CASA LUDWIG

Bed & Breakfast

Puyuhuapi - Patagonia - Chile

AREA ATTRACTIONS

The Carretera Austral runs for many kilometres along the sea in this part of the Aysen Region. That is quite unique for an inland road! Puyuhuapi is sandwiched between the sea and a large, pristine lake just 6 km to the north. Rivers and creeks, waiting to be enjoyed, flow nearby.

During your stay in Puyuhuapi, you may experience warm days with intense sunlight - perfect for a dip in the ocean. With or without sunshine, several hot springs hidden in the area are worth a visit. You can take a boat trip, fish in the surrounding rivers and Lake Risopatrón, hike in Queulat National Park, or explore local trails along the valley. Patagonia also offers plenty for enthusiastic birdwatchers.

In town, you must visit the traditional carpet factory with its brightly dyed yarns, skilled craftspersons, and intriguing designs.

From Casa Ludwig, you can enjoy the view of the Puyuhuapi fjord. From time to time dolphins and seals frolic in the bay within sight of our house.

At the end of the day, or if you don't like the weather, relax in our beautiful living room, check out our library, or drop in at one of the local restaurants and try a Pisco Sour, Chile's national drink.

Since the majority of the visitors to this area travel between Chaitén and Coyhaique, we have included some suggestions of other points of interest along the way.

HIKING IN THE QUEULAT PARK

A number of established trails run through the park, and it is best to stick to them; the thick wall of vegetation made up of quila (bamboo), chilco (wild fuchsia) and ferns that surrounds the forest make it almost impassable without a machete.

The following points of interests in the vicinity of Puyuhuapi are highly recommended:

Puma Lagoon
Depart from the Angostura camp grounds on Lake Risopatrón, approximately 13 km north of town. Although the climb is not dangerous, there is a steep incline over 3-4 hours. Pass through various zones of absolutely virgin vegetation bamboo barrier strips, the high forest with its beautiful ferny undergrowth, flowers and bushes. Cross over bubbling mountain streams and natural grassy plains on your way to the Puma Lagoon, a beautiful and pristine lake with a small sandy beach.

Hanging Glacier
Twenty km south of Puyuhuapi, take the marked road leading toward the mountains. After 2.2 km, you will come to a forest ranger station and camping area. Three paths begin there. Take the first path for a short, 10-minute walk to a lookout with an impressive panoramic view of the glacier and the two torrential rivers that converge at the bottom of the ravine. Witness the glory of nature's brute strength here, where countless avalanches have left their mark along the edges of the valley.

The second trail leads you over a hanging bridge and across the river for a 20-minute walk to the edge of the glacial lagoon. There you can rent a boat (not always available) and go almost to the foot of the glacial moraine, where you will hear the roaring thunder of tremendous chunks of ice breaking loose and hurtling to the ground below.

Take the 1-2 hour hike up the third trail for a spectacular view of the mountains, the lagoon, and the glacier, from high above the lagoon.

Note: No regular transportation from Puyuhuapi to the Park is available. However, several local drivers offer transport in their vehicles, or you may rent a bicycle.

LOCAL HIKES
An interpretive hike in Puyuhuapi takes you to various points of interest throughout the village and along the seashore, up the river, and finally a little way up a mountain to a lookout where you will revel in a tremendous view of the town, the fjord, and the Andes mountains on other side of the valley.

Another hike leading from town is the former trail the settlers used to get to Lake Risopatrón. Historically, this trail, known as as the "Senda de los Colonos," was an important link in a much longer journey to the valleys further to the north, where other settlers' farms were located. The trail no longer reaches the lake, but the first few kilometres have been restored to offer an easy hike through forest and field, across tiny, rocky creeks - perfect for a picnic at a small waterfall you will see at the end of the trail.

FISHING

You can fish all along the rocky shoreline of Puyuhuapi Bay, put a hook in Lake Risopatrón, a or drive a short way to several rivers. Freshwater fish include rainbow and brown trout, atlantic, coho, and sea-run rainbow trout. In salt water, anglers commonly catch robalo, which can also be taken on flies in the river mouths. Personal fishing craft or float tubes can be used easily in Lake Risopatrón.

One of your hosts at Casa Ludwig, Jaime, is an avid fly fisher and fly tier. He has fished for may years in the local streams and throughout the region of Aysen. Jaime will gladly provide you with any information that may help you. Materials to tie flies are available at Casa Ludwig, and you are welcome to sit at the vise in our cosy living room and turn out a few!

CARPET FACTORY TOUR

Hand-made carpets of excellent quality have been produced in Puyuhuapi since 1945. One of the area's first colonists was a textile engineer who had the idea of returning to his old trade as a way of creating a source of income for the community (see History). The process is fascinating from start to finish - dyeing the wool, cutting, weaving, and finishing - and well worth a visit. The large, wooden looms are built on-site.

Note: As with many traditional crafts, the Puyuhuapi carpet factory is undergoing a transition process, and it could well be that you will not find it open next summer.

HOT SPRINGS

Puyuhuapi is part of the Melimoyu volcanic system, which provides the entire region with hot springs along the fjord's shoreline. Bathers are truly envigorated with the combination of thermal waters and seawater. The Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa (www.patagonia-connection.com ) has earned its excellent reputation by transforming a stream of boiling water descending through the forest into an elegant tourist complex. There is no land access to the complex, but boats regularly cross the bay from the highway.

The Termas del Ventisquero is Puyuhuapi's latest thermal development. Located 6 km south of Puyuhuapi on the Carretera Austral, the thermal pools are snuggled against the sea. With its lovely view of the bay and its cosy cafeteria, it is a good place to relax or recuperate after a long hike.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Guided horseback tours wind their way through beautiful scenery starting from El Pangue, 19 km north of Puyuhuapi. Tours last from 1-4 hours. After the ride, you can be refreshed in the heated swimming pool and eat at the restaurant.

BOAT TRIPS

Chucaoexpeditions, a new enterprise by two young Puyuhuapi men, offers boat trips, kayak and bicycle rental, plus guided tours to local attractions. On such a trip, you can take a soak at a secluded hotspring, watch dolphins and sea lions, catch a glimpse of the glaciers and hike along forest trails. (chucaoexpeditions@gmail.com)

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

North of Puyuhuapi

Pumalín Park: The largest private park in the world (320,000 hectares) begins approximately 30 km north of Chaitén. Caleta Gonzalo is already part of the park. Pumalín was created by the North American ecologist Douglas Tompkins, and standing among its ancient and giant alerces, tree similar to the California Redwoods, is an experience not to be missed.

Termas del Amarillo: These rustic and attractive hot springs are located 17 km south of Chaitén, toward the interior.

Yelcho Lake: The home of great fishing. Just a few kilometres south of Puerto Cárdenas, a path leads to the Cavi glacier (a gentle climb of approximately 3 hours).

Futaleufú River: A paradise for rafters and kayakers. The world's best paddlers congregate here every summer to practise their sport.

South of Puyuhuapi

Padre García Falls: In Queulat Park, at the foot of the mountain pass of the same name, in the middle of the forest, you will find this beautiful set of falls. Stairs descend 200 metres to an impressive view. Definitely worth the hike.

Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest): Also in Queulat Park, you cross over the magical Queulat Pass (500 metres above sea level) to see the many glaciers that cover the mountains. A marked path at km 170 leads 1.7 km uphill. The walk through the dense, virtually subtropical rain forest is absolutely unforgettable.

Río Cisnes: Offers excellent fishing.

Valle Emperador Guillermo (named after Kaiser Wilhelm by an early German explorer): View and ponder the great contrast between lush, natural forests and vast areas of land burned off for agricultural purposes some 50 years ago, resulting in a true ecological tragedy.

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The dawn in front of Casa Ludwig