Pucón

Sports & the Outdoors

At first glance Pucón's myriad outfitters look the same and sell the same slate of activities and rentals; quality varies, however. The firms listed below get high marks for safety, professionalism, and friendly service. Although a given outfitter might have a specialty, it usually offers other activities as well. Pucón is the center for rafting expeditions in the northern Lake District, with Río Trancura just 15 minutes away, making for easy half-day excursions on Class III-V rapids.

Friendly, French-owned Aguaventura (Palguín 336. 45/444-246. www.aguaventura.com) outfits for rafting, as well as canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. They specialize in trekking up the volcano for a ski descent, although you should be an expert skier if you want to join them. Alex Goly, an accomplished guide to all of Chile, works with Aguaventura and can take you on informative natural history and geography climbs in the area.

Anden Sport (Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 535. 45/441-574) is a good bet for bikes, snowboards, snowshoes, and skis.

Huepil Malal (Km 27, Carretera a Huife. 09/643-2673 or 09/643-3204. www.huepil-malal.cl) arranges horseback riding in the nearby Cañi mountains, with everything from half-day to six-day excursions.

Politur (Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 635. 445/441-373. www.politur.com) can take you rafting on the Río Trancura, trekking in nearby Parque Nacional Huerquehue, on ascents of the Volcán Villarrica, and skydiving.

Sol Y Nieve (Av. Bernardo O'Higgins and Lincoyan. 45/463-860) runs rafting trips and hiking and skiing expeditions. It takes groups up Villarrica Volcano.