around, the wind can be quite cold (it seems to cut through you a bit). Come prepared with warm clothing including jackets, gloves and a hat so you can take in the beauty of the caldera in comfort. Even though we headed out on a number of grand adventures while living in Pucón, we think Sollipulli might have just been one of our favorites. The massive ice sheet, epic caldera rim, stunning mountain views and beautiful araucaria forest really made this one special hike. Seriously, if you are looking for an epic hiking trip, we cannot recommend this trail enough. If you have any questions about Sollipulli or the Pucón area in general, please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING AND ADVENTURE GUIDES HIKING IN THE DESERT | Everything You Need to Know to Have a Good Time and Stay Safe THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING IN COLOMBIA | Learn What to Bring and Where to Go ENTERING CHILE AS A FOREIGNER | Everything Travelers Need to Know PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING IN CHILE | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling abroad. | Wise: an easy-to-use app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad. No more worrying about exchange fees!

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W Explore our cinematic adventure film on hiking to the top of Nevados de Sollipulli, the largest volcanic crater in all of South America. Come along as we hike through large araucaria forests, take in views of the surrounding snowcapped mountain peaks, and reach the rim of the crater, which happens to be a filled with 600-meter-deep sheet of ice. ► CHECK OUT THE VIDEO If you like the video and you want to see more, consider subscribing!

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W PUCÓN IS ONE OF THE TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN ALL OF CHILE. WITH SO MUCH TO DO, IT CAN BE HARD TO NARROW DOWN HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN TOWN. BELOW IS WHAT WE BELIEVE IS THE BEST 5-DAY PUCÓN TRAVEL ITINERARY. CHECK IT OUT. Pucón is often touted as one of the adventure capitals of Chile - some even say it is the adventure capital of this very adventure-focused South American country. Either way, it is safe to say that Pucón has a lot to offer travelers. From numerous navigable rivers to tons of hiking trails (or senderos) to plenty of amazing day trips (including to dozens of hot springs), you can likely spend more than a year in this centrally located town and still not see everything. If you are looking to visit Pucón and are hoping to fill your days with lots of epic outdoor adventures, then this travel itinerary is for you. Jam-packed with lots of amazing things to do, this 5-day travel itinerary for Pucón will hopefully help you plan the perfect trip. THE PERFECT 5 DAY ITINERARY FOR PUCÓN, CHILE DAY 1 On your first day in Pucón, you should plan to check off one of the most popular activities in town: rafting! Luckily, there are a ton of rafting outfitters in town. To find the one that is right for you, just walk down O'Higgins - the main street in Pucón. While rafting is definitely the most common way to explore the rivers that twist around Pucón, it isn't the only option. If you are instead looking for something a bit tamer, consider booking a kayak trip down the Minetue River, a much calmer river that is located east of town. Once done, head back to town for a quick bite to eat and then prepare yourself for another epic outdoor adventure: canyoneering. RAFT OR KAYAK IN THE MORNING If you are looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, then definitely consider booking a rafting tour along the nearby Turbio River. For the most part, you can plan to spend a couple of hours on a rafting tour, which includes just over an hour on the actual river. The Turbio River itself is very nice: clear water, great scenery, and some really fun rapids. While most trips will head down only Class III rapids, depending on the time of year you are visiting (and your overall comfort level), you can also choose to ride some Class IV rapids (Class V is the hardest). Now if rafting is too much, you can also book a kayaking tour on the Minetue River, another beautiful waterway close to Pucón. Kayaking, while not as high energy as rafting, is still a great way to spend a couple of hours exploring the nearby landscapes. In our opinion, a kayak tour gives you a better opportunity to learn about the Pucón region - including its bird and plant life. DETAILS FOR RAFTING IN PUCÓN 💸COST: between 25,000 and 40,000 CLP per person ($29 and $46 USD). The price seems to depend on the level of rapids, the put in and exit points (some agencies have private points on the river), and whether photos and videos are included in your package. 📣TOUR: we booked our rafting tour through Kayak Pucón, which has a shop located right off of O'Higgins. This locally owned tour agency has private entrances and exits on the river, which make it super fast to get in and out. Plus, they are just a super fun group that will make sure you enjoy your time on the river. Check them out. ⭐OR BOOK YOUR RAFTING TOUR ONLINE! DETAILS FOR KAYAKING IN PUCÓN 💸COST: around 20,000 CLP ($23 USD) per person, this includes the float, transportation to and from the river, all necessary safety gear and a small snack at the end. 📣TOUR: we highly recommend checking out Aborigenturismo, a locally run operator that is a whole lot of fun (they'll even find you a spot to go cliff jumping if you want). Reach out to them via Instagram. LUNCH AT SUNDAR VEGETARIANO Once you arrive back in Pucón, immediately head to this locally owned restaurant that serves up super tasty (and cheap!) vegetarian food. Sundar Vegetariano is a bit of a hidden gem. For starters, it is pretty tough to find. Located in the back of a small shopping center, Sundar only offers its customers 2 vegetarian choices for lunch (and they are only open for lunch). Plus, the space has just a few wooden tables and a small health food market where you can purchase products like tofu, alternative meats and coconut milk. But with all of that being said, the food is absolutely delicious and the owner Gopa is beyond friendly and welcoming. DETAILS 💸COST: a lunch plate costs 4800 CLP ($5.70 USD) and comes with a salad and a fresh juice. 📌LOCATION: the restaurant is easy to miss. Head down Miguel Ansorena road until you see a small fruit stand and cheese shop on the right. Walk to the back of the shopping center and order your food at the counter. Find the exact location here. 🕝HOURS: the restaurant is open from 12:45 PM until they sell out of food. CANYONEERING TOUR IN THE AFTERNOON Even though you might be a bit tired after rafting (and hopefully full after visiting Sundar), we still recommend spending your afternoon out on a canyoneering tour. We booked our canyoneering (or canyoning) trip with Aventur, an operator located right off of O'Higgins near the Pucón Tourism Office, and we cannot recommend them enough. The whole canyoneering tour was absolutely amazing - from the actual rappels down some rushing waterfalls to the opportunity to explore a beautiful river and canyon to just the guides themselves (they were not only very knowledgeable and fun, but they also brought hot tea for us to drink during the really cold parts). A few important things to know about canyoneering in Pucón include making sure you are wearing shoes that can be worn in the water and which have a strong enough grip to handle walking on rough, rocky riverbeds, and also that you make sure to bring an extra set of clothes to change into afterwards, for the river can be quite cold. DETAILS 💸COST: it costs 35,000 CLP ($40.50 USD) per person for the 5-hour tour. This includes the wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and transportation to and from the canyon (plus photos and videos for a bit more). 📣TOUR: we booked our tour the day of, though we would recommend booking a couple of days before during the really busy season (January - February). ► Want to learn more about canyoneering? Check out our Canyoneering 101 guide. DAY 2 On your second day in Pucón, get up nice and early to catch the bus up to nearby Huerquehue National Park and then spend the whole day exploring the famous Araucaria forests and clear mountain lakes. Then head back to town for an early dinner before ending the day with a drink while watching the sunset. WAKE UP EARLY TO VISIT HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK Huerquehue National Park is an amazing destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts looking to spend the day hiking around the nearby mountains. This sizeable national park is home to numerous mountain lakes, large and impressive Araucaria forests (also known as Monkey Puzzle trees) and some great viewpoints. The most popular adventure in the national park is to hike the Huerquehue Lakes Trail, a 13-kilometer (8 mile) long lollipop-loop that climbs up from Trinquilo Lake and then circles around numerous clear mountain lakes or lagunas before heading back down the same trail. If you want to do the full loop, then plan to spend at least 4 hours on the trail (more if you want to take your time visiting each lake). ► You can find our full in-depth guide on exploring Huerquehue National Park, including information on how to reach the park and a more comprehensive breakdown of the trail, here. EXPLORE MORE | OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK EARLY DINNER AT CILANTROPOS Once you arrive back in Pucón, head straight to this hip restaurant located near the large Unimarc supermarket. Cilántropos serves up delicious vegan food - including unbelievably good pizzas, seitan and tempeh sandwiches, veggie burgers and desserts. We highly recommend ordering the Circum Terra or Callampas pizzas and the mint lemonade. They also do a daily lunch special that only costs 6,000 CLP ($7.15 USD). Once done eating, we suggest spending a couple of minutes walking around the outdoor market nearby, which includes many vintage and local clothing stores, a bookstore, a vegan bakery and a panaderia that serves up super good homemade loaves of bread. DETAILS 💸COST: the pizzas cost between 9700 CLP and 11000 CLP (~ $12.50 USD), while the sandwiches are around 7000 CLP ($8.33 USD). 📌LOCATION: the restaurant is located in a super cool outdoor market area that includes numerous other shops. There is outdoor and indoor seating available. Find the exact location. 🕝HOURS: Cilántropos is open from 12:30 PM until 8 PM every day of the week. SUNSET ON THE BEACH WITH A PISCO SOUR OR BEER Pucón can have some truly magical sunsets - especially on evenings when the clouds are just right so that you get bright, vibrant colors and a fluorescent glow on the snowy right side of Villarrica Volcano. Below are some of the top spots to take in the sunset in Pucón: | A Sunset Boat Ride on Villarrica Lake (Lago Villarrica): this costs 5,000 CLP per person (~ $6 USD) and lasts just over an hour. You will head out an hour before sunset really peaks and then relax out on the lake while the sky lights up in shades of pink and orange. You can book your tickets ahead of time or right before the boat leaves at the small marina on the west side of town (exact location). | Playa Grande: the large expansive beach on Pucón's northern side is another great spot to take in the sunset colors - especially on nights when the snow on Villarrica Volcano turns a pretty shade of gold. We would say the best spot to head to on the beach is the far right side (near the forest). From there you have a relatively unobstructed view of Villarrica. We also suggest making a point to check out some of Pucón's numerous bars - many of which will serve up local and international beers (cervezas) as well as cocktails using the famous pisco, aka the national alcoholic drink of Chile. Some of our favorite bars for drinks are Mamas and Tapas (an upscale bar along O'Higgins), Beerhouse (a laid-back beer spot with outdoor seating), El Camino (the closest thing to a dive bar in Pucón that is always lively), and Selina (a hostel that happens to serve up darn good pisco sours). 💬INSIDER TIP: if you can manage it, try to stay out after dark to catch a glimpse of the red glow from the volcano. While it isn't always a sure thing to see, it is definitely worth seeking out if the opportunity presents itself. Some of the best viewpoints are along La Poza (the beach near the marina) and the Plaza de Armas. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PUCÓN, CHILE TRAVEL GUIDE DAY 3 After two full days of adventuring, you are probably looking for something a bit more low-key. And even though Pucón is known as the adventure capital of Chile, it still has some really chill things to do - including just walking around its cute downtown and checking out some local artisan shops. With that being said, do try to end your third day by heading out for an evening soak in one of the many hot springs or termas dotted around the area. Almost all of the hot springs are built up and require an entrance fee and very few of them can be reached via public transportation, therefore you will likely need to book a hot springs tour in town unless you have your own vehicle. SPEND THE MORNING WANDERING AROUND TOWN Start your third morning by grabbing a cup of coffee at Madd Goat, a local café that serves up really tasty coffee as well as some homemade treats. Once your caffeine buzz is on, start meandering around town until you see a shop that strikes your fancy. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: most places in Pucón do not open up very early. So if you want to do some morning shopping, don't plan to head out until at least 9:30 AM. While O'Higgins is the busiest street in town, it is not the only road to walk along while shopping. We instead suggest making your way along the quieter streets where you are more likely to find local artisan shops. Some of the coolest places to explore are along Clemente Holzapfel (which runs along the Plaza de Armas), Espacio ECole, a funky spot that is a mix of restaurant, shop and hostel, and the aforementioned outdoor market area where Cilántropos restaurant is located. HEAD OUT TO THE HOT SPRINGS FOR A NIGHT SOAK Finish your day by journeying out on a hot springs or termas tour. While there are dozens of hot springs located around town - from the super fancy to the more economical and natural - almost all of them are built up and charge an entrance fee. If you have your own vehicle it shouldn't be a problem to find one that piques your fancy, but if you are traveling sans a car, then you will likely have to book a tour - which you can easily do off of O'Higgins in Pucón. Some of the most popular hot springs in and around Pucón are: TERMAS GEOMETRICAS This is definitely the most famous hot spring in the Pucón area. Similar in style to a Japanese onsen, this termas is located about 2 hours south of Pucón close to the town of Coñaripe. The hot spring consists of numerous pools and costs 44,000 - 48,000 CLP per person ($51 - $56 USD). This is a popular day trip from Pucón and many agencies offer a package. Find more information here. ⭐ BOOK YOUR HOT SPRINGS TOUR ONLINE! MONTEVIVO This more laid-back hot spring is located along the International Road (the one that heads towards Argentina). It is open Wednesday to Sunday in three three-hour increments (11AM - 2PM, 2PM - 5PM and 5PM - 8PM). It costs 25,000 CLP ($29 USD) per adult and 12,000 CLP ($14 USD) for a child. MENETÚE Another somewhat popular hot spring is this picturesque and relaxed resort that includes 5 different pools. Located close to Montevivo and roughly 45 minutes from Pucón, this is a great spot to head to if you want to relax in the hot springs and also maybe spend a few nights out of town (cabins are available to rent). Prices depend on whether you want lunch or not, but expect to pay between 25,000 and 35,000 CLP per person ($29 - $41 USD). Find more information here. DAY 4 Just like on Day 2 in Pucón, you should try to get up nice and early so you can have a full day of exploring nearby Villarrica National Park - one of the most popular parks in the whole country of Chile. Once done hiking around the volcano (or up to the top if that's what you choose to do!), head back to town and spend the afternoon relaxing on the local beach (just make sure to bring sunscreen!). Finally, end your day by grabbing a sweet treat at the always-busy Cassis restaurant, which is located near the Plaza de Armas. SPEND THE MORNING (OR A FULL DAY) HIKING IN VILLARRICA NATIONAL PARK Villarrica National Park is definitely one of the most popular places to explore in Pucón - especially if you are looking to check summiting a volcano off of your bucket list. There are a number of trails available within the park, including of course the uber-popular hike up to the summit of Villarrica (a tour is needed for this, see below), the multi-day Villarrica Traverse (total distance: 92 kilometers or 57 miles), the trail up to the Los Crateres Viewpoint (4.9 miles), Cuevas Volcanicas (1.9 miles) - a loop up to some caves - and Glacier Voipir (7.3 miles) - an out and back hike that is actually located on the much quieter western side of the national park. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you want awesome views of Villarrica without all of the crowds head to the trailhead for Glacier Voipir. Just know that you will need a private vehicle with 4-wheel drive capabilities if you want to drive the whole way up to the trailhead parking lot. If you want to do the iconic hike to the summit of Villarrica Volcano - an adventure often rated as one of the best hikes in the whole country of Chile - then you will need to go with a tour and guide (unless you can prove you have the necessary mountaineering skills). Besides rafting, hiking up Villarrica might just be the most popular tour offered in Pucón. You should have no problems booking a tour from one of the agencies along O'Higgins. ⭐OR BOOK YOUR NATIONAL PARK TOUR ONLINE! EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO TREK WITHOUT A GUIDE IN LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK IN COLOMBIA RELAX ON THE BEACH IN THE AFTERNOON If you have the time after visiting the national park, then another activity you should make sure to do while visiting Pucón - especially during the hot summer months (namely December - February) - is to jump into the very refreshing Villarrica Lake (Lago Villarrica). There are two main access points in town: one large beach at the far northern end of town known as Playa Grande, and one closer to downtown known locally as the “pool” or La Poza (this is where the boat dock and small marina are located). Do know that the sun can be super strong in Pucón, especially when you are sitting out on a black sand beach (which is the type of beach Pucón has, thanks to the nearby volcano). Make sure to come to the beach prepared with ample sun protection, a towel or blanket to sit on, some shoes you can wear when walking across the sand (it can get hoooot), and some water and snacks. VISIT CASSIS FOR A LATE EVENING TREAT End your day with a sweet treat at Cassis, an uber-popular restaurant in town that specializes in desserts (though their regular lunch and dinner fare is quite good too). During the busy summer season, the restaurant can become quite busy - especially during the early and late afternoon. Stop in here for some homemade chocolate cake, ice cream and other homemade treats. DETAILS 💸COST: most of the treats cost between 2000 and 5000 CLP or $2.40 USD and $6 USD. The larger plates vary, but are usually around American prices (~ $10 each). 📌LOCATION: the restaurant is located on the corner of Fresia and Geronimo de Alderete and two blocks before O'Higgins if walking from the Plaza de Armas. Find the exact location. 🕝HOURS: the restaurant is open from 8AM - 12AM every day of the week. 💬INSIDER TIP: during the busy summer season another location opens up right next to the Plaza de Armas. If the aforementioned restaurant is too full, consider heading up to this one (only a few blocks farther from O'Higgins). DAY 5 We suggest taking your final day in Pucón pretty slow. Head out for one last walk around town, grab a coffee or a quick empanada and maybe buy that last souvenir before you pack up and either take a bus or car out of town. If time allows, also consider doing one last small adventure up to El Claro Waterfall, a beautiful spot that is only a 5 minute drive from town. CHILL OUT AROUND TOWN IN THE MORNING Your final morning in Pucón will likely be pretty chill - especially if you are still looking to purchase your final souvenirs or to spend some more time checking out the town. While most places do not open up very early in Pucón, there are still a couple of options if you are hoping to head out for breakfast or a cup of coffee. Besides Madd Goat, your best bet for food and coffee is going to be La Fabrika, a quaint restaurant that makes really good breakfast foods and coffee (they open at 9AM) and 297 Café Bistro, which offers a few standard Western-style breakfast dishes (they open at 10AM). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if you are an early bird like us and are used to eating breakfast at around 7 or 8 AM, then really your only option is to grab an empanada from one of the street vendors or the few bakeries (panaderias) in town. HEAD OUT ON ONE LAST ADVENTURE TO EL CLARO WATERFALL El Claro Waterfall (Salto El Claro) is a great option if you want to head out on one final adventure before you pack up and leave Pucón for good. Located just on the outskirts of town, this large, single drop waterfall lies in a stunning green gorge with beautiful flowers and easy access along a well-marked trail. The hike itself is quite short - maybe 2 kilometers at most, but it does include a decent amount of elevation loss and gain due to the fact that the trail drops from the rim of the waterfall all the way to the flowing river below (where there are a few nice viewpoints). DETAILS 💸COST: it costs 2,000 CLP ($2.30 USD) per person to enter the waterfall (though the ticket booth is not always manned). 📌LOCATION: the waterfall is so close to Pucón that if you don't feel like driving to it you can just spend an hour or two and walk to it instead (its roughly 9 kilometers from downtown Pucón). Find the exact location of El Claro Waterfall here. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING TO THE SANTA RITA WATERFALL IN SALENTO, COLOMBIA: WHAT TO KNOW HIT THE ROAD There are a couple of ways to head out of Pucón. The most common way is via public bus (there are many bus companies and stations in town), though you can also book a flight out of the nearby airport close to the town of Temuco (roughly 2 hours away from Pucón). BY BUS Due to Pucón's popularity, it is quite easy to reach the town via bus. Below are a few of the most common bus routes (with average time and prices) that leave from Pucón: PUCÓN --> SANTIAGO: 10 hours, ~$31-36 USD PUCÓN --> PUERTO MONTT: 5 hours, ~$7-10 USD PUCÓN --> VALPARAISO: 13 hours, ~$17-79 USD ➳ You can book all of your Chile bus tickets at BusBud. BY CAR If you have a car (either your own or a rental) and are looking to head to other towns in Chile or Argentina after your stay in Pucón, then you should have no trouble getting around. Below are some of the basic driving distances from Pucón: | TO SANTIAGO: 8 hours | TO PUERTO MONTT: 3 hours and 45 minutes | TO VALPARAISO: just over 9 hours | TO PUNTA ARENAS (via Argentina): 26 hours | TO SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES, ARGENTINA: just under 3 hours ➳ You can find the cheapest car rentals in Chile, and many other countries around the world, at Rentalcars.com. Pucón is a great spot to base yourself for a couple of days if you are looking to explore the stunning Chilean Lake District and partake in some epic outdoor adventures. We ended up spending over a month in the town and we still felt like we had only scratched the surface. While we believe you could spend a year in Pucón and never get bored, we understand that for most travelers that is not possible. Hopefully, this perfect 5-day travel itinerary helps you plan your own epic adventure in Pucón. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly! Happy adventuring! MORE PUCÓN TRAVEL INFORMATION WHERE TO STAY IN PUCÓN SELINA PLAZA PUCÓN One of the more upscale lodging spots in Pucón, Selina is a hip hostel that offers travelers coworking space (for ~$8 a day), a coffee and drinks lounge, comfortable rooms, communal kitchens and access to a large, green outdoor space (with a pool!). Located near the Plaza de Armas, Selina is close enough to everything while still being far enough away to be quiet and relaxing. | BOOK YOUR STAY 💎HIDDEN GEM: even if you aren't staying at the hostel, you can still come by for a tasty coffee or pisco sour and some morning yoga (5,000 CLP per person). GECKO HOSTEL If a traditional backpacking hostel is more of what you are looking for, than Gecko Hostel might be the place. Located outside the main tourist center of town - but still only a short 10-minute walk from all of the restaurants, shops and cafes - this locally run hostel is a great spot to base yourself if you are looking to adventure around the nearby area. Amenities include an outdoor patio, free wi-fi throughout, and a fully equipped communal kitchen. | BOOK YOUR STAY LUCKY'S HOSTEL Another great spot that is centrally located to all of the amazing amenities Pucón has to offer (including the two town beaches, numerous traditional restaurants, and lots of shops) is Lucky's Hostel - a quiet spot that includes plenty of communal space (including an outdoor terrace), tasty breakfast and super cozy beds. | BOOK YOUR STAY ELEMENTOS ECO LODGE If you happen to be traveling to Pucón with your own private vehicle and you are looking for something that is close to all the hub-bub of Pucón but not right in it, then this environmentally conscious lodge might be the perfect spot. The Elementos Eco Lodge is less than 8 miles from Pucón, but thanks to its dense forest surroundings it feels like a world away. The lodge includes free wi-fi, private bathrooms and balconies in every room, an international restaurant, airport shuttles and a private beach along a nearby river. | BOOK YOUR STAY 💬INSIDER TIP: if you want something a bit more personal and homey than a hostel or hotel room, then consider booking this private room on Airbnb. We stay here for just over a week and absolutely LOVED it. The family who owns the home are beyond kind and welcoming, while the room and place itself are so relaxing and refreshing. Highly recommend. | BOOK YOUR STAY HOW TO GET AROUND PUCÓN WALK AROUND Pucón is not a very large town. In fact, if you are only looking to stick to the more touristy areas, the town is only 7x4 blocks wide. Walking from one side of town to the other should only take you 10 or so minutes. Along the way you can stop in at numerous cafes, restaurants, tour agencies, grocery stores and clothing stores. Unless you are planning to head out of town on your own (maybe to explore some of the mountains, other lakes, waterfalls or hot springs) you shouldn’t have to worry about renting a mode of transportation like a bike or car. RENT A CAR Now with that being said, if you are someone who wants a bit more freedom - mainly the ability to go explore those more off-the-beaten-path places in and around Pucón - then you may want to look into renting a car for a few days. We ended up renting a car for nearly a month (since we were living in Pucón for 30+ days) and honestly, it was a game changer. Because we had our own set of wheels we were able to drive out and explore some truly amazing places without the headache of figuring out the bus schedule (that does get exhausting after a while) or booking tours. It cost us around $32 USD per day to rent a small, but highly fuel-efficient car that could seat 4 (small) people. We rented our car from Pucón Rent a Car, which is a locally owned shop located on the corner of Pedro de Valdivia and Arauco (exact location). RENT A BIKE If a car is a bit much, but you still want to be able to head out a bit farther from Pucón then renting a bike may be the way to go. Many of the guiding shops have bikes to rent - from small gravel grinder bikes to full-on, super fancy mountain bikes. We recommend walking around town until you find a spot with the type of bike you want. It seems like the going rate for a full-day bike rental in Pucón is between $15 and $20 USD. Though we would suspect that you might be able to get a deal if you are planning to rent a bike for a longer amount of time (say a week). We found that Pucón Chile Rafting, a travel outfitter on O'Higgins, had some of the nicest bikes at fair rental prices. WANT TO SAVE THIS PUCÓN, CHILE TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURE TRAVEL ITINERARIES MOTORCYCLING TO MACHU PICCHU | Our Epic Experience + Tips on How to Do it Yourself RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU | Is it Worth Visiting? And is it Sustainable? TREKKING THE QUILOTOA LOOP IN ECUADOR | 15 Important Things to Know EL VALLE, COLOMBIA | The Perfect 6 Day Travel Itinerary for This Off the Beaten Path Destination PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN CHILE | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W Watch our newest cinematic adventure film on hiking up to the summit of Volcan Quetrupillan - a now dormant volcano that affords adventurers stunning views of the surrounding snow covered peaks. ► CHECK OUT THE VIDEO If you like the video and you want to see more, consider subscribing!

9.2723° S, 71.9776° W PUCON IS OFTEN TOUTED AS THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF CHILE DUE TO ITS NUMEROUS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES. BELOW YOU WILL FIND OUR IN-DEPTH TRAVEL GUIDE FOR PUCON AS WELL AS THE TOP 6 ADVENTURES. Often touted as one of the adventure capitals of Chile (and sometimes even known as THE Adventure Capital), the small town of Pucón should be high on every adventurer's must-see travel list. Located in the central part of the country and roughly two-thirds the way down from Santiago to Puerto Montt, the town of Pucón is very well-located for numerous outdoor pursuits; including, hiking and trekking, rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, climbing and mountain biking. We decided to spend over a month living in the town, mainly in the hopes of exploring as many mountains as possible and working on our Spanish (as you would expect, one of those came a bit more easily to us). While we were a bit surprised at the cost of living in Pucón (it is HIGH) we still greatly enjoyed our time there. And honestly, how could you not? The town is an outdoor adventurer's dream: from the dozens of adventure options to the plethora of stores selling any and all gear you would need (there is a Patagonia and a North Face in town), to just the overall feel that the town is full of energy (it also doesn't hurt that vegetarian foods are served widely and plastic bags are pretty much banned). After a couple of weeks, we were seriously considering rerouting our lives and just putting down roots in the area - it was that good. In this in-depth Pucón, Chile travel guide you will find information on (almost) all of the best adventures to be had in and around Pucón (there is a lot). As always, if you have any questions please reach out - we are always here to help! THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PUCON Pucón experiences 4 relatively clear seasons: summer (between December - February), fall (March - May), winter (June - August) and spring (September - November). The summer season is dry, hot and sunny, while the winters can be cold, cloudy and rainy or snowy (depending on your altitude). In fact, Pucón even has its own small ski resort nearby. We would say the best time to visit Pucón is in November and December when the weather is super nice - sunny and warm with a few days of rain - and the massive summer crowds haven't arrived just (January and February can be absolutely crazy because of the high number of tourists). Plus, during this time you can still find affordable lodging, book fun tours the day of, and get a more authentic feel for the town. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL TO PUCON Overall, Pucón is a pretty expensive town - especially when it comes to lodging and food. We would say that you can expect to spend around $60 - $80 per person per day in Pucón during the busy season (this includes lodging, food, and tours). If you are looking to live on the cheap, then definitely plan well in advance so you have more lodging options available and/or try to visit during the off-season (December - though still in the beautiful summer time - is much cheaper than January). 💬 INSIDER TIP: while Pucón overall is pretty pricy, there were still a few things we found to be quite a bit cheaper than other places (especially the USA); including, wine (you can easily find a good bottle or box of wine for less than $3), most fruits and vegetables - especially if purchasing them from the local fruterias, and rental cars (we paid roughly $32 a day for a decent rental car). 💱 Exchange rate (2023): $1 USD = 863 CLP (Chilean pesos) TOP 6 ADVENTURES IN PUCON, CHILE 1 | Go for a Hike Pucón is known to be one of the top adventure hubs in all of Chile - which is really saying something when you consider just the sheer number of adventure possibilities within the narrow South American country. While rafting might be one of the more popular outdoor pursuits (see more on this below), it is not the only option for outdoor adventure lovers. In fact, we would say that the hiking options are absolutely top notch and should be high on everyone's Pucón travel itinerary. Below are some of the best hiking areas and trails in and around Pucón: EL CANI Located only a short bus ride away from downtown Pucón, El Cani Sanctuary is a great place to go if you want to check out the famous Araucaria trees (also known as Monkey Puzzle trees), get some amazing views of the nearby volcanoes, and visit a few mountain lakes. This privately owned sanctuary - the first in all of Chile - has one major trail to explore: the Laguna Negra Trail. It measures just over 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) and ends at either a large mountain lake or a stunning mirador. The reserve offers maps with directions and points of interest to all visitors, so you have no chance of getting lost. DETAILS COST: it costs 4,000 CLP ($4.60 USD) per person to enter the sanctuary; you will also need to make a reservation beforehand (do it here). LOCATION: El Cani Sanctuary is located around 30 minutes by bus from Pucón. Find the exact location here. ► Find our full El Cani hiking adventure guide here. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING IN CHILE: VISITING EL CANI SANCTUARY NEAR PUCON SENDERO LAGOS ANDINOS If you have your own private car and are looking to check out a much more off the beaten path hiking destination in Pucón, then add the Lagos Andinos hiking trail to your list. This 9.3 mile out and back trail is actually located in Villarrica National Park - though it is so far from Pucón that you will likely have most of the trail to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday). The main draw of this route is the opportunity to check out 3 lakes - including the fairly large Huinfiuca Lake. Expect to spend between 4 and 7 hours on the trail. 💬 INSIDER TIP: the sun can be intense out on the trail - especially when you get out of the trees. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water and sun-protective clothing. DETAILS COST: depending on the day you visit (and the time you arrive) you may need to pay to enter the national park. It costs 7,200 CLP per person for a foreigner and 3,600 CLP per person for a Chilean ($8.30 and $4.10 USD). LOCATION: the trailhead for Sendero Lagos Andinos is located quite close to the Chile-Argentina border. From Pucón it takes roughly an hour to drive to the trailhead. Find the exact location here. EL CLARO WATERFALL Now if you aren't looking for a long drive and instead want a hike that is close to town so that you can do it in half a day (or less), then consider checking out Salto El Claro. Located just on the outskirts of Pucón, this large, single drop waterfall lies in a stunning green gorge with beautiful flowers and easy access. The hike itself is quite short - maybe 2 kilometers at most, but it does include a decent amount of elevation loss and gain due to the fact that the trail drops from the rim of the waterfall all the way to the base and the flowing river below. DETAILS COST: it costs 2,000 CLP ($2.30 USD) per person to enter the waterfall (though the ticket booth is not always manned). LOCATION: the waterfall is so close to Pucón that if you don't feel like driving to it you can just spend an hour or two and walk to it instead (its roughly 9 kilometers from downtown Pucón). Find the exact location of El Claro Waterfall here. 2 | Hit the River There are a ton of tour operators and options available if you are looking to explore the rivers in and around Pucón. A few of the top ways to check out the crystal clear mountain rivers - almost all of which are created from melting glaciers nearby - is to head out on a rafting, kayak or canyoneering tour. GO RAFTING If you are looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, then consider booking a rafting tour along the nearby Turbio River. For the most part, you can plan to spend a couple of hours on a rafting trip. This includes the bus ride to the start/entry point, the actual rafting part and then the drive back to Pucón. When we went out on the river, it took our group about 15 minutes to get to the entry point on the river, 1 hour rafting on the river and then another 15 minutes to get back to town. So all together we were on the tour for about 1.5 hours. The river itself is very nice: clear water, great scenery, with a few really run rapids thrown in. And depending on the time of year you are visiting (and your overall comfort level), you can choose to ride Class III or IV rapids on the Turbio (Class V or 5 is the hardest). DETAILS COST: between 25,000 and 40,000 CLP per person ($29 and $46 USD). The price seems to depend on the level of rapids, the put in and exit points (some people have private points on the river) and whether photos and videos are included. TOUR: we booked our rafting tour through Kayak Pucón, which has a shop located right off of O'Higgins. This locally owned shop was a lot of fun - plus they had private entrances and exits on the river, making it super fast to get in and out. Check them out. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: looking for something even more intense? Then consider booking a hydrospeed tour at one of the many operators in Pucón. Hydrospeed is basically swimming in fast whitewater with the help of a floating board (which looks like a tiny boat with the back cut off) and flippers. Like rafting, hydrospeed is a popular activity so you should have no problem finding an outfitter. GO KAYAKING Now if you want to explore the clear rivers near Pucón but you aren't looking to get your heart rate up, then maybe think about heading out on a much calmer kayak trip along the Pucón/Minetue River. This incredibly clear and slightly turquoise river affords kayakers the opportunity to see various plants and animals - most notably birds - take in a nice view of the stunning Villarrica Volcano and spend a few hours soaking up some sunshine. A kayak tour tends to last a couple of hours, with around 2 hours spent on the river itself. Depending on who you go with, you can expect a short kayak tutorial at the beginning, a quick trip up to a waterfall and maybe the chance to cliff jump at the end of the float. DETAILS COST: 20,000 CLP ($23 USD) per person, this includes the float, transportation, all necessary safety gear and a small snack at the end. TOUR: we highly recommend checking out Aborigenturismo, a locally run operator that is a whole lot of fun (they'll even find you a spot to go cliff jumping if you want). The guides provide helmets and life jackets, transportation to and from the river, and a small victory snack at the end. Reach out to them via Instagram. GO CANYONEERING If rafting or kayaking isn’t your thing but you still want to head out and explore a bit of the wetter side of Pucón, then we suggest booking a canyoneering tour with one of the guides in town. We went on a 5-hour canyoneering (or canyoning) trip with Aventur, an operator located right off of O'Higgins near the Pucón Tourism Office. The whole tour was absolutely amazing - from the actual rappels to the opportunity to explore a beautiful river and canyon to just the guides themselves (they were not only very knowledgeable and fun, but they also brought hot tea for us during the really cold parts). A few key things to know about canyoneering in Pucón: | You will need to wear good shoes that can be worn in the water. Make sure they have a strong grip and are comfortable enough to walk around on both a trail and in the riverbed itself. We both wore simple running shoes and they worked really great. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: we have heard that some canyoneering tours also offer booties. If that is the case (check first), then you won't have to worry about wearing proper footwear after all. | Bring extra clothes to change into after the tour is done. We got back and immediately changed into a pair of dry clothes since we were still pretty wet from walking in the river. Also, if you can, bring another pair of shoes - like sandals (because wearing wet shoes for long periods of time kind of sucks). | You will not be able to bring your phone, GoPro, or camera into the canyon due to the strong current and stronger waterfalls that you will be rappelling down. So just leave them all at home so you don't have to worry about it. | Plan to face your fears if you haven’t ever rappelled before. Luckily, the tour guides we went with were super focused on safety and making everyone feel comfortable. Understand what you are getting yourself into and push through your fear threshold (you got this!). DETAILS COST: it costs 35,000 CLP ($40.50 USD) per person for the 5-hour tour. This includes the wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and transportation to and from the canyon (plus photos and videos for a bit more). TOUR: we booked our tour the day of, though we would recommend booking a couple of days before during the really busy season (January - February). ► Want to learn more about canyoneering? Check out our Canyoneering 101 guide. 3 | Explore The Nearby Volcanoes The Chile Lake District - where Pucón is located - is home to many volcanoes, some of which are still highly active. While Villarrica Volcano is by far the most famous and most regulated volcano in the area (and maybe the whole country) it is not the only option if you are an adventurer looking to summit your own volcano during your stay in Pucón. Below we outline some of the options, divided into hikes you need to (or at least should do) with a guide and others that are perfectly fine to do by yourself. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: you should only attempt to solo hike a big mountain, like some of the volcanoes listed below, if you are 100% prepared. This means you have the right gear, fitness level and knowledge to safely climb up and back down (the latter is often the sketchiest part). Never put yourself into a dangerous situation if you can help it. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING IN SOUTH AMERICA: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TREKKING IN COLOMBIA WITH A GUIDE Villarrica is the main attraction when it comes to hiking and trekking in the Pucón area. But it isn’t the only volcano around - in fact, there are many options when it comes to summiting a volcano; including, Lanin Volcano near the Argentina-Chile border, Llaima Volcano farther north, and Mocho Volcano farther southwest near/in Huilo-Huilo. For the most part, you will need a guide to summit the bigger volcanoes - including Villarrica (unless you can prove you have prior mountaineering, glacier travel, and volcano experience). In Pucón, it is very easy to find a tour agency that does summits of Villarrica (just walk down O’Higgins until you find one that strikes your fancy). For the other ones - namely, Lanin and Llaima - you might need to reach out to some mountain guides themselves and see if they would help guide you up to the top. This shouldn’t be too hard, and we are sure that if you walk into an adventure shop in town someone will have a contact (or be a guide themselves). WITHOUT A GUIDE Now if you are hoping to hike up a volcano but don’t want to go with a guide, then consider doing one of the smaller, less dangerous volcanoes that can also be found all around Pucón. Do know that you will need some basic experience hiking up larger mountains, as well as a bit of knowledge on how to handle scree fields, hiking in deep sand and rock, crossing snowfields (NOT icefields or glaciers), and what to do if something does go wrong. Below are two of the best options if you are looking to hike a volcano without a guide: QUETRUPILLAN VOLCANO This is a great hike to do if you want to check out the surrounding area of Pucón, spend a full day outside adventuring, and see some other nearby volcanoes (or volcans). To begin the hike, you will need to drive out of town as if you are heading to the Argentina-Chile border. After about 20 kilometers of driving on Road 199, you will turn right onto S-941 (there will be signs for Salto China and Paguin Hot Springs/Termales Paguin). Drive up this dirt road for another 17 or so kilometers. There will be a turn on the left onto a dirt road that looks a bit sketchy (don’t worry it isn’t that bad). Drive this smaller dirt road until it eventually ends at a gate and a farm. You will need to pay 3000 CLP ($3.50 USD) per person to park and use the owner's facilities (water and bathrooms). 💬 INSIDER TIP: we highly recommend having an offline map with you for the driving part. The roads back there are well-marked, but are still a bit maze-like. Once parked, you will start the hike up to the top of Quetrupillan Volcano - which you can now clearly see from below. The hike takes between 4 and 5 hours to get up and about half that time to come back down. Altogether it is about 10 miles round trip and a little over 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gain. There is a very clear trail almost the whole way up; though, once you get within 500 meters of the summit you will need to maneuver up a sandy scree field to reach the rim (this is definitely the most physically challenging part). But man the views from the top are 100% worth it! From the edge of the caldera (which is now completely filled in with ice and snow), you will be able to see Villarrica Volcano, Lanin Volcano, Mocho and Choshuenco Volcanoes, Llaima Volcano and if the clouds are not too thick, Sollipulli, another dormant, ice-filled volcano. Once you get your fill of the views, make your way back down the same way that you came up. DETAILS COST: 3,000 CLP ($3.50 USD) per person for parking at the trailhead. DIFFICULTY: moderate to challenging depending on your fitness level. DISTANCE & TIME: the trail is roughly 10 miles long (round-trip) and should take you a full day, including the 1 hour to drive to the trailhead, ~7 hours on the mountain and another hour to get back to Pucón. LOCATION: the trailhead is located right on the outskirts of Villarrica National Park. To reach it, you will need to drive just over an hour from Pucón. The route there is 1/2 paved and 1/2 dirt. You will need to take private transportation as no buses go that way. Find the exact location of the Quetrupillan trailhead (we do suggest having an offline map handy when driving to the trailhead. We used maps.me and had no issues). ➳ Check out the Alltrails guide for more hiking information. READ MORE | HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000 FOOT MOUNTAIN: WHAT TO KNOW + HELPFUL TIPS NEVADOS DE SOLLIPULLI Another awesome volcanic adventure near Pucón is this dormant caldera that is completely filled with a 600 meter deep sheet of ice. To reach Sollipulli, you will need to drive a fair distance north of Pucón. The drive takes just under 2.5 hours and is about 2/3 on paved highway and 1/3 on dirt (the last bit of dirt road is quite rugged and steep so you may actually need to park farther down from the trailhead and walk a bit more). The trailhead for Sollipulli is located in the Villarrica Reserve, which is different than Villarrica National Park (the park closest to Pucón). The reserve is a bit smaller - though no less beautiful. Along the trail up to the Sollipulli caldera you will pass through large forests of Araucaria trees, mossy covered pines, and many colorful wildflowers before popping out into an open lava-rock strewn valley, where, if it is a clear day, you will be able to the see snow covered and stoic Llaima volcano behind you. It took us roughly 3 hours to reach the rim of the caldera and then just over an hour to get back down to the trailhead. We would rate this hike as moderate to difficult mainly due to the rather high elevation gain over a short distance: 1,060 meters in ~6.4 kilometers (or 3,480 feet over ~4 miles). DETAILS COST: free to enter the reserve; though you will need to sign in before starting your hike. DISTANCE & TIME: the trail is 7.8 miles (12.5 kilometers) round-trip and should take about 4-5 hours total; add on 5 hours of driving to and from the trailhead and you have a full day of adventure. DIFFICULTY: we would rate this hike as moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level. LOCATION: the trailhead is located near the town of Melipueco. It should take about 2.5 hours to reach the start of the trail from downtown Pucón. You will need your own private vehicle as we saw no buses running the route. Find the exact location of the trailhead. ➳ Check out the Alltrails guide for more information on the hike up to the top of Sollipulli. GEAR TO HAVE WITH YOU WHEN HIKING A VOLCANO Below is some of the key gear you should bring with you when attempting to hike your own volcano sans a guide. | Sun Protection: including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing that can help protect you from the sun (long sleeves, pants, etc.). | Boots that can handle dirt, sand, rocks, and snow: you will cross a lot of different terrains so make sure to wear shoes that can handle all kinds of situations. This pair from Asolo would work great. | A warm jacket and a windbreaker: while it will likely be quite hot while hiking up to the volcanoes, once at the top you can expect some pretty cold wind - especially on the top of Sollipulli (that sheet of ice is coooold). Come prepared so you aren’t freezing at the top. We especially like this jacket from Columbia due to its double water-resistant fabric and stuffability. 4 | Swim in Villarrica Lake Definitely one of the top things you need to do if visiting Pucón during the hot summer months (namely December - February) is to jump into the very refreshing Villarrica Lake (Lago Villarrica). There are two main access points in town: one large beach at the far northern end of town known as Playa Grande, and one closer to downtown known locally as the “pool” or La Poza (this is where the boat dock and small marina are). In the afternoon and evening (especially on weekends) both beaches can be absolutely packed with people. But if you visit during the morning or early afternoon you should have the black sand beaches to yourself. The lake water itself is very clear and the perfect temperature - not too warm and not too cold. It is simply refreshing. WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE LAKE | Sun hat and sunglasses: you may have gathered by now that the sun in Pucón can be intense. If you are planning to spend some time out in the sun - especially on the black sand beaches - definitely come prepared with ample sun protection. | Shoes you can walk in on sand: the black sand gets very hot during the middle of the day so make sure to wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable (we personally like Tevas). | Some water, snacks, and a bit of money to purchase drinks and other food at the nearby cafes and restaurants. | A swimsuit! Don't skimp on swimming in the lake (it is sooooo nice). Modest dressing isn't a big deal, so don't worry about wearing that bikini that is a bit thin on the coverage 😊 5 | Take in a Sunset Pucón can have some truly magical sunsets - especially on evenings when the clouds are just right so you get bright, vibrant colors and a fluorescent glow on the snowy side of Villarrica Volcano. There are a few top ways to see the sunset in town. Below are two of our favorites. BOAT RIDE ON THE LAKE If you want to see the sunset in a more special way, then consider booking a ticket on one of the catamaran boats that head out onto Villarrica Lake for an hour-long sunset ride. It costs 5000 CLP ($5.80) per person for the ride. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time or right at the boat dock on La Poza beach on the west side of town. 💬 INSIDER TIP: on a windy day, the waves can crash into the front of the boat and sometimes soak your feet and the people sitting in the front row. If you don’t feel like getting wet, try to sit farther back. OTHER TOP LOCATIONS FOR SUNSET Some other great spots to see the sunset colors in Pucón are simply along the same beach that the boats leave from, on the far right side of Playa Grande (the bigger beach in town), from the Plaza de Armas and from any rooftop restaurant. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you have the energy and you are visiting at a good time, you may also be able to see the glow of the Villarrica Volcano once it gets totally dark out. We found that some of the best spots for seeing the red glow are from the La Poza/the pool and the middle of Plaza de Armas. Likewise, if you are looking for an extra special treat for sunset, consider popping into one of the numerous bars in Pucón for a local beer or a pisco sour (a Chilean specialty) before the colors really begin. Some of the best bars in Pucón are: | Mamas and Tapas: a popular late night spot that is a bit more upscale (and therefore pricy), dancing often starts after midnight. | Beerhouse Pucón: this laid-back bar offers lots of beers and cocktails as well as some tasty burgers and fries. If you want something a bit more chill, come here. | El Camino: the closest thing to a dive bar in Pucón, this hopping spot has lots of beverage options as well as tasty fries (we recommend the vegetarian one with caramelized onions and peppers). | Selina: this super hip hostel/coliving spot located near the Plaza de Armas offers up some delicious pisco sours. We recommend ordering the one with ginger and passion fruit. 6 | Visit the Nearby National Parks Pucón is pretty much surrounded on all sides by protected land. This includes two amazing national parks: Villarrica and Huerquehue. Below is a basic outline of what you can expect in either park (don't worry - both are definitely worth visiting). VILLARRICA NATIONAL PARK This is definitely one of the most popular places to explore in Pucón - especially if you are looking to hike a volcano. There are a number of trails available, including the multi-day Villarrica Traverse (total distance: 92 kilometers), and the opportunity to check out the local ski hill (and even ride a chairlift). The main entrance to the park is just outside of Pucón and can easily be accessed via a personal car. From that entrance you can hike up and around the volcano, check out some caves and just take in the majestic view of snowy Villarrica. Some of the best hikes in Villarrica National Park are Los Crateres Viewpoint (4.9 miles), Cuevas Volcanicas (1.9 miles) - this loop is to some natural caves - and Glacier Voipir (7.3 miles) - this out and back trail is actually located on the much quieter western side of the park. If you want awesome views of Villarrica without the crowds come here (though you will need a private vehicle with 4x4 though). HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK A bit farther away from Pucón, but no less beautiful, Huerquehue National Park is another amazing destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This national park is home to numerous mountain lakes, large and impressive Araucaria forests and some great viewpoints. While there are no big peaks like you can find in Villarrica National Park (or in Conguillio - another park a bit farther north), you can definitely still have a great day in the mountains of Huerquehue. The most popular adventure is to hike the Huerquehue Lakes Trail, a 13-kilometer (8 mile) long trail that climbs up from Trinquilo Lake and then loops around numerous clear mountain lakes or lagunas before heading back down the route you climbed up. Expect to spend a couple of hours on the trail - especially if you want to visit all of the lakes. ► You can find our full in-depth guide on exploring Huerquehue National Park here. EXPLORE MORE | TREKKING IN LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK IN COLOMBIA (WITHOUT A GUIDE): EVERYTHING TO KNOW \\ Other Fun Things to Do in Pucón, Chile The six aforementioned adventures are definitely some of the top things to do in Pucón, Chile - but as you would expect from a place that is often touted as the adventure capital of Chile - there is a lot on offer. This includes rock climbing, visiting hot springs (termales), mountain biking, horseback riding and jet skiing. We will only cover two of the above activities, but if you are curious to learn more about the other options, we highly recommend checking out the Pucón Tourism Office, which is located off of O'Higgins. GO ROCK CLIMBING If you are looking for a truly off the beaten path adventure and you happen to have some climbing gear with you, then consider spending a day or two out at one of the rock climbing spots near Pucón. Our favorite is El Cerduo, a large rock wall on private property that is less than 20 minutes from downtown Pucón. The routes at El Cerduo are mostly rated as 5.9 to 5.11, though there are a few easier options if you are not quite at that level yet or if you just want to ease yourself into it. To reach the rock, you will need a private vehicle (maybe even one with 4-wheel drive) and an offline map to guide you there (it is well signed but not easily found on Google Maps). ► Find some of the climbing routes on Mountain Project. EXPLORE THE HOT SPRINGS Maybe it was because we visited during the middle of the summer or because we just didn't feel like spending over $15 USD to visit a no longer natural hot spring, but during our whole month living in Pucón we never once booked a hot springs tour. But, with that being said, we definitely get the appeal of exploring some of the hot springs in the Pucón area - especially if you are visiting during the winter or fall season when the weather is much cooler and rainier. Some of the most popular hot springs in and around Pucón are: | Termas Geometricas: this is definitely the most famous hot spring in the Pucón area. Similar in style to a Japanese onsen, this termas is located about 2 hours south of Pucón close to the town of Coñaripe. The hot spring consists of numerous pools and costs 44,000 - 48,000 CLP per person ($51 - $56 USD). This is a popular day trip from Pucón and many agencies offer a package. Find more information here. | Montevivo: this more laid back hot spring is located along the International Road (the one that heads towards Argentina). It is open Wednesday to Sunday and in three three-hour increments (11AM - 2PM, 2PM - 5PM and 5PM - 8PM). It costs 25,000 CLP ($29 USD) per adult and 12,000 CLP ($14 USD) for a child. | Menetúe: another somewhat popular hot spring is this picturesque and relaxed resort that includes 5 different pools. Located close to Montevivo and roughly 45 minutes from Pucón, this is a great spot to head to if you want to relax in the hot springs and spend a few nights out of town (cabins are available to rent). Prices depend on whether you want lunch or not, but expect to pay between 25,000 and 35,000 CLP per person ($29 - $41 USD). Find more information here. TRAVELING TO PUCON, CHILE | IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW HOW TO GET TO PUCON, CHILE BY BUS Due to Pucón's popularity, it is quite easy to reach the town via bus. Depending on where you are starting from, you will likely need to first head through the larger town of Villarrica and then on to Pucón. Below are a few of the most common bus routes (with average time and prices) to Pucón: SANTIAGO --> PUCON: 10 hours, ~$31-36 USD PUERTO MONTT --> PUCON: 5 hours, ~$7-10 USD VALPARAISO --> PUCON: 13 hours, ~$17-79 USD ➳ You can book all of your Chile bus tickets at BusBud. BY PLANE The closest major airport to Pucón is in the town of Temuco, located approximately 1.5 hours away. You can take a direct shuttle from the airport to Pucón, which lasts roughly 2 hours and costs 15000 CLP ($17.50 USD) per person. It is possible to both reserve your seat on the shuttle bus ahead of time or just buy your ticket once you land at the airport. The shuttle service is easily picked up right outside the terminal doors. The main company that runs the route is TransAraucania (check out their website). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the Temuco Airport or Araucanía Airport is very small but modern and clean. There are a few cafes that sell coffee and snacks, some rental car services, and even an airport lounge. But from what we gathered there was NO ATM and it was hard to find drinking water. If you are planning to use cash once you land in Temuco, make sure to pull it out in Santiago before you fly. BY CAR It is also possible to rent a car directly at the airport terminal in Temuco and then drive to Pucón. We didn’t look at prices too much, but we do know that the going rate for a car rental in the Pucón area is between $30 and $50 USD so we would guess that would be the case at the airport as well. If you have a car and are coming from other towns in Chile or Argentina, you can usually find free (or very cheap) parking on many of the larger streets in town. Some of the basic driving distances to Pucón are: | FROM SANTIAGO: 8 hours | FROM PUERTO MONTT: 3 hours and 45 minutes | FROM VALPARAISO: just over 9 hours | FROM PUNTA ARENAS (via Argentina): 26 hours | FROM SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES, ARGENTINA: just under 3 hours ➳ You can find the cheapest car rentals in Chile, and many other countries around the world, at Rentalcars.com. LEARN MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUS TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA HOW TO GET AROUND PUCON, CHILE WALK AROUND Pucón is not a very large town. In fact, if you are only sticking to the more touristy areas, the town is only 7x4 blocks wide. Walking from one side of town to the other should take you 10 or so minutes. Along the way you can stop in at numerous cafes, restaurants, tour agencies, grocery stores and clothing stores. Unless you are planning to head out of town on your own (maybe to explore some of the mountains, other lakes, waterfalls or hot springs) you shouldn’t have to worry about renting a mode of transportation like a bike or car. RENT A CAR Now with that being said, if you are someone who wants a bit more freedom - mainly the ability to go explore those more off-the-beaten-path places in and around Pucón - then you may want to look into renting a car for a few days. We ended up renting a car for nearly a month (since we were living in Pucón for 30+ days) and honestly, it was a game changer. Because we had our own set of wheels we were able to drive out and explore some truly amazing places without the headache of figuring out the bus schedule (that does get exhausting after a while) or booking tours. It cost us around $32 USD per day to rent a small, but highly fuel-efficient car that could seat 4 (small) people. We rented our car from Pucón Rent a Car, which is a locally owned shop located on the corner of Pedro de Valdivia and Arauco (exact location). RENT A BIKE If a car is a bit much, but you still want to be able to head out a bit farther from Pucón then renting a bike may be the way to go. Many of the guiding shops have bikes to rent - from smaller gravel grinder bikes to full-on, super fancy mountain bikes. Walk around town until you find a spot with the bike you like. It seems like the going rate for a full-day bike rental in Pucón is between $15 and $20 USD. Though we would suspect that you might be able to get a deal if you are planning to rent a bike for a longer amount of time (say a week). We found that Pucón Chile Rafting, a travel outfitter on O'Higgins, had some of the nicest bikes at fair rental prices. Pucón has a whole lot to offer the adventurous traveler - from rafting along the Turbio River to summiting a snowy volcano to exploring ancient forests of Araucaria trees. Seriously, it is no wonder that this small central Chilean town has claimed the title of the adventure capital of Chile. Hopefully, this in-depth adventure travel guide helps you plan your own epic Pucón adventures, but as always, if you have any further questions about Pucón or Chile in general, please leave them below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS PUCON TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDES MOTORCYCLING TO MACHU PICCHU | Our Epic Experience + Tips on How to Do it Yourself RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU | Is it Worth Visiting? And is it Sustainable? TREKKING THE QUILOTOA LOOP IN ECUADOR | 15 Important Things to Know PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN CHILE | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.

39.1685° S, 71.7255° W HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK NEAR THE TOWN OF PUCON, CHILE IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO EXPLORE THE FAMOUS ARAUCANIA TREES AND TAKE IN VIEWS OF CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN LAKES. LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CHILEAN NATIONAL PARK BELOW. If you are an adventure traveler in search of stunning natural scenery, clear alpine lakes and pre-historic trees, then you need to add Huerquehue National Park to your Chile bucket list. This large national park is located in the heart of the Lake District in central Chile and within a short drive (or more likely, bus ride) from the top-tier adventure town of Pucón. We visited Huerquehue in mid-December and found it to be absolutely stunning: vibrant green forests with moss-covered trees, gently rolling streams, singing birds and lizards sunning themselves on sparkly granite rocks. While the trails were a bit crowded - we journeyed to the park on a beautiful Saturday in the heart of the busy season - we were still able to find a bit of solitude, especially past the two main lakes of Lago Verde and Lago Toro. If you are a hiker, birder or someone who just wants to escape the business of Pucón, then definitely make sure to spend a day (or more) in Huerquehue National Park during your visit to central Chile. ➳ You will need to make a reservation before you head to the national park. You must do this online, find the link here. HISTORY OF HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK This centrally located national park is actually one of Chile’s oldest protected wildlands. In fact, its history dates all the way back to 1912 when the Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna Park was created. Later on, that park's name changed to Colico and also added a decent amount of land to its boundaries (at its height, the national park encompassed 265,000 hectares). Finally, in 1967 the park was officially renamed Huerquehue National Park and downsized to 12,500 hectares (which is what it stands at today). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: while the national park only includes 12,500 hectares, the rest of the land that once made up Colico is still protected. It has just been divided into other parks and reserves. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK The national park experiences two major seasonal climates: a warm, dry summer that lasts for about 4 months of the year and a cold, icy winter caused by the park's high altitude (snow is actually quite common during the winter, especially in the higher lakes area). Likewise, the wettest months in the region are from May to September. Overall, between that time, you can expect around 80 inches of rain (especially during the months of June and August). In our opinion, one of the best times to visit Huerquehue National Park is between the months of December and February when the weather is at its nicest (or at least warmest). January is usually the busiest time in the Pucón area, so if you want to avoid large crowds and busy trails, consider visiting in December. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING IN EL CANI SANCTUARY IN CHILE: WHAT TO KNOW EXPLORING HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK | THE NITTY-GRITTY COST: 8,000 CLP to enter (~ $8.50 USD) per person as a foreigner (4,000 CLP as a Chilean) HOW TO GET THERE: by public bus from the town of Pucón or via a private car LOCATION: the national park is located 1.5 hours (by bus) from downtown Pucón near the town of Caburgua TOP ADVENTURE: hiking up to the many lakes (lagos) and stopping to check out a few large waterfalls (saltos) ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the national park is only open Tuesday - Sunday (it's closed on Mondays) and the gate opens at 8:30 AM. \\ Why Visit Huerquehue National Park Located on the banks of Lago Tinquilco (Tinquilco Lake) and high up in the forested hills, Huerquehue National Park is a fantastic place to head to if you want to explore high mountain lakes, see some raging waterfalls and check out some local flora and fauna. The national park is home to Chilla and Culpeo foxes, Chiloé marsupials (a small animal affectionately called the “Mountain Monkey” in Spanish because of its appearance), the Pudú, aka the smallest species of deer in the world, and finally, pumas. Likewise, within the park you have a good chance of spotting various birds, insects and lizards. Likewise, Huerquehue National Park is actually one of the best examples of a Valdivian temperate rainforest, which is an ecoregion found on the west coast of southern South America and mostly within the countries of Chile and Argentina. This type of forest is characterized by dense undergrowth and plant species such as bamboo, ferns, and large deciduous trees. \\ How to Get to Huerquehue National Park The easiest and most affordable way to get to Huerquehue National Park is to take a public bus. It costs 5,200 CLP ($5.90 USD) per person to get to the national park and then back to Pucón (aka a round-trip ticket). You will need to pick up the national park bus at the Caburgua bus station in downtown Pucón (exact location). The first bus leaves the station at 8:30 AM. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the national park entrance from downtown Pucón. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if you choose to buy the full round-trip ticket up front (which we recommend), then you will need to hang on to your ticket so you can show it to the driver before you hop on the return bus. The ticket is a small piece of paper so make sure to keep it somewhere safe. The last bus leaves the national park entrance (where you will also be dropped off) at ~5:10 PM. Unless you want to hitchhike back to Pucón, this is the bus you need to be on. \\ The Top Hikes in Huerquehue National Park There are a good number of hiking trails within Huerquehue National Park - including one of the most famous hikes in the Pucón area, the Huerquehue Lakes Trail. A few important things to know about hiking in Huerquehue National Park is that almost all of the trails will include a decent amount of uphill. This is because the entrance station is at the edge of the lake and at the lowest elevation. To reach any of the major points of interest (lakes, waterfalls or mountain tops) you will need to gain a decent amount of elevation. Likewise, expect the trails to be a bit muddy and/or slippery. In some sections - especially near the waterfalls - the trail can be quite soaked and therefore a bit slick and tougher to walk around on. But with all of that being said, hiking in Huerquehue is a fantastic adventure and definitely one worth doing. Explore our breakdown of the main hiking trails below. HUERQUEHUE LAKES TRAIL (LOS LAGOS) DISTANCE: 13 kilometers // 8 miles round trip ELEVATION GAIN: 689 meters // 2,260 feet The main trail in the national park is the Los Lagos loop (really more of a lollipop) that starts and ends at the park entrance station (where the public bus drops you off). The Los Lagos trail is partly on a road until you reach Refugio Trinquilo - a building off the side of the trail. From there the trail is mostly singletrack and uphill. Luckily, almost the whole trail is shaded - making it definitely bearable and really quite pleasant even on the hottest days. After almost a mile of climbing you will reach another national park gate and sign. This guard station was unmanned when we did the hike, though the bathrooms were still open and usable (and not too dirty). From the guard station it is 1.5 miles of climbing until you see your first lake (Lago Chico). Along this section of the trail you have the opportunity to check out two waterfalls - Nido de Aguila and Cascada Trufulco. Between the guard station and the first lake the trail is mostly switchbacks. There are a few flat(ish) sections but for the most part it is up and up some more. If you are not in the best of shape or if you have sore knees, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get up this section. Likewise, the trail is not very wide and it can be busy - on the weekends especially. So if you see someone heading down and you can let them by you, please do (and do the same when heading down if you see someone hiking up). Once you get past Lago Chico you will need to decide if you want to do the full small loop (aka finish the lollipop) or just head to one of the lakes nearby (either Lago Verde or Lago Toro). We decided to head to Lago Toro and do the loop counter-clockwise (this ended up not exactly happening). First we ate lunch along the bank of Toro and refilled our water bottles before continuing on down the trail. By the time we got to the cut off for the smaller loop we were itching to see more of the forest - which at this point was full of colorful flowers and hundreds of araucania trees - so we decided to take on the longer loop. If you don't want to do the longer loop (see more on it below) you will need to turn left and make your way toward Lago Verde (or vice versa - Lago Verde to Lago Toro). We did hear that the trail between the two lakes was a bit overgrown, so be prepared to climb over some large fallen trees. ➳ Check out the Alltrails hiking map for more information on the main Huerquehue Lakes Loop. LARGER LAKE LOOP (+ LAGUNA HUERQUEHUE) DISTANCE: 16 kilometers // 10 miles round trip ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 914 meters // 3,000 feet (up and down) If the shorter loop isn't enough for you, then definitely consider taking on the bigger loop in Huerquehue National Park. Measuring 10 miles round-trip (or around 16 kilometers) this loop starts at the end of Lago Toro and heads up and around to Lago Huerquehue, which has some awesome araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees. Then you keep going on the singletrack trail - which at this point is going up and down quite a bit - until you reach the next lake, Laguna de Los Patos. This much smaller lake - or laguna - was actually one of our favorites because the water was so clear and the trees were so big that it almost felt like we were in prehistoric times (we also saw a pretty golden tarantula here, which was kind of neat). Once you get your fill of Laguna de Los Patos, you will continue on the trail as it winds its way down to the bank of Laguna Verde - one of the largest lakes in the national park. During this part of the hike you will likely need to climb over some large fallen trees. But altogether, even though the larger loop seems to not be nearly as popular as the smaller one, the trail was in good condition and really easy to follow. Then once you finish checking out the lakes you will simply return back on the same trail that you hiked in on. Just watch your step on some of the steeper sections - for it can be slick. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are taking the last public bus back to Pucón (which leaves around 5:10 PM) you may need to push the pace on the downhill section to make it back in time. We got back to the entrance station after completing the big loop with about 20 minutes to spare. OTHER HIKING TRAILS IN HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK Besides the two lake trails above, there is also the option to hike to the top of Quinchol Hill (8 kilometers / 5 miles round trip) or to go all the way to the summit of San Sebastián Hill, one of the highest points in the park at 2,000 meters or 6,561 feet. The longer trail up to the top of San Sebastian is 14 kilometers / 8.7 miles round trip with a decent amount of elevation gain. When we visited the national park in mid-December both of the above trails were closed. If you are hoping to summit one of the hills in the park, make sure to look on the park's website beforehand to see if the trails are open or closed. \\ What to Pack for Hiking in Huerquehue National Park WATER BOTTLE We have been absolutely loving our LARQ water bottles - especially when we have them out on the trails. Thanks to their super handy UV filter we feel comfortable drinking water from all kinds of sources; including, from rivers and lakes, popular restaurants and even bus stations. Along the trail up to the lakes, there are a few places to refill your water bottles (including from the rivers that the waterfalls flow down). If you have a water bottle with a filter, or just a regular water filter (like this one from Katadyn) you should be totally fine. BUG SPRAY + SUNSCREEN While we noticed the bugs aren't nearly as bad in Chile as they were in countries like Colombia and Peru (at least in the Lake District) we did notice that the mosquitos were pretty bad along the lake shores. If you are someone who attracts mosquitos (like Madalyne does), then make sure to either pack some bug spray with you or use it before you start your hike. Likewise, do your skin some favors and use sunscreen, and reapply once you start to really sweat. A HAT + SUNGLASSES The sun can be absolutely brutal in this part of Chile. Not only can it give you a nice burn, but it can also easily sap the energy (no fun). Therefore, definitely come prepared with either a hat to shield your face or a pair of sunglasses (or both). We personally tend to travel with one or two pairs of durable sunglasses just because we have a bad habit of losing or breaking them. One brand we have really been enjoying is goodr. This super fun company focuses on making high-quality adventure sunglasses that can handle long runs on the trail, rappelling into tight slot canyons, and of course, bright days on the beach. Check them out for yourself here. HIKING BOOTS For any of the hikes in the national park you will want to wear nice comfortable hiking boots - preferably ones with good traction. The trail up to the lakes is relatively steep and usually quite muddy, so be prepared for some slipping and sliding, both on the out hike and then once you turn around and make your way back down to the entrance station. We recommend these hiking boots from Oboz since they are made of a nice durable leather material that is also waterproof. Plus, their comfortable soles are built for long days on the trail. LEARN MORE | OUR FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GEAR \\ Extra Adventure Tips for Exploring Huerquehue National Park CAMPING The national park does offer camping within its borders, so if you are looking to spend even more time surrounded by nature then we highly suggest grabbing your tent and booking a night at their 18-spot campground. It costs 24,000 CLP for a foreigner and 20,000 CLP for a Chilean (per night). You can make your camping reservations by calling +569 61574089. BE A SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURER IN HUERQUEHUE NATIONAL PARK One of the most important things to remember when traveling and exploring this stunning world is to be the most responsible and sustainable traveler possible. In order to be a more sustainable adventurer (not only in Huerquehue but everywhere) you need to carry out all trash with you (and pick up any you see along the trail), only take photos and nothing else (not even that cool branch from an aracaunia tree), leave no trace of you being there (so no graffiti, marking on trees or disturbing the plant life), and finally, do not disturb any wildlife - including the birds. USEFUL SPANISH TERMS TO KNOW FOR HIKING IN CHILE | Lago - lake | Mirador - viewpoint | El sendero - the trail | Refugio - refuge | Salto - waterfall | Resbaloso - slippery Huerquehue National Park is one of the best places to head to in the Pucón area if you are an adventure traveler looking to hit the trails, take in some beautiful natural sites, and explore a lush, pre-historic and lively forest. Hopefully, this national park guide helps you plan the perfect adventure in Huerquehue. But if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below or reach out to us directly. ► Find even more adventure travel inspiration on our Instagram (@backroad_packers). WANT TO SAVE THIS CHILE HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES HIKING IN THE DESERT | Everything You Need to Know to Have a Good Time and Stay Safe THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING IN COLOMBIA | Learn What to Bring and Where to Go ENTERING CHILE AS A FOREIGNER | Everything Travelers Need to Know PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING IN CHILE | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here. STAYING SAFE & PLANNING AHEAD | SafetyWing: make sure you are staying safe with this easy-to-sign-up health insurance that is specifically meant for digital nomads. You can even sign up once you are already abroad. | WayAway: this flight aggregator helps travelers find the best rates on airline tickets. | BusBud: explore millions of bus routes and destinations in one easy-to-use search; plus, you can compare prices and book your tickets online. | Rentalcars.com: check out the world’s biggest online car rental service that is available in over 150 countries worldwide. | iVisa: this site helps make sure you have all the necessary documents and entry requirements while traveling. | Wise: an app that makes it super easy to transfer money between currencies while abroad.