Overview:

Pucón-Araucanía is a region in the south of Chile, located between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The capital of the region is Temuco, which is also the largest city in the region. Other important cities in the area include Valdivia, Villarrica, and Pucón. The area is known for its culture and natural beauty, and is popular with tourists. Pucón-Araucanía is home to Mapuche Indians (the indigenous population of Chile) as well as national parks, forests, ski resorts, and volcanoes. It is also an important region for renewable energy production, with many large hydroelectric plants located here. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. Lake Villarrica: This large lake is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. It is also known for its stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Villarrica Volcano. 2. Villarrica Volcano: This active stratovolcano is one of Chile's most iconic features. It can be seen from many points in the Pucón region and is famous for its hot springs and lakes at its base. 3. Huerquehue National Park: This park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike. It is home to diverse wildlife, hundreds of lakes, and miles of breathtaking forests. 4. Mapuche Culture: The local Mapuche people are an important part of the region and offer a unique cultural experience. Visitors can learn about their history and explore their strong cultural heritage. 5. Ojos del Caburgua: These vibrant blue lakes are located near Pucón and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It's a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The area now known as Pucón, in the Araucanía Region of Chile, has a long and interesting history. Centuries before the Spanish colonists arrived in the 16th century, the Mapuche people settled in the area and established a prosperous and independent society. Their traditional language and culture still remain in the region today, with around 40% of Pucón's population claiming Mapuche ancestry. The Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1596 and decided to build a fort, called Fuerte de Pucón, as part of their network of colonial defenses. This small fortified settlement would eventually become Pucón. The Spanish presence soon brought conflict, as the Mapuche fiercely resisted colonization. Over the years, battles between the Europeans and the Mapuche caused destruction and displacement. In the 19th century, the area experienced significant population growth as German and Austrian immigrants arrived, setting up small farms in the countryside. The surrounding forests were also exploit for their timber, and lumbering became an important industry. In the mid-20th century, Pucón became known for its beauty and became a popular tourist destination for Chileans and foreign travelers. Today, the city boasts a booming tourism industry and is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, skiing, and kayaking. In 2018, Pucón declared itself an indigenous-led, Mapuche-governed territory, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and culturally-sustainable form of regional development. This move highlighted the importance of preserving Mapuche culture in the area while allowing it to thrive in a contemporary urban setting. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. Pucón is the gateway to the Huerquehue National Park, an area of ​​ancient Araucaria forests that are more than 400 million years old. 2. Pucón is located on the shore of one of the 25 most active volcanoes in the world, the Volcán Villarrica. 3. Pucón is a chosen destination for adventure tourism, offering activities such as skiing and snowboarding, white water rafting, parachuting, mountaineering, horseback riding, kayaking and hot springs. 4. Pucón is home to the largest Mapuche population in Chile. 5. Pucón is considered the birthplace of modern Latin American hospitality, having been recognized by the Chilean government as a tourist area since 1945. 6. Pucón is the 2nd most visited city in Chile, boasting over 1.5 million visitors each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.