Climbing Volcan Villarrica
Snowcapped villarrica looms majestically over pucã³n at 2,840 meters 9318 feet above sea level. climbing to the top is non-technical and, on clear days, easy. thousands of people make the climb each year, most of them in january and february, taking in the spectacular views of volcans llaima, choshuenco, quetrupillã¡n, lanin, and lonquimay in the horizon. crampons, ice axe and/or trekking poles and warm windproof clothing are essential equipment year round. to be allowed to climb without a guide you officially need to register with conaf in town, have your equipment checked and show proof of membership in a mountaineering organization in your home country. climbing without permission at peak season would seem to be tricky as in early 2009 at least conaf had people stationed at the top of the ski lift. a very early start would be required to be sure of avoiding them. most people start from the skiing area, where you can take the ski lift for the first 300 meters. you can also start from near the refugio, at the mirador los craters. from there the climb is longer, but for those carrying skis or snowboards, that means more riding when descending. getting to the ski area or mirador los craters is easy hitchhiking. taxis in pucã³n will gladly take you there as well. most of guided excursions begin at around 7am but some agencies offer an earlier 5am start and you will get to reach the volcano alone with your team, avoiding the big crowds that arrive later. agencies will provide equipment and transportation and cost around ch$35,000. note that most guides won't go further up after 2pm so get up early and don't waste too much time on your way up. be sure to check how much money you'll get back if the climb is canceled due to bad weather.
Golf
In "peninsula", a residencial area downtown, there is a well maintained golf course with views of the villarrica volcano and the lake surrounding the course. the course is officially for members only.
Horse back riding
This is a popular way to see the mapuche settlements like e.g. quelhue in the area. tour agencies selling these tours are located all over the town. check the conditions of the horses, as not all of them in good shape. rides to "salto el claro" are in parts beside paved roads. trustfull agencies are at ecole and politur.
Rumbo Sur 360 Montañismo
Great tours and experienced guides for climbing, scaling, reppelling or hiking the mountains and the most spectacular active volcanoes in the south of Chile.
Antilco Horse Farm
They have a couple options to stay in, a guest house that has two separate rooms sleeping a total of five people and a small cabana for two. They are very cosy self catering and slightly out of town, they will come and pick you up. Also outstanding horse riding and trips from there. Getting there is fun, you head over a small bridge on a dust track and then follow the river until you find their property. I would advise a taxi or emailing them for a pick up, which they do pretty much daily at one pm from the town centre.
Volcanic Caves
Visit the Volcanic Caves at Villarrica Volcan.
Hike
Past the waterfalls and gurgling brooks in the huerquehue national park. doing this will enable you to get to know the strange araucaria monkey puzzle tree, as well as other native vegetation such as coigã¼es and lingues. the trails pass view points where you can while away the time namedropping volcanoes and andean peaks. bring food and water because you might want to stay the whole day.
Skiing and snowboarding
The skiing area on villarrica is open may until the beginning of october. rent equipment in pucã³n, or on the drive up to the ski slope.
White water rafting and kayaking
Is a possibility in the glacier-fed trancura river. trancura bajo offers third-degree rapids, good for beginners. trancura alto offers fourth-degree rapids and might require a little more courage. tour agencies in the town will take you there.
Jack Trout Fly Fishing
Fly fishing wading and drift boat excursions on the Rio Trancura, Licura, San Pedro & all Lake District rivers since 1993. (http://www.jacktrout.com) . Single day or multiple day guide trips. Has all the fly fishing gear and accepts all major credit cards.
Fishing
Guided fly-fishing excursions are held on the tranquil rão liucura and the more turbulent rão trancura. both rivers offer scenery and trout.