Pucon: The Adventure Capital of Chile

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Disculpa
  [pair-dohn/dees-kool-pah]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kways-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area now known as Pucón was inhabited by the Mapuche people. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and fishermen who lived in harmony with the natural surroundings. This indigenous community continues to have a significant cultural influence in the region to this day.

In the mid-16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region. Despite resistance from the Mapuche, the Spanish attempted to settle and establish control. However, the Mapuche successfully defended their land, leading to a prolonged period of conflict known as the Arauco War.

Pucón was officially founded in 1883, following the occupation of Araucanía by the Chilean government. The town initially served as a military outpost intended to control the Mapuche resistance. Over time, it evolved into a small settlement with a focus on agriculture and forestry.

The early 20th century saw the beginnings of Pucón’s transformation into a tourist destination. The construction of the railway in the 1930s made the area more accessible, leading to an influx of visitors. The discovery of the region's natural hot springs also contributed to its growing popularity among tourists.

German immigrants who settled in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Pucón. They introduced new agricultural techniques, architectural styles, and culinary traditions, many of which are still evident in the town today.

Today, Pucón is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the Villarrica Volcano, Lake Villarrica, and numerous national parks. The town has become a hotspot for adventure tourism, offering activities such as skiing, white-water rafting, and hiking. Despite its growth, Pucón maintains a delicate balance between development and preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Pucon is located in the southern part of Chile, in the Araucania Region. The nearest airport is La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO) in Temuco, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Temuco, you can take a bus, rent a car, or hire a taxi to Pucon. Buses run regularly from Santiago to Pucon, with the journey taking around 10-12 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Santiago to Temuco and then a bus or taxi to Pucon.

Pucon is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local buses and colectivos (shared taxis) are affordable and convenient for getting around town and to nearby attractions. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Renting a car is an excellent option if you want to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Pucon. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in Pucon, but be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for withdrawals.

Pucon is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for the police, 131 for an ambulance, and 132 for the fire department. Pucon has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and pharmacies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, you can purchase over-the-counter medications at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the outdoors. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites, even though Pucon is not particularly known for its religious landmarks. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as 'curanto' and 'pastel de choclo'. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pucon like a local, visit the Feria Artesanal (Artisan Market) where you can buy handmade crafts and local products. Take a dip in the natural hot springs, known as 'termas', which are popular among locals. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and skiing, depending on the season. Try to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to connect better with the locals.