If you’re planning a trip to Pucón, Chile, one of the country’s most adventure-packed destinations, getting there is part of the journey. Whether you’re flying in, driving through the Andes, or taking the bus across the Argentine border, each route offers its own experience. Here’s a breakdown of how to get to Pucón, plus my own story (and a bit of a hiccup) getting there from San Martín de los Andes.
Option 1: Flying to Pucón
Pucón has a small airport just outside the town center,
making flying a convenient option. You can catch domestic flights from various
cities within Chile or even some from Argentina, depending on the season. While
flying is definitely the fastest way to arrive, it’s not always the
cheapest—especially if you’re traveling on a budget or booking last minute.
Option 2: Taking the Bus from San Martín de los Andes
This is a popular overland route through the Andes. The Igi
Llaima International bus runs twice daily from San Martín to Pucón:
- Departure
Times: Around 6:30 AM and 2:00 PM - Travel
Time: Approximately 5 hours - Border
Crossing: Paso Mamuil Malal (also known as Paso Tromen)
The drive to the border is stunning, with views of Lanín Volcano and the surrounding mountains. The customs process was smooth and organized. First, you exit Argentina through immigration, then you enter Chile through customs. The whole process took about 30 minutes.
Option 3: Taking the Bus from Bariloche
Another scenic and convenient option is to take a bus from Bariloche, Argentina to Pucón. This route is serviced by international bus companies such as Andesmar.
- Travel Time: Around 8 to 9 hours
- Border Crossing: Paso Cardenal Samoré, located south of the Mamuil Malal pass
The route offers stunning views of the Andes, forests, and lakes along the way. Like other international bus routes, you’ll go through customs and immigration at the border. The process is typically smooth and well-organized. While it’s a longer trip than from San Martín, it’s a great option if you’re already in Bariloche and want to cross into Chile without flying.
Make sure to book tickets in advance, especially during high season, and check baggage allowances as some buses have stricter rules for international routes.
Option 4: Driving from Argentina to Pucón
If you have access to a car, the drive from San Martín de los Andes to Pucón is absolutely beautiful.
- Distance: About 3 hours
- Road Conditions: Mostly paved, though there are about 25 km of unpaved roads within Lanín National Park
- Border Crossing: Same as the bus, Paso Mamuil Malal
Try to reach the border early (close to 8:00 AM when it opens) to avoid delays, especially in high season. The drive offers incredible views and the flexibility to stop for photos or side adventures.
My Personal Experience
We were staying in San Martin de los Andes and booked a bus with Igi Llaima International. We were booked on the 6:30 AM bus from San Martín. We got up early and arrived at the station at 6:00, only to find… no bus. No signs, no attendants, no updates. Communication between Chilean and Argentine bus companies isn’t exactly streamlined, so we relied on fellow travelers for updates. Eventually, we learned the border had lost power, delaying all crossings.
We waited at the bus station until 4:00 PM, only to be told the bus wouldn’t run until the next day. It was a long and frustrating day of sitting around, and we had to scramble to rebook our Airbnb in Pucón (thankfully they were super understanding) and find a last-minute place to stay that night.
The bus rescheduled us for 6:30 AM the next day. When it finally ran, it was comfortable, scenic, and the border crossing was smooth. But let this be your reminder to have a flexible itinerary when crossing borders in South America—sometimes unexpected delays are just part of the adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whichever way you choose, getting to Pucón is an adventure in itself. My advice? Build in buffer time, especially if you’re crossing borders or traveling in shoulder seasons when logistics can get unpredictable. The good news is: once you get to Pucón, it’s worth every second of the journey.
Up next: What to eat and do once you arrive in this lakeside town surrounded by volcanoes and adventure.
