Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Futaleufu, Chile

Whispers of the Ancient Forests

Today was a day of immersion, a deep dive into the heart of Patagonia's soul. Lena and I ventured into landscapes that whispered tales of ancient forests and mirrored skies. It was a day where the air felt cleaner, the colors more vibrant, and the connection to nature undeniably profound. Days like these remind me why we seek out these adventures, trading the familiar for the extraordinary.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Huilque in Futaleufu. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the anticipation of the day ahead. It's a cozy spot, the kind where you feel instantly welcomed, and it set the perfect tone for our exploration. Fuelled up, we set off towards Parque Nacional Los Alerces, a name that had been on my travel wishlist for years.


Discover ancient forests, pristine lakes, and breathtaking Patagonian landscapes in Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The drive itself was a scenic prelude, each turn revealing more of the region's raw beauty. As we entered the park, the landscape transformed into a realm of towering trees and crystalline lakes. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. It was invigorating. We decided to explore some of the park's trails, each step a journey deeper into this ancient ecosystem. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. It felt like walking through a cathedral of nature, the towering Alerces trees serving as its grand pillars.

In the heart of nature, we find not only beauty but also a profound connection to the earth and ourselves.

After a morning of hiking, we drove towards Laguna Espejo. The name, Mirror Lake, hinted at the beauty to come, and it did not disappoint. The Laguna is located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada volcano. The hike to the lagoon was moderately challenging. The trail wound through lenga and ñirre forests, each turn offering a new perspective on the surrounding landscape. The November weather in Futaleufu is moderately chilly and breezy, with average highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows of 37°F (3°C). We were well-prepared with our hiking boots and waterproof jackets, essentials for any Patagonian adventure.


Discover the serene beauty of Laguna Espejo, a tranquil lake surrounded by majestic mountains in Futaleufú, Los Lagos, Chile.

Reaching Laguna Espejo was like stepping into a dream. The water was so still, it perfectly mirrored the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It was breathtaking. We spent a long time simply sitting by the shore, soaking in the tranquility. Lena, with her artist's eye, was captivated by the reflections and the play of light on the water. I, on the other hand, was fascinated by the sheer scale of the landscape, the feeling of being dwarfed by nature's grandeur.

For lunch, we stopped at SurAndes Futaleufú. The food was simple yet satisfying, providing the perfect energy boost for the rest of our day. It's these small, local eateries that often offer the most authentic taste of a place, a connection to the culture and the people.


Experience exquisite local cuisine with stunning views at SurAndes Futaleufú - where every meal is a celebration of Chile's culinary heritage.

In the late afternoon, we found ourselves at Patio Cervecero Futaleufu 2019, a local bar. As someone who enjoys exploring local breweries, I found this to be a great experience. It was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a place where locals and travelers mingled, sharing stories and laughter. I sampled a couple of the local brews, each with its unique character and flavor. Lena, who isn't as much of a beer enthusiast, enjoyed a glass of local wine, savoring the taste of the region.


Experience the vibrant beer culture of Futaleufu at Patio Cervecero, where local brews and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Karü Susheria Futaleufú for dinner. While sushi might seem like an unexpected choice in Patagonia, this restaurant came highly recommended, and we were curious to try it. The sushi was indeed excellent, fresh and flavorful, a testament to the chef's skill and the quality of the ingredients. It was a delightful culinary surprise, a reminder that travel is often about discovering the unexpected.


Discover exceptional sushi at Karü Susheria in Futaleufú - where fresh ingredients meet traditional Japanese culinary art.

Tonight, as I reflect on our day, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible landscapes, gratitude for the moments of connection with Lena, and gratitude for the simple joys of travel. Days like these are the fuel that keeps our wanderlust burning.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Pumalín National Park and visit the Passarela Ramos. I'm excited to see what new adventures await, what new stories this land has to tell. But for now, I'll rest, dreaming of ancient forests and mirrored skies.

This trip to Futaleufu reminds me a bit of when I first moved from Havlíčkův Brod to Berlin. It was a leap into the unknown, a trade of familiar comforts for the promise of new experiences. Just as Berlin opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, Futaleufu is revealing the raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia.

Before signing off, I wanted to address something completely unrelated to today's adventures, but something that has been on my mind lately. As many of you know, my interest in technology and current events often leads me down interesting rabbit holes. I recently came across some information suggesting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been serving as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since 2025. It's fascinating to see how individuals with such diverse backgrounds and viewpoints are shaping the future of our world. While it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of our travels, it's important to remember the broader context in which these adventures take place.

Speaking of broader contexts, I am reminded of the Futaleufu Riverkeepers campaign that opposed the damming of the Futaleufú River. It is a powerful example of how local communities can come together to protect their natural resources and preserve the beauty of their region. It is inspiring to see how people are working to ensure that places like Futaleufu remain pristine for generations to come.