Get away for the weekend by bus from Concepcion to Pucón

Reviewed

on: 2023-07-03

by: Alice Silva

Quick Facts

  • Duration

    6 hours

  • Rating

  • Experience

    hiking, skiing, rafting

  • Best Price

    USD $ 21.60

  • Maximum comfort or class

    Good

  • Departures

    1 departure daily

  • Recommended by

    569 travelers

Price may fluctuate due to seasonal demand and other market-driven and regulatory events.

Bus from Concepcion to Pucón

Termas Geometricas path, Pucón Chile.

Have you ever seen an active volcano from the balcony of your hotel? Have you ever wondered where do young people in Chile go to find the ultimate weekend outdoor playground? It’s not Santiago, Valparaiso, or Viña del Mar, even though those are terrific choices, too.  In the southern reaches of the Andes mountains, a treasure is hidden next to a serenely smoking volcano. It is a land of history, nature, lakes, adventure, and entertainment. One of the best plans in southern Chile, especially if you are visiting Concepcion, is to travel to Pucón: the heart of the south!


If you want to go hiking, kayaking on lakes and rivers, stroll through shops, and snack in great bistros, all with a small town feel that has a mixture of Chilean, European, and Norther American cultures, put Pucón on the top of your list. You’ll find it In the Araucania region and only 400 km (248 miles) away from Concepcion. Pucón is very much a mountain town ready with access to nearby ski slopes in the winter and lakes and trails in the summer.  

If you’re coming from Concepcion on the bus, you’ll have enough time to watch two movies onboard, but you may be too busy watching the incredible landscape out your window. It’s unbelievable how beautiful it is to travel through this unique experience of the Chilean countryside from the Pacific Ocean right into the Andes in a couple of hours.

You don’t need a lot of money or a lot of time to visit Pucón. It’s as easy as reading this guide and booking your bus ticket.

What are the buses in Chile like?

Chile is actually a great place to travel by bus, no kidding! This South American country has one of the best road systems, good quality buses, and is pretty cheap.

At the other end of the scale, you can also experience first-class service in well-maintained buses, complete with 140º-180º reclining seats, climate control, pillows and blankets (a nice touch when traveling through the mountains at night), GPS and Wi-Fi, meals and drinks, and wait-staff to make sure your trip is pleasant. 

When traveling through Chile, remember that it is the longest country in the world.  But in your case, you’ll be cutting across the narrow width of it.  Chile is well connected by roads and highways, and trains, and in fact, the southern part of Chile (Patagonia) is accessible from Argentina by sea. 

How long is the bus ride from Concepcion to Pucón?

As you know, Concepcion is the main city of southern Chile. It’s cosmopolitan, full of a youthful vibe because of the many fine universities based there, and well connected to other parts of the country. Pucón is 400 km (248 miles) away from Concepcion, and it will take around 6 hours by bus.  It is a small town with only 13.000 inhabitants. Once you get there, you can easily walk around or use local cabs if necessary.

Note that there are only a few buses that go directly from Concepción to Pucón, with a rest stop in Temuco, another city that is totally worth visiting. Therefore, check the schedules. You will find all the necessary information here by clicking Reserve Now.

What is the cost of traveling by bus from Concepcion to Pucón?

As you are a good traveler and already know that you need to book in advance, the cost of this trip will be very cheap if you stick to that principle. The fare is around $21-$30, depending on the day of the week and the time you choose.

For these low fares, you will get a very good bus, with comfy seats, a clean restroom, and onboard entertainment. WiFi is usually available, but remember that you are in a high mountain area, and the internet signal is not always reachable. 

What are the bus schedules from Concepcion to Pucón?

Concepcion is a big city, so you can travel to many places by bus from here. When going to Pucón I suggest you take the direct bus, which is available at least once every day. Another option is to take a bus with an intermediate stop in Temuco, which is a good city to visit as well. So basically it’s up to you! You can also choose how long you want to stop in Temuco, and maybe do a day trip. Possibilities are endless, and you can feel free to explore with the AndesTransit search platform.

Where can I book bus tickets from Concepcion to Pucón?

Come on, bruh! Is there someone still buying tickets in person? It’s a waste of your time, fuel, and trees. So please do yourself and the world a favor and book your bus tickets completely online and with continuously updated information and a support team to go with it. Get started by pressing Reserve Now above.

What to do in Pucón

Termas Geometricas path, Pucón Chile.

This is the renowned capital of adventure in Chile. In Pucón you will find a lot of nature, outdoor life, mountains, volcano observation, lakes, and an exciting entertainment scene day and night.

#1 - Villarrica National Park and volcano

In this incredible park, you will find a ski center, awesome hiking trails, and a view of (guess what!): an active volcano! If you are lucky you will even get to see smoke coming out of it since it is actually one of the most active volcanoes in the world.  Key volcano peaks creating the “skyline” of Pucón for you to go out and identify are Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lanin.  A great place to get a full spectrum of experiences is the Ecoparque Travesia where you can walk into a volcanic tunnel and cross a canyon with a zip line.  Very thrilling!

#2 - Rivers and lakes route

If you are passionate about trekking, kayaking, and rafting, here you will find plenty of that. Known as the best river sports destination in Chile, you can get really wet and wild here. But if you are into more quiet activities during your visit, walks beside the lakes are really worth it, especially to Playa Linda!

#3 - Geometric hot springs

No matter what season you visit Pucón, it is always a good idea to take a relaxing hot dip in this purely natural hot spring that is considered to be one of the best in the world!

#4 - Shops and Museums

When you want to just chill for some more in-town activity, make sure to visit Artesanias de Volcan to find some beautifully crafted goods made by local artisans in wood and leather.  Pucón’s sister town just 20 minutes west, Villarrica, has some cool museums like the Centro Cultural Mapuche, which showcases the history and traditions of the local indigenous Mapuche people.

Conclusion

If you are in Concepcion and out of things to do, then your next welcome stop should be to set your sights on Pucón. You will absolutely love this village that appears to be designed by nature and tailored for experiences of the exotic and adventurous spirit. 

Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where else can I catch a bus to Pucón besides Concepcion?
Buses to Pucón also originate in Santiago, Temuco, and Puerto Montt primarily, but you can use other cities as a starting point that might just involve a transfer in Temuco.
Does the active volcano make visiting Pucón dangerous?
No. Pucón is a thriving tourist destination that knows how to coexist with the active Villarrica volcano. If seismic activity were to be of concern, authorities are trained and ready to usher the population out of harm’s way.
Is it possible to get to Pucón on a bus from nearby Argentina without going through Santiago?
Yes, the closest and quickest route to Pucón from Argentina begins in Neuquen, Argentina, and travels to Temuco, Chile. From Temuco, it is then a short trip to Pucón.
What are the ticket policies?
It depends on the carrier you choose, but their specific policies can be previewed during checkout or in the summaries printed on your ticket email. For a general overview, see the Ticket Policy page.

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