Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Futaleufu, Chile

Tranquility on the Water

Today was a day of embracing the calmer side of Futaleufu, a welcome change of pace after the adrenaline-pumping activities of the past few days. Lena and I set out to explore the natural beauty surrounding this Patagonian gem, and it didn't disappoint. It’s days like these that remind me why we love to travel – the quiet moments of connection with nature and each other.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Once Once Restaurant. I opted for a traditional Chilean breakfast, while Lena enjoyed some delicious pastries. Fueled up and ready to go, we headed towards the Futaleufú River. While the river is known for its intense rapids, today we were content to simply admire its beauty from the banks. The turquoise waters, framed by lush green forests and towering granite walls, were a sight to behold. It's easy to see why this river is world-famous for rafting; the sheer power and beauty of the water are captivating.


Explore the breathtaking Futaleufú River, a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers in Chile's stunning Patagonia region.
We spent a good hour just watching the river flow, listening to the rushing water, and breathing in the fresh Patagonian air. It was incredibly peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling city life we left behind in Berlin. I took some photos, trying to capture the essence of the landscape, but no picture could truly do it justice. It's one of those places you have to experience to fully appreciate.

Next on our itinerary was Laguna Pinilla. The drive there was an adventure in itself, with winding roads offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Laguna Pinilla is a hidden gem, a serene lake nestled amidst the Patagonian wilderness. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding peaks like a mirror. We decided to take a leisurely walk around the lake, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. There were hardly any other people around, which made it feel like we had the whole place to ourselves.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Pinilla in Los Lagos, Chile, a serene lake ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments.

Lena, ever the artist, was particularly inspired by the landscape. She spent a lot of time sketching in her notebook, trying to capture the play of light on the water and the rugged beauty of the mountains. I, on the other hand, was content to simply wander and take in the scenery. We found a secluded spot by the lake and sat down for a while, just enjoying each other's company and the peaceful atmosphere. It was a perfect moment of connection, a reminder of why we love traveling together. Lena's ability to find inspiration in the simplest things always amazes me. It's one of the many reasons I love her.

For lunch, we ventured to La Picá de los Colonos, a local restaurant known for its traditional Chilean cuisine. I decided to try the *cazuela*, a hearty stew that was perfect for a chilly day. Lena opted for the *empanadas*, which were filled with a delicious mix of meat and vegetables. The food was simple but incredibly flavorful, a testament to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the cooks. We chatted with the owner, who was a friendly and welcoming woman. She told us about the history of the restaurant and the local community, giving us a glimpse into the Patagonian way of life.


Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at La Picá de los Colonos in Futaleufú – where tradition meets flavor.
After lunch, we decided to do a bit of shopping at El Taihuen. I was hoping to find a souvenir to take back home to Berlin, something that would remind me of our time in Futaleufu. El Taihuen had a great selection of local crafts and clothing. Lena found a beautiful hand-woven scarf, while I settled on a small wooden carving of a Patagonian landscape. It's a simple piece, but it perfectly captures the spirit of this place. I know it will look great on my desk back in Berlin, a reminder of our adventure.


Discover the unique fashion and culture of Patagonia at El Taihuen, the must-visit clothing store in Futaleufú, Los Lagos.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Antigua Casona Hotel - Restaurante Italiano for dinner. It might seem strange to eat Italian food in Patagonia, but this restaurant came highly recommended, and we were curious to try it. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a warm and rustic atmosphere. The owners were Italian, and they clearly took pride in their cuisine. We ordered homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza, and both were absolutely delicious. It was a delightful culinary experience, a reminder that great food can be found in the most unexpected places.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Antigua Casona Hotel - Restaurante Italiano in Futaleufú, where delightful flavors meet breathtaking scenery.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” - Aldous Huxley

During dinner, we talked about our plans for tomorrow. We're planning to visit Parque Nacional Los Alerces and Laguna Espejo. I'm particularly excited about seeing the ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. It's going to be another day of exploring the natural wonders of Patagonia, and I can't wait. Lena is already looking forward to photographing the crystal-clear waters of Laguna Espejo. We also plan to have breakfast at Café Huilque, lunch at SurAndes Futaleufú, and dinner at Karü Susheria Futaleufú. To cap off the day, we might visit Patio Cervecero Futaleufu 2019 for a drink. It sounds like a perfect way to end another day in paradise.

As I sit here writing this, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had today. Futaleufu has a way of slowing you down, of making you appreciate the simple things in life. It's a place where you can disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature and with each other. It's a place I know we'll never forget.

Before drifting off to sleep, I realized I still hadn’t gotten around to ordering a portable phone charger, or a travel pillow, two items I had forgotten to pack. I’ll need to add that to my list of things to do when we get back to Berlin. For now, I’m content to enjoy the peace and quiet of Patagonia. Goodnight from Futaleufu!

Tomorrow, we delve deeper into Patagonia's natural wonders with a trip to Parque Nacional Los Alerces, eager to witness the ancient Alerces trees and capture the serene beauty of Laguna Espejo. We plan to visit Parque Nacional Los Alerces and Laguna Espejo. I'm particularly excited about seeing the ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. It's going to be another day of exploring the natural wonders of Patagonia, and I can't wait. Lena is already looking forward to photographing the crystal-clear waters of Laguna Espejo. We also plan to have breakfast at Café Huilque, lunch at SurAndes Futaleufú, and dinner at Karü Susheria Futaleufú. To cap off the day, we might visit Patio Cervecero Futaleufu 2019 for a drink. It sounds like a perfect way to end another day in paradise.