Birding in Pucón
In our article about Concepción and the Biobío Region, we explained that this destination offers excellent birdwatching opportunities but is somewhat less appealing from a sightseeing perspective. Around Pucón, it’s quite the opposite. Surrounded by volcanoes and lakes, the Villarrica region and the town of Pucón are among the must-see destinations when travelling through central Chile. Bird diversity here is not particularly outstanding, but several charming species can still be found. We therefore wanted to share with you the best birdwatching spots around Pucón.
Where to go birdwatching in Pucón ?
Lake Villarrica shoreline
On the eastern edge of the town lies the vast Lake Villarrica. Covering more than 170 km², the lake is home to a variety of waterbirds. The Mirador La Poza viewpoint, just a short walk from the centre of Pucón, offers excellent views over the lake and is a great place to observe its birdlife.
Among the ducks, you may encounter Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea), Lake Duck (Oxyura vittata), Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris), Chiloe Wigeon (Mareca sibilatrix), and, with a bit more luck, Silver Teal (Spatula versicolor). The lake is also one of the few places where you can potentially see all four local grebe species: Great Grebe (Podiceps major), White-tufted Grebe (Rollandia rolland), Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), and, more occasionally, Silvery Grebe (Podiceps occipitalis).
The gulls are represented by Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) and Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis). Less frequently, you may also spot Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) and Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus).
Pucón town
If you spend some time walking around Pucón, you will almost certainly come across Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis). This remarkably tame species is found throughout the town, frequenting rooftops, parks and even the busy streets of the town centre.
The town’s parks are also home to Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) and Chilean Pigeon (Patagioenas araucana), two species endemic to Chile.
The volcanic black-sand beaches along the lake are also good places to photograph some attractive, though relatively common, species such as Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), Dark-bellied Cinclodes (Cinclodes patagonicus), and Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango).
Rio Pucón
North of the town lies the Río Pucón, also known as Río Minetue. Although it does not hold the highest concentration of birds, it is one of the best places to look for several species that are much harder to find elsewhere around Pucón.
From Quelhue Bridge, as well as from several accessible points along the riverbanks, you can search for two duck species that favour fast-flowing rivers: Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) and Bronze-winged Duck (Speculanas specularis). This is also a reliable spot to observe Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata).
Villarica
You can also do some birdwatching on the opposite side of the lake in the town of Villarrica. Several buses run regularly between Pucón and Villarrica, making it an easy day trip. Once there, take a walk around the small urban wetland.
This is one of the best places to look for Flying Steamer Duck (Tachyeres patachonicus). More common waterbirds include Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba), White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera), and Red-gartered Coot (Fulica armillata). The Mallolafken Wetland, located within the town, is also worth exploring. Here, you may encounter Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca), Many-colored Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra), Spot-flanked Gallinule (Porphyriops melanops), Plumbeous Rail (Pardirallus sanguinolentus), and, if you’re lucky, Magellanic Snipe (Gallinago magellanica).
Around Villarrica Volcano
To find a different range of species, you’ll need to venture a little farther, to the foothills of Villarrica Volcano. Besides the magnificent monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), this area is home to several forest birds that are absent from the lakeshore. The same species can also be found in Huerquehue National Park.
Villarrica National Park is one of the best places to observe the impressive Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), instantly recognisable by the male’s bright red head, as well as Chilean Flicker (Colaptes pitius). Other characteristic forest birds include White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis), Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula), and the much more elusive Black-throated Huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii). There are also occasional records of Yellow-bridled Finch (Melanodera xanthogramma) within the park.
How to get to Pucón ?
Getting to Pucón is straightforward. As one of Chile’s most popular tourist destinations, the town is served by numerous long-distance bus companies, including Turbus and JAC, with connections from most major cities across the country. It is even possible to take an overnight bus from Santiago, with a journey time of around 11½ hours. From Puerto Montt, for example, the trip takes only about five hours.
If you are travelling with your own vehicle, access is equally easy. The roads are in excellent condition, making the drive both comfortable and scenic.
Where to stay in Pucón ?
Finding accommodation in Pucón is rarely a challenge. The town offers a wide range of options, from backpacker hostels and Airbnb rentals to comfortable hotels. Despite being one of Chile’s busiest tourist destinations, Pucón has retained a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and is generally considered a safe and pleasant place to stay.
Travellers on a budget should consider Gecko Hostel, which offers excellent value for money in a friendly setting. If you prefer having your own accommodation without spending too much, French Andes Cabañas provide an excellent balance between comfort and affordability. For a more upscale stay right in the town centre, Pucón Indómito is well worth considering. The facilities are of a higher standard, although prices are naturally a little higher as well.
