Situated 56 kilometers (35 mi) from Panguipulli in the Tenth Region of the Lakes lies the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve. Huilo-Huilo can be found near the entrance to the Chilean Patagonia in the middle of the Temperate Humid Forest in the south of Chile. One part natural reserve and ecotourism project, and another part tourist attraction and housing development (although the lots cover less than one percent of the total project), Huilo-Huilo is situated on 60,000 hectares (144,000 acres) of land.

The reserve was created in 1999 by the Huilo-Huilo Foundation. The 250 kilometers (156 mi) of trails through the reserve reveal hundreds of tree and animal species as well as the Fuy, Enco, and Pirihueico Rivers, and numerous springs and lagoons.

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007, the main attractions are the Huilo-Huilo Falls, the hot springs, the longest zip line system in South America, year-round skiing on the Mocho Volcano as well as the Pudu pudu, which is the world's smallest deer, weighing around 10 kg (22 lbs.).

After a day spent enjoying the natural flora and fauna of the reserve, stop by the café, located near the Saltos del Huilo-Huilo. At night, the Magic Mountain Hotel, a mountain-shaped building with a waterfall cascading down one side, is one of the most unique accommodations in Chile. Boasting a spa, mini-golf course, hot tubs made out of giant tree trunks, WiFi and restaurant, this 13-room hotel is a luxurious (albeit not cheap) way to spend a night in the forest. Located on Km. 60 Panguipulli International Road, Puerto Fuy, Tel: 63 1972651 - 63 1972681, E-mail: info@huilohuilo.cl, URL: www.huilohuilo.cl.

An even more expensive option is the Baobab Hotel which requires reservations for a minimum of three days, priced between $809-1722. Created in 2007 in the shape of a tree and built around a Baobab tree which is still standing in the center, the Baobab Hotel has many of the amenities of the Magic Mountain Hotel; sauna, mini golf, hot tubs, but also offers an open bar, daily excursions, free entrance to the Huilo Huilo Waterfalls, El Puma and La Leona, and the Path of the Spirits as well as transfers to the Temuco Airport. Located next to the Magica Mountain Hotel. Tel: 56-2- 3355938 /3344566, E-mail: reservas@huilohuilo.cl, URL: www.huilohuilo.com.

National Park

By Michelle Lillie

I am currently living on my fourth continent. I think that backpacks are one of the greatest inventions of all times. I adhere to the idea that if...

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