Rafting and Resting in Pucon, 9-11/1 2026

9 December — Friday

Making my way from Liucura to Pucon required me taking the 7:10 bus to Lonquimay, where I switched to a bus heading to Temuco, and lastly I took another bus to Pucon. The whole journey took about 8 hours, pretty convenient actually. Overall the bus services are very good in Chile, it is just extremely difficult finding local timetables unless you physically go to the main bus station. There are rarely timetables at the stops. 

In Pucon I walked around the town for a while. It is clear that this is a party/activity town. Tourists everywhere, both local and foreigners, coffee shops and bakeries at every street corner, restaurants in excess, and multiple tour operators. 

Judging from all the middle aged men with beer bellies riding around on their bikes, I start wondering if there might be a triathlon competition. On Sunday morning, Ironman 70.3 Pucon is taking place. Unfortunately that means much of the town is closed, including the rafting — why the rafting is impacted is highly unclear, but it is — so only one day of rafting for me. 

I found a nice BBQ place, and having not eaten anything for almost 24 hours I’m pretty hungry. Time to feast, meat is the only thing my body truly craves after a couple of days on the trail. 

At the hostel I meet several nice people to talk to; one guy that works in retail in Santiago named Bastian and a German guy, Thomas, who has taken early retirement to tour South America on his motorcycle, with a high preference for off-roading. 

10 January — Saturday

Rafting time! In the rafting group I meet a Swedish couple who are here enjoying Chile while visiting family. The guy’s parents immigrated to Sweden in 70ths. The rafting was pretty nice, 7-8 proper rapids at most rated level 4. Also very refreshing with all the cold water splashes. 

An example rapid, with very thorough and constant directions by our guide. Next time, I will go rafting alone in small kayak.

For the rest of the day, I go to Pucon beach, cook, walk and relax at the hostel talking to all the pleasant guests.

11 January — Sunday

A somewhat slow and boring day. In the morning I watched the triathlon for a bit, but it was pretty uninspiring. Otherwise, same as yesterday: Pucon beach, walk, relax. I’m, however, not good at relaxing though so I am walking a lot. The downside with much walking is that my flesh wound is not healing particularly well. 

Tomorrow I’m hitting the trail again. It will be interesting to see how that turns out.