All-inclusive Chile Adventure Travel

About Pucón

People and Culture

Chilean culture is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences that reflect its complex history and geography. The Chilean people are known for their warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms. Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinct Chilean accent and peppered with local slang and idioms known as "Chilenismos."

Chilean cuisine is a delicious fusion of traditional indigenous ingredients like potatoes and seafood, combined with European influences brought by Spanish settlers. Empanadas, ceviche, and pastel de choclo are just a few examples of beloved dishes enjoyed across the country. Music and dance play a vital role in Chilean culture, with traditional folk dances like cueca capturing the spirit of national identity during festivals and celebrations.

Overall, Chilean culture is a vibrant mosaic that celebrates both its indigenous roots and its multicultural heritage with pride.

Climate

Pucón, nestled in Chile's Lake District, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers (December to February) are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is the peak tourist season, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming in Lake Villarrica, and exploring nearby national parks. Winters (June to August) bring cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), and occasional snowfall on the nearby mountains, making it a popular time for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are transitional seasons with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, offering a quieter experience amidst Pucón's natural beauty.

Welcome

Pucón, Chile stands as an extraordinary whitewater kayaking destination, renowned for its pristine rivers and breathtaking scenery. The retreat is nestled in the heart of the Araucanía region, right on the banks of the iconic Trancura River.

Arrival

All-inclusive accommodations guarantee you are taken care of from the moment your airplane lands in Temuco, Chile, to the time you are boarding your plane home. You are picked up from the airport via one of our shuttle vehicles. Enjoy about 1.5 hour ride through the Chilian countryside, arriving to Pucón Kayak Retreat.

First day at Pucón Kayak Retreat

Upon arrival, settle in your chosen accommodation and prepare for a very full on and active week in the whitewater kayaking paradise! You can also choose your boat and outfit it to your liking prior to your first adventure.

Traditionally, we will do a quick lap on the lower Trancura River the day of arrival to wash away travel’s fatigue. Trancura is our home river, and the resort is located right on the riverbanks! After the first lap you are hooked!

Meals, schedule and kayaking

Start every morning with a home cooked breakfast, then prepare for a day of paddling. We go to a different river every day, and every river is magical and unique, with pristine environment and gorgeous landscapes! If guides decide to work on skill building for the group first, we might spend more time on Trancura until we are ready to move on! Each trip is fully customized to the guests preferences and skill levels!

Dinners are home cooked and served in a group setting, while most lunches are prepared and packed in the morning and eaten while out on water. Dinners are fabulous and include appetizers, full course meal, desserts, and house wine. During dinner we talk about the day’s highlights and decide on the plans for the next day. The sense of belonging and being a part of the micro-community is unbelievable!

Day of departure

If your flight schedule allows, we'll paddle Trancura River once more prior to your departure. Our shuttle will drive you to the airport in Temuco. Enjoy your flight home, rejuvenated and refreshed with enough experiences and memories to last a lifetime!

Welcome

Welcome to Pucón, your gateway to a thrilling multi-sport adventure! Explore rugged trails in Villarrica National Park, cycle scenic countryside routes, zip line through lush forests, or climb volcanic cliffs. Whether you crave adrenaline or serene moments in nature, our trip caters to every adventurer's dream. Discover Pucón like never before – where each day offers new opportunities to push your limits and create lasting memories.

Arrival and Accommodations

Upon arrival at Temuco Airport (ZCO), our shuttle will whisk you away to Pucón Kayak Retreat. Here, you'll be embraced by lush forests and breathtaking views of Villarrica Volcano. Our accommodations, from cozy lakeside cabins to charming communal spaces, offer comfort and rustic charm. Let nature's serenity and our warm hospitality set the stage for an all-inclusive adventure, promising rejuvenation and unforgettable experiences at every turn!

First Day at Pucón Retreat

Upon arrival at Pucón Kayak Retreat, settle into your cozy accommodations and then join us for an afternoon of adventure. We will choose between kayaking, SUP boarding, or an invigorating hike to shake off the travel fatigue and kickstart your exploration of Pucón's natural beauty. As evening approaches, we will gather for appetizers, cocktails and dinner while we provide a warm welcome and orientation to prepare for a week of adventure.

Meals and schedule

Start your mornings with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast before gearing up for a day of multi-sport adventures. Each day, we embark on a new adventure and explore pristine environments and stunning landscapes. Choose between fifty exciting activities tailored to your liking. Possible daily itineraries include:

• Fire Lakes & Ice Brew – Lagos Andinos & Cerveceria (brewery) & out and back hike (4 to 5 hours)
• Rafting Rio Trancura (10 KM), Zip Lines & Hot Tub
• Via Ferrata Climb on side of Volcano Villarrica (Valle Cerduo) Plus Pucón Culinary Adventure
• Raft Rio Rio San Pedro Rafting (Class II to IV)
• Cerduo Park Hike (3 hours out and back hike) & Vineyard Tasting Tour
• Horseback Ride Along the Rio Liucura
• Hike – Mirador Laguna Leon
• Afternoon Massage Therapy and/or Pucón tour & souvenir shopping
• Farewell Celebration Asado

We customize every trip to cater to guests' preferences and skill levels, offering packed lunches for on-the-go enjoyment and delightful home-cooked dinners served in a communal setting. Enjoy appetizers, full-course meals, desserts, and house wine while discussing the day's highlights and planning the next day's activities. Our retreat fosters a strong sense of community, where guests share in unforgettable experiences and a love for outdoor adventure.

Day of departure

Pack your bags and prepare for a smooth departure with our convenient airport transfer service, available between 11 AM and 5 PM. For personalized scheduling, we offer flexible arrangements to accommodate your travel needs. In the morning, activities are tailored based on group logistics and preferences. Our trip leaders will outline the day's options, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure-filled day.

Where it all started

My name is ilia and I’m super excited to share this amazing experience with you! In June of 2012 I paddled a kayak for the first time ever. That was the month my wife and I bought a small kayak outfitter, called Cape Fear River Adventures, in Lillington. The first time I paddled to Erwin (the trip that we now call 10-Mile Challenge), I distinctly remember stopping in the middle of the river in one of the shallow rock gardens and saying to myself: “This is amazing!! There is no way that more people wouldn’t want to do this!”.
Boy I was right... That first season back in 2012, we accommodated around 800 guests during the whole year of operations. On July 4th, 2024, we accommodated over 1,000 guests on the river in just a single day. More people wanted to be on that river indeed!

What about Chile?

It is with the same passion, we are introducing International Travel Adventures. Pucón, Chile is a magical place. I was lucky enough to experience it recently and I was completely blown away. It was a life-changing experience for me in so many ways. I want to share the same experience with others. It is so easy to be comfortable these days, but stepping outside of your comfort zone and doing something you always dreamed about just might expose you to the life you never thought was possible!

I’ll be guiding 2 separate trips in Chile in February of 2025. One trip is aimed at whitewater kayakers and the other one is aimed at adventurers at heart who are ready to explore and experiment!

Whitewater Kyaking Trip (2/8/25 - 2/15/25)

Pucón Chile is a whitewater paddling paradise! If you are in the beginning stages of whitewater career, I’ll work with you on fundamental skills as we embrace the environment, rivers, and water features to keep you challenged and progressing to your goals. For more intermediate kayakers, we would work on more advanced techniques, and paddle rivers adequate to your skillset to allow for learning opportunities combined with river bliss! We spend every day on river during your time in Chile. Expect your skills to bloom regardless of where you start!

Multi-Sport Adventure Trip (2/15/25 - 2/22/25)

I’m equally excited about the multi-sport adventure week! I will be working with local guides to provide amazing experiences for our adventurers! We do a different adventure every day that you get to choose. Hiking volcanoes, exploring local culture, waterfalls, climbing, skydiving, or wine tasting. Embrace yourself in the environment, free of huge corporate signs or never-ending electronics, rejuvenate in a simple way of life on the river banks of Trancura!

Ready to chat?

Drop me a line and I’m glad to answer all the questions you might have! See y’all on a river!