Ojos del Caburgua

The Ojos del Caburgua — literally "eyes of Caburgua" — are a pair of natural springs near Lago Caburgua, about 25 kilometres northeast of Pucón. Crystal-clear turquoise water wells up from beneath lava boulders in the forest, creating pools of startling colour before flowing down to the lake below. It is one of those places where photos never quite do justice to the actual hue.

A short trail leads through native forest to both springs. The site is a quick visit — an hour is plenty — and pairs well with a stop at Lago Caburgua itself, a lake of similar turquoise clarity about five kilometres further on. Both can be reached by bus from Pucón or by bike on a relatively flat road through pleasant countryside.

things to do sight
A story
The springs emerge from lava rock deposited by a prehistoric eruption of Volcán Villarrica, which explains the unusual clarity and colour of the water. Unlike most springs that filter through soil and organic matter, these flow directly through volcanic basalt, emerging an extraordinary shade of turquoise that photographers find difficult to capture accurately.