Visit the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve in southern Chile! Located in the Panguipulli commune, this private protected area offers countless activities that will allow you to discover the magic of the Patagonian Andes.
In Huilo-Huilo, which means deep crack in Mapudungun, the temperate rainforest predominates, with ancient trees forming true cathedrals as they reach 40 meters. There are more than 100,000 hectares of astonishing flora and fauna, protecting endangered species such as the güiña cat, the monito del monte, Darwin’s frog, and the pudú, the world’s smallest deer.
Prepare to go trekking, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, and many other activities in settings that seem straight out of a magical tale. Come and experience sustainable tourism in the Huilo-Huilo Reserve!
Check the requirements for traveling to Chile here
How to get to Huilo-Huilo Reserve?
You can reach the Huilo-Huilo Reserve by private car or bus. Its main access is via Route 203, 58 minutes from Panguipulli and two hours and 40 minutes from Valdivia. The closest town to the entrance is Neltume, which offers various services for your trip.
If you are traveling from Santiago, you can take a direct overnight bus to Panguipulli, a journey of approximately 10 to 12 hours, or fly to Valdivia’s Pichoy aerodrome.
Where to stay in Huilo-Huilo Reserve?
The hotels of the Huilo-Huilo Reserve blend perfectly with the forested landscape. They are available all year round and offer all the necessary amenities for an unforgettable stay. Here are two examples.
1. Nothofagus
Nothofagus recibe su nombre en honor al bosque que predomina en Huilo-Huilo, cuya hermosa arquitectura le permite integrarse perfectamente en el paisaje. Cuenta con 55 habitaciones con vistas privilegiadas y se ubica cerca de las principales experiencias del lugar.
Book your stay at the following link.
2. Montaña Mágica
One of the reserve’s most emblematic accommodations, at the Montaña Mágica Hotel you can have a fairytale stay. Its peculiar design makes it resemble a volcano, from whose summit a waterfall of vegetation descends in homage to nature.
Book your stay at the following link.
Looking for other accommodation options? Check all available options here; you’ll find everything from cabins to camping sites.
What to do in Huilo-Huilo Reserve?
1. Deer Portal
The Deer Portal is one of the most visited spots in the Huilo-Huilo Reserve. The area features deer and wild boar breeding grounds that you can explore via elevated walkways.
Another attraction in this sector is the Volcano Museum or Rakin Mapu, which houses objects of immense historical value. And if you want to eat something, the Petermann Brewery and Pizzeria is located within the portal, offering exquisite varieties of pizzas made with local ingredients.
Additionally, from here you can take the Andean Condor Cable Car, from which you can cross the reserve to a viewpoint with an impressive panoramic view.
2. Trekking and incredible trails
Explore trails through evergreen forests and waterfalls that will leave you speechless! The Huilo-Huilo Reserve offers multiple trekking routes, the most well-known being the Llallalca Falls, La Leona Trail, and the Botanical Trail.
There is also the Trail of Spirits, a one-hour walk where you will see sculptures and shelters of Chile’s ancestral peoples. Doing this tour at night is simply amazing.
And if you’re looking for a challenge, you can undertake expeditions to Mocho Choshuenco Volcano, which offers beautiful panoramic views and an important glacier of high scientific interest.
3. Rafting and kayaking
By going rafting or kayaking, you can let yourself be carried away by the rapids of the Fuy River, with sections ranging from easy for the whole family to more difficult ones that will let you feel the adrenaline.
4. Hot springs and spa
The hot springs of the Huilo-Huilo Reserve will not only provide well-being and relaxation but are also set in impressive natural surroundings. You’ll find the Rañintulefu Hot Springs and the Lake Hot Springs, as well as thermal pools and spa services within the hotels.
Both offer distinct experiences: the Rañintulelfu Hot Springs stand out for their car access and warm volcanic stone pools. In contrast, the Lake Hot Springs are accessed by navigating 30 minutes across Lake Pirehueico, to relax in wooden tubs with warm waters (up to 23°C).
5. Mountain biking, canopy, horseback riding, and much more
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find an unforgettable destination in the Huilo-Huilo Reserve, as it boasts spectacular descents that will make you feel the thrill throughout your body.
Likewise, within the area, there are canopy services for zipping through the treetops at high speed. And if that weren’t enough, you can also go horseback riding to contemplate the forest in a different way.
6. Taste local flavors in Neltume and Puerto Fuy
Don’t just stay within the hotels. A few minutes from the reserve, the towns of Neltume and Puerto Fuy offer unmissable mountain cuisine: try artisanal pastries, native honeys, local beers, and dishes prepared with local fruits like maqui and murtilla.
Plan your visit to Huilo-Huilo in advance
To ensure your entry to the various portals and excursions, purchase your admission tickets in advance on the reserve’s official website, as daily capacities are limited. We recommend considering a minimum stay of 3 days and 2 nights to explore the main trails and relax in its hot springs without rushing.
Huilo-Huilo offers spectacular landscapes all year round:
- Spring and summer (November to March): Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking, kayaking, navigating Lake Pirehueico, and enjoying outdoor hot springs.
- Autumn and winter (May to September): The forest dresses in golden hues or is covered in snow, allowing for winter sports and snowshoeing on Mocho Choshuenco Volcano.
Practical tips for your gear
- Layered clothing: The weather in the temperate rainforest is unpredictable. Bring quick-drying synthetic clothing and a good waterproof jacket.
- Appropriate footwear: Use trekking shoes with non-slip soles for safe walking on wet walkways and dirt trails.
- Cash: Mobile and internet connectivity is often unstable in the area; bring cash for small purchases at local shops.
