Gypsetters and fellow travelers, when your next journey takes you to Southern Chile, you must make a stop at The Montaña Mágica Lodge (Magic Mountain Lodge), on the Huilo Huilo biological reserve in Neltume. The Huilo Huilo reserve is a 300,000 acre UNESCO nature reserve. This über secluded hotel is truly one of a kind. The building itself is a sigh to see– it sort of looks like a volcano or mountain, covered with all different types of vegetation. Almost psychedelic in an Alice in Wonderland kind of way.
The “volcano” erupts daily, sending water cascading down the sides of the building; and curtained windows peek out from the growth in a semi-random pattern.
There are 13 different rooms in the lodge. There are standard rooms and suites. The standard rooms are approximately 10m x 2m and offer a private bathroom and 2 twin beds or a queen size bed (maximum of 2 guests per room). These rooms are located in the middle section of the hotel. The suites are approximately 15m x 2m and also provide a private bathroom, in addition to being constructed and decorated with native woods. The large rooms have a private bathroom with a tub and are available with twin beds or a queen size bed (maximum of 2 guests per room). Room rates range from around $235 per night up to $410 per night. For more information on booking, click HERE.
With your room rate, you receive a daily breakfast buffet and welcome cocktail. You will also have access to the spa, jacuzzis, steam room, and sauna. Additionally, you can take self-guided tours of the Salto la leona, Sendero de los Espírítus, Visita de Criaderos de Ciervos y Jabalíes, and the Salto Huilo Huilo.
Not only is the lodge itself super cool, but it offers unbelievable activities. You will get your first sense of adventure when you cross the monkey bridge to access the lodge! After a long day of hiking to view beautiful scenery and wildlife (including pudú – the world’s smallest deer at only 13 inches!), you can soak in a hot tub made from a hollowed out tree trunk. You might even catch a glimpse of the adorable puma from your hot tub.
If you are feeling adventurous, how about a ride 1,500 feet up on the longest zip line (canopy) in South America? If you prefer to be grounded, , you can go for a horseback ride, fly fish, mountain bike, hike, or even ski. If you are gypsetting with kids there is miniature golf, in which the holes are constructed amongst the natural terrain.
Check out El Mesón del Bosque for some great Chilean cuisine after your outdoor excursion. You can enjoy a fantastic wine list and Southern Chilean specialties including pastel de papas (potato tart). You can dine at the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and tea.
The Montaña Mágica Lodge is a must-stay if you are traveling through Chile. There is no doubt you will have an unforgettable experience bunking in a the rain forest!
