Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve is a private nature reserve in the Los Ríos region of Chile.

Understand

Montana Mágica hotel

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve is in an area of temperate rainforest northeast of the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano in the Los Ríos Region. The reserve hosts unique hotels, including Montana Mágica, the Nothofagus hotel, cabins, and a lodge for backpackers. The grounds also include a brewery, various animal habitats, a funicular, and many miles of trails. The reserve includes many waterfalls and the eastern slopes of Mocho-Choshuenco.

History

The reserve was created in 1999 and includes 600 square kilometres (230 sq mi) of native forest dedicated to wildlife conservation and tourism. It is owned by the businessman Víctor Petermann, who bought it in the 1990s during the land sale program of Chile's Pinochet dictatorship.

Flora and fauna

South Andean deer were reintroduced to the reserve in 2005. Guanacos (something that resembles a llama) have also been re-introduced. Pumas inhabit the area.

Get in

It's complicated. Basically, get to the town of Panguipulli. There are transfers available from Santiago. See their website.

Sleep

Accommodation ranges from fancy hotels to hostels to well-equipped campsites.