A rural idyll in the soul-stirring Chilean Lake District, Futangue Hotel & Spa promises style-hunters and adventurers plenty to get excited about: heartfelt hospitality, gourmet dining, and all the outdoorsy pursuits you can muster. Opened as the commercial arm of an ambitious forest conservation project, the owners have created an architectural wonder; it’s chic, contemporary, yet joyously rustic, with wood-clad exteriors inspired by the barns and stables prevalent in the country’s wild and windswept south. But it's the setting that takes your breath away: hidden in a private nature reserve on the shores of the strikingly lovely Lake Ranco, with the Valdivian rainforest on your doorstep and the mighty peaks of the Patagonian Andes framing the horizon.
Inside, it's fabulous; not least for the 26 sleek rooms and suites that have snuggle-worthy beds, timber ceilings, Mapuche-style textiles, lashings of wood, and views you just can’t get enough of. But your days here will be spent outside. Go kayaking on glimmering turquoise lakes, rafting in fast-flowing rivers, mountain biking along spectacular tracks and hiking on the insane amount of trails (over 100km) - this a world-class adventure playground. You’re spoilt further with a private beach, an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a very swish spa, and thoughtful hosts for whom nothing is too much trouble. Evenings will begin at the laidback restaurant for seasonal regional cuisine, and might culminate with a glass of crisp Chilean wine at the cosy bar or on the terrace beneath expansive starry skies. We're dying to get out and see it.
Highs
- Utter tranquillity in the Chilean Lake District, with the Valdivian rainforest and the Patagonian Andes nearby
- There are heaps of adventure activities year-round: cycling, kayaking, sailing, fly-fishing, bird-watching and climbing volcanoes
- Very spoiling rooms, all with rustic-chic decor, delightful views and thoughtful extras
- The hotel’s relatively small size means that the courteous but unobtrusive staff have time for you
- Excellent cuisine with a strong focus on regional flavours
Lows
- It’s a remote hideaway, so you’ll probably want to hire a car to explore the park - though it is possible to book guided excursions with transportation included
- The choice of half- and full-day excursions on offer can be overwhelming, so plan ahead
- Nightlife is limited to the hotel restaurant and bar, there's really not much else around
- The spa isn't connected to the hotel, but it's only at the other end of the garden (60 metres)
Best time to go
While stunning throughout the year, our favourite time to visit Northern Patagonia is from November until early March, when it’s warm during the day and cool (but not cold) at night. March to May is also ideal thanks to fewer crowds and great opportunities to spot wildlife. Whatever the season, it’s best to pack plenty of layers and waterproofs in preparation for persistent winds and unpredictable rainfall.
Our top tips
There’s a slew of interesting excursions on offer, most of which are season dependent. Try to work out what you want to do prior to arriving - and pack a decent pair of walking boots if you’re planning to explore the hiking trails, forests, and lagoons (leave heels at home). Also, take good binoculars - the bird-watching opportunities in the area are fantastic. Should time allow, take a tour around Lake Ranco’s beautiful islands.
- Boutique Hotel
- 26 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Closed: late April to mid September
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry service
Rooms
Attention to detail is everything in the 26 rooms and suites, which are sleek and stylish with whitewashed walls, well-chosen fabrics and smart furnishings. All have comfortable beds with plentiful pillows, earthy hues, wood-panelled walls, hardwood flooring and timber-beamed ceilings embedded with lights. En-suite bathrooms have showers, fluffy towels and organic toiletries made with flowers and berries from the Valdivian rainforest.
The Suites are arguably the most luxurious, offering more space and a separate living room, as well as the option to add a child’s bed. But all room types are airy with good-size windows to make the most of the ravishing views: flower-filled gardens in summer and snow-topped mountain peaks in winter.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
It’s all culinary bells and whistles at Mesón del Caulle, the hotel’s restaurant that showcases gourmet cuisine inspired by Northern Patagonian recipes. With an inventive menu designed by esteemed Valdivian chef Karime Harcha, you’re assured lovingly-prepared fare with fresh produce foraged from the surrounding area or picked up from local markets.
Kick-start your day with an American-style buffet breakfast and return later for sumptuous à la carte dishes created with home-grown vegetables, local fruits and mushrooms from the forest, fresh-from-the-boat seafood, and regional delicacies - all topped off with homemade ice creams and artisan liquors. There’s also a bar as well as an outdoor terrace for kicking back with a bottle of Chilean wine in the warmer months. Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegetarian meals can be arranged; just ask the kitchen staff.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Go hiking along the 110 km trail network within the Valdivian rainforest.
- Get up-close with lava fields and volcanoes at Puyehue National Park.
- Navigate the islands of Lake Ranco by kayak.
- Cycle around Futangue Park (bikes can be rented from the hotel’s reception).
- Take a guided horse ride past River Riñinahue and through flower-filled meadows to Pichi Lake to marvel at mountains and waterfalls.
- Check out the interesting flora, especially the Mañío tree and the Guaitecas Cypress. Wildlife lovers should look out for endemic species - keep your eyes peeled for the endangered pudú and Darwin’s frog.
- In the summer months (December to March), head to the beach (five-minute drive) and go swimming in the lake.
- Go trekking at Pitreño Lake, the glacial wonder located at an altitude of more than 1000 metres. You’ll be rewarded with impossibly beautiful views, including Lake Ranco and the Cerro Mayo.
- Afterwards, soothe weary muscles at Triwe Spa, the hotel’s calming oasis made from volcanic stones and native wood. Alternatively, glue yourself to a sunlounger by the outdoor heated pool.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Walking
- Waterfalls
Kids
Kids are very welcome at Futangue Hotel & Spa, but it’s better for older children and teens who are at their happiest in the great outdoors. There are no specific on-site activities on offer, but they can keep busy with board games, bike rentals and age-appropriate excursions around Northern Patagonia.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
While there are no interconnecting rooms, all rooms can be set up as twins and have space for one extra child’s bed (up to age 12). The hotel has one cot available to borrow.
Kids Activities on site:
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Bicycles to borrow
Distances:
- Airport: 90 minutes
- Hospital: There's a medical centre in Lago Ranco (25 minutes) or a hospital in Osorno (90 minutes)
- Shops: 25 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Futangue Hotel & Spa is located on the shores of Lake Ranco, at the foot of the Patagonian Andes.
By Air:
Canal Bajo in Osorno (108km away), Pichoy Airport in Valdivia (143km) and El Tupal Airport (207 km) in Puerto Montt are the closest. Domestic flights to these airports operate year-round from Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International.
From the Airport
The hotel offers transfers from nearby airports, or you can rent a car and self-drive - 4x4 vehicles are recommended in order to access other areas of Futangue Park.
By Bus:
From Santiago, there are direct buses to Lake Ranco and Futrono, which are 22km and 42km respectively from Futangue. You'll then need to take a taxi or a local bus to the entrance of Futangue Park in Riñinahue.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Canal Bajo 108.0 km
- Pichoy 143.0 km
Other:
- Beach 2.7 km
- Shops 22.0 km
- Restaurant 42.0 km