Puyuhuapi Lodge

Just a short trip across the fjord and then a further 30 minute drive takes you to the central sector of the Queulat National Park. There is a great day hike to a viewing platform looking out to a hanging glacier and lake below, there are shorter hikes to other viewing platforms and also a short 30 minute boat trip on the lake that takes you right underneath waterfalls.

Within the grounds of the hotels there are two short hiking trails which are great for bird watching and really getting a sense of the density of the forest and its lichens, fungi, mosses, ferns and flowers. These trails are quite untrodden paths and very muddy but the lodge has sets of rubber boots to lend guests.

All of these hiking experiences can be carried out self-guided or with the in-house guides of the hotel.

In the protected bay where the hotel is set, you can head out in one of the hotel's own kayaks either guided or self-guided. If you are lucky you will be accompanied by playful dolphins and the inquisitive dark bellied cinclodes bird. It is fascinating to see the greens of the impenetrable forests perfectly reflected in the emerald green of the fjord.

The lodge sits on the western shores of the Ventisquero Fjord 12km south of the little historic pioneering village of Puyuhuapi and 12km north of the Ventiquero entrance of the Queulat National Park. The lodge is accessible by boat from a little jetty on the shores of the Carretera Austral. Boat transfer over to the lodge are included in the room rate and arranged at the time of booking. The boat runs on a fixed timetable with 3-4 crossings per day which makes using the lodge as a base to explore the area really easy.

The food is simple but delicious, based on good quality, Chilean cooking. Dinners are based on three courses with two selections for each course (a fish and a meat option), served in their waterfront dining room. Breakfast is a well stocked buffet complete with smoked salmon and fresh cheeses from local farms. All dietary requirements are catered for with as much notice as possible. With a daily changing menu, there is plenty of variety for a 3-4 night stay.

There are 30 rooms at the lodge spread over three buildings - all rooms have bay views from a variety of angles. All but one of the rooms are the same size, with a large double bed, lounge sitting area and outdoor balcony or terrace (all rooms are ensuite).

There is one extra special room called ‘La Capitania’ which is the suite spread over a whole floor with unrivalled views of the fjord and mountains beyond.