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Puyuhuapi Lodge

On the shores of the emerald Puyuhuapi Fjord, looking out over snow capped granite peaks, sits the historic Puyuhuapi Lodge surrounded by thick temperate rainforest with its collection of natural thermal pools. Accessible only by boat, as you approach you feel like you have reached somewhere very remote.

Why we like this lodge

This hotel makes a great base to day hike in the northern part of the Queulat National Park with its thick forests, hanging glaciers, milky glacial lakes and raging rivers. The hotel offers a regular boat service throughout the day which makes the possibility of using it as a base really easy.
With natural thermal waters flowing down to the fjord's shore and surrounded by rainforest, the steaming water in the thermal pools couldn't be more natural or fresh.
Although a little dated in places, the Puyuhuapi Lodge has a real charm to it, adding to the history of this pioneering region.

Things to do

Thermal Pools

Everything about the hotel is based on thermal water - even the water coming through your shower is thermal water! The hotel houses both an indoor and outdoor spa area with a variety of different pools of varying temperatures, all heated by natural thermal waters. The thermal waters originate from the Melimoyu Volcano and four smaller volcanoes located between the lodge and the port of Puyuhuapi.

There are three outdoor pools in total, a fresh water shower (it’s freezing) and also a platform so you can jump into the fjord for a cool off. Two of the outdoor pools, although a little rustic, sit right on the fjord and have incredible views out onto the mountains of the Queulat National Park. The third pool sits right in the forest. The indoor spa facilities have a large pool, two jacuzzis and spa facilities.

After an active day out hiking or fishing, there is no better way to unwind than with a soak in the hot thermal water.

Hiking

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.

Kayaking

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.

Swoop says

If you are looking for a place in your itinerary to have a rest day or just pause for the day to take it all in, this is the perfect location with its thermal pools, decking and relaxed atmosphere.

About this lodge

Location

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.

Cuisine

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.

Peter says

The outdoor thermal pools are open 24 hours a day so after dinner, at about 11pm, I went to have my last soak of the day. As I eased myself into the steaming hot waters I looked up to see the most incredible carpet of stars I think I have ever seen - it doesn't get much better than that.

Peter StanleyJones Patagonia Specialist

Rooms and Rates

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.

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