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Villarrica Volcano above forests and lakes, from Huerquehue National Park

Comparison

Pucón or Puerto Varas: which to choose and where to stay

Pucón vs Puerto Varas for your trip to Chile’s lakes and volcanoes: atmosphere, activities, weather, getting there and where to stay on your budget.

Photo: Elemaki · CC BY 3.0

Short answer

Choose Pucón for adventure, an active volcano, hot springs and a lively summer scene. Choose Puerto Varas for a calmer trip with lakes, Osorno Volcano, villages like Frutillar and easier flights. In both, the cheapest option is to stay in the neighbouring town: Villarrica or Puerto Montt.

Reviewed: November 2026

Side by side

PucónPuerto Varas & Lake Llanquihue
AtmosphereLively tourist town, busy in summer and packed with adventure operators.Quiet lakeside town with German-influenced architecture.
ActivitiesGuided Villarrica Volcano climb, rafting, kayaking, hot springs and parks like Huerquehue.Petrohué Falls, Osorno Volcano, Lake Todos los Santos, Frutillar and lakeside cycling.
Getting thereFly to Temuco, then about 1.5 hours by road; overnight bus from Santiago.Fly to Puerto Montt, then about 30 minutes by road; overnight bus from Santiago.
WeatherDrier, warmer summers; frequent rain in winter.Wetter for most of the year; mild summers.
Staying on a budgetVillarrica or Curarrehue, with self-catering cabins and apartments.Puerto Montt or Llanquihue, with more apartments.
Best time to saveNovember, December and March; avoid January and February.March and spring; avoid January and February.
Villarrica Volcano above forests and lakes, from Huerquehue National Park

Choose Pucón if…

  • You want adventure and to climb, or at least see up close, an active volcano.
  • You want hot springs nearby and summer nightlife.
  • You are travelling with friends or as an active couple.
Where to stay in Pucón →
Osorno Volcano over Lake Llanquihue with sailboats off Puerto Varas

Choose Puerto Varas & Lake Llanquihue if…

  • You prefer a relaxed trip with lakeside walks and good food.
  • You want to fly in quickly and move around little.
  • You plan to add Chiloé, Frutillar or the lake crossing to Bariloche.
Where to stay in Puerto Varas & Lake Llanquihue →

Two lakes, two volcanoes, two ways to travel

Pucón and Puerto Varas are southern Chile’s two big lake-and-volcano destinations, only about four hours apart. The difference is the pace: Pucón is action and Puerto Varas is calm.

With a week or more, the best answer may be both. With just a long weekend, decide by the kind of trip you want and how you will arrive: Puerto Varas is half an hour from an airport with plenty of flights.

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Pucón or Puerto Varas?

It depends more on dates than destination. Both are most expensive in January and February. To save, stay in Villarrica (near Pucón) or Puerto Montt (near Puerto Varas) and travel outside peak summer.

How far is Pucón from Puerto Varas?

About 300 km, around four hours by road. You can combine both on a trip of a week or more.

Which is better with kids?

Both work. Puerto Varas is calmer with short distances; Pucón has more activities and busy lake beaches in summer.