Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

panguipulli, chile

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Eco Lodges

Since May 2013

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2007, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve’s over 100,000 hectares of temperate rainforest in Chile's Los Ríos region are a biodiversity hotspot, home to the endangered pudú (deer) and güiña (wildcat). The private natural reserve prioritizes conservation, community integration and a sustainable tourism offering.

With a reputation as a beacon of sustainable tourism in Chile, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve is a shining example of how conservation, community engagement and sustainable tourism can come together. Not only preserving a vast tract of temperate rainforest - where unique species like the pudú and güiña live - the reserve supports community development through education programmes, sustainable economic activities and cultural initiatives.

Visitors who stay at the reserve can discover Huilo Huilo’s diverse ecosystems through eco-friendly outings, and cultural activities which bring Chilean heritage to life.

CONSERVATION

Protecting 100,000 hectares of temperate rainforest, home to endangered species like the pudú and güiña.

Collaborative agreement with Lanín National Park and Rewilding Argentina to establish biological corridors, tourism activities, and park ranger knowledge exchange.

COMMUNITY

Providing educational programmes which have hosted over 2000 children.

Running inspiring entrepreneurship workshops, the latest attended by 80 artisans.

CULTURE

Promotes sustainable development through business sessions for small agriculture and artisans, healthcare provisions, inclusive sports and arts-and-music focussed cultural activities.

Maintains over 93 km of trails as part of Project Outdoor, a trails initiative which highlights the beauty of the seasons.

COMMERCE

Attracted 320,000 visitors in 2022.

Creates children's books, botanical and wildlife literature and calendars to promote ecotourism and the Patagonian rainforest.

Huilo Huilo Highlights

The geographical isolation of this region has allowed the development of coihues, raulies, ñirres, ulmos, chilcos, ferns, mosses, pudús, huemules, pumas, Darwin’s frogs, chucaos, black woodpeckers, and monitos del monte, among many other species.
In 100,000 hectares of Patagonian rainforest, lush nature that harbors an astonishing biological diversity, glacial lakes, and countless watercourses, with the largest number of fern species in mainland Chile and a significant number of threatened or endangered species.
The Annual Forest Festival, held by the Huilo Huilo Foundation in Neltume since 2011, is a celebration of the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This ancestral festivity marks the rebirth of forest creatures and the blooming of flowers, transforming the landscape as the sun illuminates the woods and fills everything with life. Each year, the festival features a parade of floats and a costume contest, adding vibrant, joyful activities to this significant seasonal transition.
During the winter season, you can go snowshoe trekking, descend Mocho Choshuenco on your snowboard, take ski routes, or relax in the hot springs.