Tours and Activities:

école! Inn and the Environment

It is a space conceived as part of a large-scale project that proposes experiencing nature in all its dimensions, while respecting it and avoiding any form of exploitation. 

On one of the oldest corners of Pucón stands the inn and restaurant École. Recognized by international travel guides, it is regarded as an accommodation that promotes a more conscious and balanced relationship between human beings and the planet.

From the moment we stepped inside, the feeling was that of being at home. Two spacious living rooms, flooded with natural light and furnished with comfortable sofas, hosted guests reading, working on their laptops, or chatting at ease. A generous library, with books and travel guides to browse or purchase, and a cozy café where one could pause for a drink, completed the initial tour.

As we checked in at reception, we noticed a steady flow of people coming and going, those heading out for morning excursions and sharing stories from the previous day. Like us, they had chosen this place driven by similar concerns. Voices in Spanish and other languages blended into an atmosphere of natural cordiality. We also identified the dining area before stepping out into an inner courtyard, where some guests rested beneath the shade of an old grapevine.

We had the opportunity to speak with one of the partners behind the project, Hernán Verscheure, who explained the spirit that gave rise to the inn. It all began in the early 1990s, when a group of individuals learned of plans to acquire a section of the Cañi Mountain Range for logging its ancient araucaria forests. At that time, the area was not yet protected as a national park, and it was crucial to prevent the felling of these millenary species.

“Through private initiative, we were able to stop that action and bring attention to this valuable corner of local geography. Visitors were accommodated at the former Don Pepe inn, the direct predecessor of this one. Later, the property was acquired, and with the resources generated, environmental and conservation projects continued,” Hernán told us. Today, the inn operates under a sustainable management model, integrated into its surroundings and committed to their preservation.

We dined at the vegetarian restaurant, where the menu won us over with its variety, simplicity, and careful presentation. Local vegetables and legumes form the foundation of diverse preparations, accompanied by an array of seasonings. Quinoa, roasted or wok-sautéed vegetables, fresh salads, and warm pita bread were among the offerings. For dessert, seasonal fruits, homemade cheese, and nuts completed an experience distinguished by its freshness and its connection to local and ancestral food traditions.

After dinner, we shared a conversation in the lounge with young Austrians exploring the forest trails of southern Chile. It became clear that a common language existed, one grounded in support for initiatives that seek to improve the relationship between people and the environment.

École! also promotes the idea of opening its common spaces to local cultural groups, whose gatherings encourage responsible land use, ensuring that it continues to provide sustenance without losing its regenerative capacity.

Within its facilities, the inn has incorporated technological solutions aimed at energy efficiency, such as solar panels and environmentally adapted heating systems. Yet throughout the building, one can still hear the echo of footsteps on the wooden floors of the original house, reminding us that beyond innovation, there is a living history that is honored and projected into the future.

See also: Hotels in Pucón and other accommodation venues