Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Futaleufu, Chile

A Fond Farewell to Futaleufu

As our two-week adventure in Futaleufu draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of contentment and a touch of melancholy. This trip with Lena has been nothing short of extraordinary, a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene moments immersed in nature's embrace. Today, on our final day, we decided to soak in the last bits of Futaleufu's charm, revisiting some of our favorite spots and discovering new hidden gems.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Huilque. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of local pastries filled the air as we stepped inside. Cami and Seba, the owners, welcomed us with warm smiles, making us feel right at home. I opted for a strong espresso, while Lena chose a latte, and we shared a plate of *sopaipillas* with *pebre*, a traditional Chilean treat. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our day of exploration.


Discover Café Huilque in Futaleufú: A cozy espresso bar offering exceptional brews and a tranquil atmosphere amidst stunning landscapes.
With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off towards Sector Rural El Espolón. The drive itself was a scenic delight, with the Patagonian landscape unfolding before us in all its glory. Rolling hills, dotted with grazing sheep and colorful wildflowers, stretched as far as the eye could see. As we approached the lake, the views became even more dramatic, with snow-capped mountains towering in the distance. El Espolón is a valley carved by glaciers that you can access through a barge. The name Espolon comes from the shape of a ship's spur when viewed from above.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and adventure opportunities at Sector Rural El Espolón, a hidden gem in Los Lagos, Chile.
We decided to take a leisurely hike along the river, breathing in the crisp, clean air and marveling at the untouched beauty of our surroundings. The Espolon River is the main tributary of the Futaleufu River. The area is known for its rural tourism, offering lodging, cabins, camping, and traditional meals. I couldn't resist snapping photos of Lena as she posed against the backdrop of the turquoise waters and lush greenery. It's moments like these that make our travels so special, creating memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime. I was reminded of our hikes in the Harz Mountains back in Germany, but this was a different level of raw, untamed beauty.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to the Presa Futaleufú, a hydroelectric dam that harnesses the power of the Futaleufu River. Built between 1971 and 1978, the dam provides electricity to an aluminum plant in Puerto Madryn. The dam is located 45 kilometers from Esquel. As we approached the dam, its sheer size and scale were truly impressive. The dam is 120 meters high and 600 meters long. We learned about its construction and its role in providing electricity to the region. The lake created by the dam is called Amutui Quimey, which means Lost Beauty in Mapuche. While the dam itself is a marvel of engineering, it was impossible to ignore the environmental impact it has had on the surrounding landscape. It's a stark reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation.


Explore the breathtaking Presa Futaleufú in Chubut Province, Argentina - a stunning destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
After a morning of exploration, our stomachs started to rumble, so we headed to SurAndes Futaleufú for lunch. I had heard great things about their sushi, so I decided to give it a try. Lena, on the other hand, opted for a traditional Chilean dish, *cazuela*, a hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and potatoes. Both meals were delicious, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made our dining experience even more enjoyable. I made a mental note to try and recreate the *cazuela* back home in Berlin – a taste of Chile to warm us during the cold winter months.


Experience exquisite local cuisine with stunning views at SurAndes Futaleufú - where every meal is a celebration of Chile's culinary heritage.
With the afternoon sun casting long shadows, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Jeremax. The shop was a treasure trove of local crafts, souvenirs, and artisanal products. Lena, with her keen eye for design, spent ages browsing the shelves, while I admired the intricate woodwork and colorful textiles. We ended up buying a few small gifts for our friends and family back home, tokens of our adventure in Futaleufu. I also picked up a beautifully crafted wooden bowl for myself, a reminder of the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality we encountered here.


Discover unique artisan products and local crafts at Jeremax, the heart of Futaleufú's shopping experience, where culture and craftsmanship meet.
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Restobar El Patagón for our final dinner in Futaleufu. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting ambiance, with soft lighting and rustic décor. The reviews of the place were quite good, so we were excited to try it out. We shared a plate of *empanadas*, savory pastries filled with meat and cheese, and sipped on local craft beer. For our main courses, I chose the grilled salmon, while Lena went for the *lomo a lo pobre*, a traditional Chilean steak dish topped with fried eggs and onions. The food was absolutely divine, a perfect combination of flavors and textures. As we savored each bite, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip – the thrill of white-water rafting, the serenity of hiking through ancient forests, and the warmth of the local people.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restobar El Patagón in Futaleufú - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Tomorrow marks the end of our journey here in Chile. It's hard to believe that two weeks have flown by so quickly. As we prepare to leave this enchanting corner of the world, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've shared and the memories we've created. Futaleufu has captured a piece of our hearts, and I know we'll be back someday to explore more of its hidden wonders. For now, it's time to bid farewell to this magical place and embark on our journey back home, carrying with us the spirit of adventure and the warmth of Chilean hospitality.

As I reflect on our time here, I realize that the true essence of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in connecting with the people and cultures that make each destination unique. Futaleufu has taught me the importance of slowing down, appreciating the simple things in life, and embracing the unexpected. It's a lesson I'll carry with me long after we've left its shores. And as we look ahead to future adventures, I know that the spirit of Futaleufu will continue to inspire us to explore, discover, and connect with the world around us.