Best of Pucón

Day 1: Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucón; Hotel Solaria

Transfer 1.5hrs from Temuco Airport to Hotel Solaria in Pucón. This small Patagonian town is an outdoor enthusiast's gem, from where you can organise all sorts of activities. It's set on Lake Villarrica, surrounded by lush forests and rivers, with an impressive backdrop of the Villarrica Volcano on the edge of town. You might like to take a walk in the nearby forested reserves, hire bikes for exploring the shore of the lake, or head to the nearby hot springs for a dip. There are many great options for dining in town this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Solaria

Day 2: Trek to Villarrica Volcano summit; Hotel Solaria

We'll start early at 6:30am to drive to the ski resort (1,400m) located at the base of Villarrica Volcano. This is a unique trip and although the ascent of the volcano is not technical, you do need to be fit to reach the summit.

First we'll take a ski lift to a higher part of the resort at 1,800m which saves us around an hour of climbing. From here we start our ascent of the volcano proper, stopping briefly every 30mins and then for a longer lunch break about half-way to the crater.

If we come across snow or ice we'll don crampons and use the piolets. After 4-5hrs we arrive at the smouldering crater at 2,847m. The views from the summit are breathtaking with five lakes and several other volcanoes, including Lanín and Llaima, all visible before us.

The descent is more fun than the ascent, especially if we can slide down the snow! We'll reach our vehicles around 5pm and return to Pucón where you'll be dropped at the Hotel Solaria.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Solaria

Day 3: Bike to petrified lava flow; Hotel Solaria

Today's ride begins with a double-track ascent through forests to get high above Pucón. From here there will be a great view of Villarrica Volcano. We'll ride to an enormous petrified lava flow, the aftermath of the 2015 Villarrica eruption, which is really exciting to ride across.

Heading back to Pucón we'll include some more dirt tracks to take us to the famous Ojos de Caburgua (cyrstal-clear waterfall) and some hidden beaches. There are lots of different mountain biking routes that are possible and your guide will help you choose the most suitable one for your level of fitness and expectations. You are guaranteed a stunning day out on two wheels, with some fantastic viewpoints of the volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls and other Andean peaks around.

We'll arrive back at the Hotel Solaria in Pucón in the early evening.

We can adapt this ride to your strengths and expectations

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Solaria

Day 4: Rafting on the Trancura River; Hotel Solaria

This afternoon we'll get out and enjoy some rafting on the rivers. This is a great trip for those looking for some excitement without great danger, though you must be at least 14 years old to take part.

We'll drive to the Trancura River, about 30mins from Pucón. Guides will give you the necessary gear and a talk about safety and what to expect from the river. Soon after getting in the water we'll experience Class 4 and 5 rapids with the river crashing and rushing against the raft and we'll need to row hard to pass through. The action doesn't stop until we reach the end of the descent and swap the raft for our road transport back to Hotel Solaria in Pucón.

In the evening, we'll make a visit to the house of Mrs Rosario, about 15mins from Pucón. She is from the Mapuche community and will talk to us about her culture and ancestral worldview. We'll play the traditional game of palín and share a typical dinner before returning to our hotel.

Duration of rafting trip: About 2hrs

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Solaria

Day 5:  Transfer from Pucón to Temuco Airport

After breakfast you'll have some time to walk around Pucón and do some shopping in the local markets, depending on your flight time. We'll then transfer you back to Temuco Aiport.

Meals: Breakfast