Huilo Huilo is a 100,000-hectare private biological reserve of Valdivian rainforest in the Andes of Panguipulli, in Chile's Los Ríos Region, known for its waterfalls and for forest-shaped hotels such as Montaña Mágica and Nothofagus. It is in the Neltume area, at kilometre 55 of Route CH-203, just over an hour from Panguipulli, according to Chile.travel, the country's official promotion site.
The reserve is run by a private tourism and conservation project, and the Huilo Huilo Foundation works to protect the temperate rainforest and on scientific and educational programmes with neighbouring communities. Among the species it protects is the huemul, the endangered south Andean deer.
Huilo Huilo at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Neltume, municipality of Panguipulli, Los Ríos Region |
| Address | International Route CH-203, km 55 |
| Area | 100,000 hectares of Valdivian rainforest (Chile.travel) |
| Attractions | Huilo Huilo and El Puma waterfalls, trails, hot springs and the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano |
| Hotels | Nothofagus, Montaña Mágica, Reino Fungi and Nawelpi Lodge, plus cabins, Canopy Village and camping |
| Tickets and tours | Sold at turismohuilohuilo.com |
Sources: Huilo Huilo and Chile.travel, accessed October 22, 2026. The reserve was advertising 30% off the Rañintulelfu hot springs and self-guided tours in October and November.
What to do in Huilo Huilo
- Huilo Huilo waterfall: the reserve's most famous waterfall, dropping into a pool between moss-covered walls of volcanic rock.
- El Puma waterfall: another waterfall reached by interpretive trails through the forest.
- Self-guided routes: the reserve has trails through themed "portals" that you walk on your own.
- Hot springs: the Rañintulelfu hot springs and other spa options inside the reserve.
- Food: signature-cuisine restaurants in the hotels.
- Adventure: zip-lines, excursions and, in winter, snow on the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano.
The Valdivian rainforest is a temperate rainforest, with trees such as coigüe, raulí and mañío, and a dense understorey of ferns, quila bamboo and moss. It rains much of the year, so bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip even if the forecast is good. The main trails are short and family-friendly; longer excursions are done with a guide.
The hotels of Huilo Huilo
The architecture is part of the trip. Hotel Montaña Mágica is a cone covered in vegetation with water running down it, and Nothofagus is built around a central trunk that imitates a tree. There are options for different budgets:
| Type of accommodation | Options in the reserve |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Nothofagus, Montaña Mágica, Reino Fungi and Nawelpi Lodge |
| Cabins and apartments | Cabañas del Bosque and Club Huillín |
| Budget options | Canopy Village (raised shelters) and camping |
Source: huilohuilo.com, October 22, 2026. Prices depend on the season and are quoted on the reserve's website; Chile.travel recommends booking ahead because of high demand.
Is your hotel, cabin or tour operator in the Panguipulli area? Reach travellers planning the south.
See advertising optionsHow to get to the reserve
| From | How | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|
| Panguipulli | Car or local bus to Neltume, along the lake | 55 km, just over 1 hour |
| Pichoy airfield (Valdivia) | Transfer or rental car | 140 km |
| La Araucanía airport (Temuco) | Transfer or rental car | 160 km |
Source: Chile.travel. On the road from Panguipulli you can see the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano. Huilo Huilo also lists access by bus, ferry and helipad. From Valdivia, combine the trip with our guide on what to do in Valdivia.
What to see near Huilo Huilo
| Place | What it is | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Mocho-Choshuenco volcano | Snow-capped volcano facing Route CH-203 | Views from the road and snow in winter |
| Lake Panguipulli | One of the seven lakes of the area | Beaches and towns on the shore |
| Lake Pirihueico | Narrow lake between mountains, east of the reserve | Forest scenery and route to Argentina |
| Valdivia | Regional capital | Rivers, Spanish forts and craft beer |
Huilo Huilo sits halfway between the lake areas of Araucanía and Los Ríos, so it works well as a two- or three-night stop on a longer trip through the south. For the beer and rivers of the regional capital, see the southern Chile beer route.
When to go to Neltume
- Spring and summer (September to March): the best conditions for trails and outdoor activities.
- Autumn: forest colours and waterfalls with more water.
- Winter: the landscape is covered in snow, a different experience; mountain roads may require chains.
Huilo Huilo fits into a route through the southern lakes. From there you can continue to the Seven Lakes route, to Pucón or to the southern hot springs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Huilo Huilo?
In Neltume, municipality of Panguipulli, Los Ríos Region, at kilometre 55 of Route CH-203.
Can you visit Huilo Huilo on a day trip?
Yes. The reserve offers day visits and self-guided routes, sold at turismohuilohuilo.com.
What is the most famous hotel in Huilo Huilo?
Hotel Montaña Mágica, a cone-shaped building covered in vegetation with a waterfall running down it.
