Huilo-Huilo is a biological reserve located in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia Rainforest under the Andes Mountain range. Covering over two hundred square miles of Valdivian forest, there are natural hot springs, untouched beaches and lagoons to explore as well as the Mocho volcano which is equipped for skiing. Located along the shores of Pirihueico Lake, near Panguipulli, the Huilo-Huilo Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the park with one of its conservation projects protecting the Huemul deer which are in danger of extinction.
The Los Ríos Region is recognised for the 50 metre high Saltos del Huilo-Huilo waterfall where there are jumps and lookout points. It’s home to the longest zip line in South America too and Pudú which are the world’s smallest deer. There are also family activities available such as picnics, horse riding and mountain biking in addition to an array of tours with the local guides.
Huilo-Huilo has a wide range of accommodation types on offer which suit a range of budget types. There are five lodges which include Nawelpi (below) which is situated in the middle of the forest not far from the main building. These rather luxurious bungalows situated by the Fuy River provide the perfect place to relax. The Nothofagus Hotel (below) on the other hand offers a magnificent alternative with its shapes, textures and sounds. 
The Montaña Mágica Lodge (below) which emerges from between the southern Andes is known the world over as the Magic Mountain. Buried in the forest, it’s a volcano which has a waterfall running from the peak, quite incredible. It’s one of the hotels that featured in our most unusual places to stay post.
There’s also the Kingdom Fungi Lodge and Le Châtelet Hotel – the latter within walking distance San Martín de Los Andes. In addition to the lodges there are the incredible tree houses of Canopy Village, the Salto el Puma backpackers which is great for exploring the North Patagonia, and there are 22 campsites where you can take advantage of the great outdoors.
Having explored what’s on offer in Venezuela in the past, we’re itching to get back to South America. Chile is certainly on our bucket list and the Huilo-Huilo Biological Resort is certainly somewhere to check out. For more information, have a look at their website.
Photographs courtesy of Huilo Huilo (Cristabell Palma Fotografia).
