Coyhaique and Port Aysén
The exuberant vegetation of the whole area of the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú make it a place that can not go unnoticed, perhaps this is one of the great reasons why this ecological reserve has a remarkable international recognition of its privileged biodiversity. In addition, through the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú it is possible to delight the view with its deep green forests in which the protagonist is, without a doubt, the larch. This species with more than 70 meters. of height and more than 4,000 years of existence, it forms a landscape without equal. Also, its various attractions and typical areas make this ecological reserve a place that will surely return.
Among them is Cochamó, one of the beautiful places to discover in this area. This coastal town located on the banks of the Reloncaví Estuary stands out for its always green Valdivian jungle forming a natural scenario that only inspires tranquility. To continue enjoying, a visit to the Futaleufú National Reserve is well worth it, since a small tour through a part of its 12,065 hectares with a considerable biodiversity of the so-called evergreen forests will take you into unforgettable places. The Reserve was created to protect the Huemul and the Cypress of the Cordillera and is managed by the National Forestry Corporation, CONAF, and it is possible to do horseback riding (only with prior authorization from CONAF), photographic safaris, all together with the beautiful natural scenery of the Futaleufú River and the valley of the Río Chico and Las Escalas areas. It is recommended to contact CONAF in Chaitén to request information or to coordinate an excursion with the park rangers of the Reserve.
Among them is Cochamó, one of the beautiful places to discover in this area. This coastal town located on the banks of the Reloncaví Estuary stands out for its always green Valdivian jungle forming a natural scenario that only inspires tranquility. To continue enjoying, a visit to the Futaleufú National Reserve is well worth it, since a small tour through a part of its 12,065 hectares with a considerable biodiversity of the so-called evergreen forests will take you into unforgettable places. The Reserve was created to protect the Huemul and the Cypress of the Cordillera and is managed by the National Forestry Corporation, CONAF, and it is possible to do horseback riding (only with prior authorization from CONAF), photographic safaris, all together with the beautiful natural scenery of the Futaleufú River and the valley of the Río Chico and Las Escalas areas. It is recommended to contact CONAF in Chaitén to request information or to coordinate an excursion with the park rangers of the Reserve.
The Futaleufú River, or "Río Salvaje" in the Mapuche language, is another of the well-known places you can visit during your trip. This one has its origin in Argentina, but its channel reaches Lake Yelcho, in Chile. In addition, this river has a special feature that gives it even international fame, because it is a great option for rafting and kayaking with water category 5.6+ in rafting. Along with the beautiful and peaceful natural landscapes that surround it, the Futaleufú River is also a good option for horseback riding or trekking in its surroundings.
And for the fishing enthusiasts, the Puelo River is another great attraction, and when navigating it by boat it is possible to find many ideal beaches and pools for fly fishing. Here we highlight salmonid species, brown trout and armoriris trout, with specimens that can range from 1.5 to 4 kgs. Also, through its surroundings it is also possible to enjoy outdoor activities or ecotourism.
Attractions
The different things to do in this area are multiple and for all tastes. For this, take the best energies, a good camera and just dedicate yourself to enjoy ...
Among the attractions you can find hot springs, ecotourism activities, fishing, flora and fauna, various trails to explore, photographic tourism and horseback riding, among many other things.
Activities
To not have a minute of boredom are the attractive and innovative activities to do in the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufu. Here you can practice equestrian activities through the different routes, descend cordilleran rivers or sail in a canoe. The observation of flora and fauna can also be enjoyed due to the great biodiversity present in this area, huge ferns, larches of thousands of years, pumas, pudúes, among others, are just some of the species that will surprise you; recreational fishing is another activity that takes place in the region, with various fishing lodges where the so-called fly fishing is practiced, which returns the species to water. For lovers of adrenaline, rafting is very typical. Thus, the Futaleufu River is very well known since with its grade 5.6+ it is located as a respected destination internationally for the fans of this sport. The classic trekking is also very entertaining, since the rugged territories of this area allow for a varied trekking; In the interior valleys of the Ruta Austral Puelo - Futaleufu there are tracings of the Sendero de Chile project.
Information of interest
1When to go
Through the route along the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú to the height of Puelo, it is possible to embark on a ferry to Caleta Puelche, and then continue to Hornopirén; however, this section is not possible to be carried out during the whole year, since in the sector it is not possible to cross until Caleta Gonzalo because the shipping companies only operate in high season. However, you can travel during the year from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, and then continue to Futaleufú. Another option is to make the tour on the Argentine side, crossing through Puyehue, at the Border Pass Cardenal Samore, then travel to Bariloche and continue south, passing through Esquel, to finally reach Futaleufú on the Chilean side.
2Location
The Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú is located in the Tenth Region of Los Lagos.
3How to get
There are several accesses for different needs. It can be reached through Chaitén (capital of the province of Palena, X Region), a town where ferries arrive from Puerto Montt and Quellón. During the summer it is possible to arrive from Caleta Gonzalo and Hornopirén, route that gives continuity at this time to the austral route. By air there is also access, existing airfields in Chaitén, Llanada Grande, Futaleufú, Hornopirén and Palena; these have a connection to El Tepual Airport in the city of Puerto Montt. Another possible access is by land, through the network of internal roads that lead to localities and to the border crossings of Palena and Futaleufú, communicating the Austral Route Puelo - Futaleufú with Argentina. In addition, Ruta Austral R7, between Chaitén and the city of Coyhaique, is still under construction, which will allow new access to the area.
4Weather
In the X Region of Los Lagos the climate that occurs through it is of characteristics of relative similarity. However, due to the orographic changes of the area along with the oceanic influence and the various lakes present here, five types are distinguished: warm rainy temperate with summer descent of rainfall, warm rainy temperate with Mediterranean influence, cold rain, temperate Warm rainy weather and high altitude ice.
5Services
The services that you will find here will allow you to satisfy a large part of your travel needs. This destination has several types of transportation, accommodation for different tastes and food service replenishers.
6Surroundings
Hornopiren National Park, Pumalin Park, Baños de Sotoma Thermal Complex, El Amarillo Hot Springs, Espolón Lake, Palena National Reserve, Encuentro River, Llancahue Hot Springs and Yelcho Lake.
Destinations
Lake - Yelcho
National Park Hornopiren
Pumalin Park
Futaleufu National Reserve
Palena National Reserve
Futaleufu River
Puelo River
