Pucón day trip from San Martín de los Andes: Villarrica Volcano

Drive through Patagonian steppe and ancient forest to reach Villarrica's volcanic slopes

A 12-hour guided tour from San Martín de los Andes to Pucón takes you through Lanín and Villarrica National Parks, crossing the Patagonian steppe and araucaria forest before arriving at the volcanic city. Hotel pickup at 7:45 am. You get three to four hours free to walk the beaches, browse the Municipal Craft Walk, and eat seafood. The guide speaks Spanish and the van is air-conditioned. Return happens at sunset.

The experience

You start the day at your accommodation in San Martín, picked up at 7:45 am and driven south through the steppe toward the mountains. The route crosses both Lanín and Villarrica National Parks, passing through stands of ancient araucaria forest. The same trees that have grown in Patagonia for thousands of years. The drive itself is the journey: the landscape shifts from open grassland to forest to volcanic terrain, and by the time you reach Pucón, Villarrica Volcano dominates the view across the lake.

Once in Pucón, you have three to four hours on your own. Most people head to the volcanic sand beaches along the waterfront, where the black sand is warm underfoot and the lake is calm enough for a swim. The Municipal Craft Walk runs along the shore and sells local work (textiles, wood, jewelry) made by artisans from the region. If you want to eat, the town is known for seafood. Restaurants line the main streets and serve fresh fish and shellfish caught from the lake. You can move at your own pace, sit on the beach, or explore the town's small shops and cafés.

The return journey leaves Pucón in the late afternoon and follows the same route back through the parks, arriving in San Martín around sunset. The van is air-conditioned throughout, and the guide (who speaks Spanish) can answer questions about the landscape and the towns along the way. The whole day is 12 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in San Martín de los Andes.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full 12-hour journey.
• Spanish-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2): free

Live guideSpanish

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Claro Turismo

Is this one for you?The tour departs from your accommodation in San Martín, so you don't need a car or a way to reach a meeting point. The van collects you in the morning and returns you to your hotel at the end of the day. If you're staying in the area without transport, this is how you reach Pucón and its beaches in a single day.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the drive like between San Martín de los Andes and Pucón?

The route crosses the Patagonian steppe and passes through araucaria forest in Lanín and Villarrica National Parks before reaching Pucón, where Villarrica Volcano comes into view across the lake. It is a scenic drive that makes up a large part of the 12-hour day.

How much free time do you get in Pucón itself?

You have three to four hours to explore on your own once the group arrives. Most visitors spend time on the volcanic sand beaches, walk the Municipal Craft Walk along the shore, or eat at one of the seafood restaurants in town.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Spanish throughout the tour, so you can ask questions about the landscape and the region as you travel.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup happens at 7:45 am at your accommodation in San Martín de los Andes. The full tour is 12 hours, with return at sunset.