Queulat National Park

A number of trails meander through the park, taking you deep into the forest, where the huge trees are covered with moss, ferns and lichens. If it’s stunning views that you are after, the best is the Mirador del Ventisquero Trail, which climbs to the glacial moraine to look down on the lagoon below. A longer hike but just as beautiful is the Los Pumas Trail, which follows the shore of Lago Risopatrón, then climbs through the first to Los Pumas Lagoon.

Those pressed for him (perhaps passing through by car) can opt for the short Mirador Panorámico Trail, which takes around 30 minutes to bring you to a viewpoint to the hanging glacier.

The Queulat National Park area is a great place for kayaking. One of the best options is a day trip on the peaceful Queulat Fjord. This is a relaxing day-trip; gently paddling along surrounded by the untouched rainforest and beautiful waterfalls. it is also sometimes possible to kayak on Laguna Tempanos, near the hanging glacier.

Alternatively, the shores of Raul Marin Balmaceda are only a short drive away, from where you can kayak in the shelter of the Pitipalena Fjord. The quiet waters here offer perfect conditions even for novices, and hold out the possibility of seeing dolphins and sea lions, plus a host of seabirds.

If you’ve been on the road for a long time or have just completed a big hike, Queulat offers the opportunity to soak your cares away in the Termas de Goñoti hot springs.

The springs sit on the edge of the Puyuhuapi Fjord near the town of the same name, a short distance from the national park entrance. The hot water is powered by the same geothermal energy that powers the Melimoyu nearby (and dormant) Melimoyu volcano. 

A spa and wellness centre at the springs offers a variety of treatments to guests.

The Carretera Austral runs through the middle of the Queulat National Park for around 45 miles (70 km). The road is very scenic, with myriad places to stop and enjoy the view. 

Although this is one of the more challenging stretches of the Carretera Austral, thanks to its reputation for washboard, sandy gravel stretches, travelling through by car will give you access to all the short day hikes in the park. We recommend stopping for the short Mirador Panorámico Trail to the hanging glacier or the Laguna Témpanos Trail to the lake, plus the beautiful Padre Garcia waterfall. 

Accommodation is limited around Queulat National Park. The main option is the group of cosy cabins at Posada Queulat right in the heart of the park: with no internet, telephones or television you can really switch off and immerse yourself in the scenery. The lodge offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, trekking, and trips to the hanging glacier.

There are two small campsites within the national park, at Ventisquero and Angostura.