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La Fleur de Sel
Basque-country chef Michel Moutrousteguy offers a Mapuche-infused French menu that's well worth the trip to Termas Peumayén (for the food, not the service…
©Arne Tiedemann/500px
Pucón is firmly positioned on the global map as a center for adventure sports; its setting on beautiful Lago Villarrica under the smoldering eye of the volcano of the same name seals its status as a world-class destination for adrenaline junkies. Once a summer playground for the rich, Pucón is now a year-round adventure machine catering to all incomes, especially in February (a time to avoid, if possible), when it is absolutely overrun. The town receives alternating floods of package tourists, Santiago holidaymakers, novice Brazilian snowboarders, adventure-seeking backpackers, new-age spiritualists and mellowed-out ex-activists turned eco-pioneers.
While its popularity can be off-putting for some, Pucón boasts an excellent tourism infrastructure. That means quality accommodations, efficient tourism agencies, hundreds of activities and excursions, vegetarian restaurants, falafel, microbrews and hundreds of expat residents from the world over.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Pucón.
Eat
Basque-country chef Michel Moutrousteguy offers a Mapuche-infused French menu that's well worth the trip to Termas Peumayén (for the food, not the service…
Eat
This time-honored favorite does some of Pucón's best gastronomic work for the price, boasting innovative flavor combinations and fresh-baked everything…
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Israeli transplant Tal makes everything from scratch – often with ingredients straight from the motherland – at this fantastic, cash-only Middle Eastern…
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California-transplant owners fill a clearly appreciated gringo niche at this homesick-remedy of a restaurant. Juicy American-style burgers are a huge hit:…
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Along the volcano road and with optimal Ansel Adams–like views of the beast itself, this volcanic-stone and wood space warmed by a Russian stove is a…
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There is a parrilla (steakhouse) for every budget in Pucón, but this Uruguayan steakhouse stands out for its bife de chorizo (steak), house-cut fries and…
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This locals' secret is out: an underground eatery in someone's living room (or outside on the new terrace) serving fuss-free set lunches: salads, pastel…
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Vegetarian or not, this is one of Pucón's best deals, a tiny, locals-in-the-know-only hot spot for healthy, daily-changing vegetarian lunch menus hidden…
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On a sunny day, it's hard to beat plopping yourself down on this artsy emporium's patio for good home-cooked meals and views of a rare breed in Pucón: to…
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