Futangue Park: The great treasure of Northern Patagonia
In the Huilliche language, Futangue means "large canyon." Evoking the grandeur of its name, Futangue Park has established itself as the great treasure of Northern Patagonia , a jewel worth discovering in the Patagonian Andes.
The popularity of this majestic natural paradise has grown immensely among travelers, adventurers, and trekking and hiking enthusiasts , who seek to witness the snowfalls in the majestic forests of the place during the winter months and landscapes that dazzle in every corner, in every valley, in every waterfall.
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Futangue Park so you can choose it as your next travel destination.
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Located on the iconic Lake District, which stretches from Pucón to Puerto Varas, Futangue offers a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as first-class services in hotel, spa and gastronomy .
Location
The park is located in Northern Patagonia at 40 degrees south latitude , in the foothills of the Andes near Lago Ranco, in the Los Ríos Region. The hotel, meanwhile, is situated opposite the main entrance to the reserve, in the tranquil Riñinahue Valley, at kilometer 22 of Route T-85. The altitude of the area ranges from 90 to 1,600 meters above sea level.
You can see the location on Google Maps at this link .
Futangue Hotel & Spa
Staying at Futangue Hotel & Spa is synonymous with comfort, a sanctuary of native wood, and breathtaking panoramic views. With an architectural style that pays homage to local traditions , it blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Every space in the hotel tells a story of Chile's rich culture, and you'll find decorative details inspired by Mapuche craftsmanship.
With 16 rooms designed for maximum comfort, this hotel is the ideal starting point for your daily adventures and the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Casa Exploradores , just steps from the main hotel, offers 10 cozy rooms and breathtaking views of the Rupumeica Towers. This family-friendly retreat combines the tranquility of nature with all modern comforts.
The hotel boasts its restaurant , "El Mesón del Caulle," where you can savor authentic Patagonian flavors. You'll also find a spa where the healing power of nature is the guiding principle.
Things to do in Futangue Park
Besides its natural beauty, Futangue is part of the stunning Valdivian rainforest, a temperate cloud forest that harbors unique biodiversity. This natural sanctuary of flora and fauna is a treasure that deserves to be explored and protected .
With over 100 kilometers of trails winding through valleys and ancient forests, this park invites you to immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of the Valdivian rainforest. Furthermore, its privileged location on the shores of the majestic Lake Ranco and near Puyehue National Park captivates trekking and water sports enthusiasts with its unparalleled landscapes and mystical atmosphere .
From exhilarating snowshoeing excursions in winter to captivating fly fishing in spring , Futangue offers a wide range of activities to suit every visitor's desires. Whether exploring snow-covered forests, photographing the explosion of autumn colors, or conquering the heights of the mountain range in summer , every season in Futangue promises unforgettable adventures.
How to get to Futangue Park
If you're eager to explore the wonderful beauty of Futangue Park in Chile, it's essential to know the various options for getting to this enchanting destination .
By plane: For those who prefer to travel by plane, commercial airlines offer year-round service to several airports near Futangue Park. These include:
- Cañal Bajo in Osorno (108 km away).
- Pichoy Airport in Valdivia (143 km away).
- The Tepual in Puerto Montt (207 km away).
Once you arrive at one of these airports, you can travel by private vehicle, shuttle, or bus to the town of Lago Ranco. From there, take Route T-85 towards the town of Riñinahue, until kilometer 22 where the main entrance to the park is located.
By bus: From Santiago, there are direct bus services to the towns of Lago Ranco and Futrono, located just 22 and 42 km from Futangue, respectively. Taxis and public transportation are available in these towns and will take you directly to the park entrance in Riñinahue.
By car: There are well-marked routes from the north and south of Chile that will take you to Futangue Park.
- From the north, take Route 5 South and follow the signs to Reumén at km 858. Then, head towards Futrono and continue towards Riñinahue.
- From the south, take Route 5 South and continue to the Tambores intersection at km 889. Then, continue towards Río Bueno and take Route T-85 towards Lago Ranco, then to Riñinahue.
Weather in Futangue Park
With a temperate, rainy climate , this region offers a variety of weather conditions that can affect your experience. It's important to be well-equipped with warm and appropriate clothing to cope with the cold.
Annual rainfall here is significant, reaching nearly 4,000 mm. Rainfall is most frequent between March and November , meaning you're likely to encounter cloudy skies and a few drops of rain during your visit in these months. During the winter months, between June and September, snowfall is common above 1,000 meters .
In summer, temperatures range from 8 to 30 degrees Celsius , providing warm, sunny days ideal for exploring the surrounding nature. In winter, temperatures can drop considerably, with lows reaching between -4 and 4 degrees Celsius .
In Futangue, the adventure never ends, and the beauty of the Patagonian Andes awaits your discovery. Are you ready to embark on this unforgettable journey?
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