FUTRONO

Land of smoke (Futronhue)

History

The commune of Futrono is 105 kilometers from the city of Valdivia, and hugs the northern shore of Lake Ranco. The sister town of Ranco is opposite the lake, and both towns rest within the base of the Andes Mountains in the Region of Rivers of Chile. Futrono’s local ancestral culture is a mixture of Mapuches-Huilliches, whom still live in the commune to this day. “Huilliche” (Ui-ji-che) means “Southern people” in Mapundungun (Ma-pu-dun-gun) (the language of the Mapuche people), and their culture lived a peaceful existence in harmony with nature which provided them with all the sustenance they needed. The Huilliche people were experts in foraging, hunting, fishing and animal husbandry, with a very poor development in the agricultural sector. These activities allowed them to live a majorly sedentary lifestyle, where they could focus on developing their culture principally in the arts (textiles and craftsmanship) and cuisine.

The Huilliches are geographically concentrated in lakes Maihue and Ranco, both located in the pre-mountain range of the Andes and connected through the Calcurrupe river. Consequently, each community started to be identified by the names given by the ancestral inhabitants of the land; In the Maihue sector: Maihue, Curriñe, Chabranco, Hueinahue, Rupumeica and Carrán; in the sector of Lake Ranco: Tringlo, Ranco, Huapi, Calcurrupe, Llifén, lllahuapi, Pocura, Riñinahue, Pitreño, llihue, Quillaico, Ignao and Pitriuco.

Ecotourism

In Futrono, one can enjoy the following activities:
• Canopy activities within nature.
• Trekking through natural trails.
• Horseback through natural trails.
• Recreational fishing and tourism, guests can also opt to fly fish! Among the main species that are abundant in the rivers in the area we can find Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Cold Trout (Salmo trutta fario), Perca Trucha (Percichthys trucha – an indigenous native species), and the Chilean Silverside (Odontesthes sp).

Coique Bay

The main beach of the commune, at 18 kilometers from the cabins (20 minutes away). It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Chile, with white sands and warm waters. There are available public parking spots, kiosks, bathrooms, and camping sites.

Furniture and artisanal craftsmanship

The area is known for its native wood, which has special characteristics due to their natural growing cycles. In the Patagonia, raulí, lingue, mañio, avellano, and laurel are among some of the most attractive species that can be found in abundance in the valleys close to Lake Ranco and Lake Maihue. Thanks to the abundant water in the region, these trees grow strong, many towering above in the native forest. For generations, local artisans have perfected their skills to create unforgettable mementos and beautiful furniture in honor of the many wood species that there use.

 LAKE MAIHUE

• Mapudungun: mai hue, «Drinking jar».

This breathtaking lake is located 138 kilometers southeast of the city of Valdivia, in Chile’s Region of Rivers. At only one hour and a half by car, this lake has an elongated shape covering 46 km², with many small hidden beaches dotting its shore luscious with indomitable pristine forests. The lake is of glacial origin, and is surrounded by the hills and mountains of the Andean mountain range. To the East, one will see towering white peaked mountains, while to the West one will see the opening of a narrow valley. And for the adventurers, Lake Huishue is 8.5 kilometers south, giving plenty of opportunity to explore nature. Lake Maihue has crystalline transparent water of a bluish-green hue, with average water temperature of 19.5°C in the summer, and 6.5°C in the winter. Guests at Cabañas Turismo Pewma can fully expect to visit and enjoy these breathtaking lakes.

LLIFEN

(To ignite on fire)

The town of Llifén is located at the riverbank of Lake Ranco, 20 kilometers away from Futrono. This mountainous community has approximately 2,000 inhabitants, and is lush in vegetation, bringing a deep sense of peace and tranquility. The town has bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, supermarkets, a municipal health center, a church, and the presence of many local artisans such as wool textile weavers and basketry artisans.

Visitors can also visit the following places:
– Beautiful Huequecura beach.
– Llifén’s port beach.
– The river and Calcurrupe beach.
– The Mapuche cooking house “Kume Yeal”.
– Sra. Rosita’s cooking house.

HUAPI ISLAND

Found in Chile’s Region of Rivers, Huapi Island sits at the northern part of Lake Ranco, and is the largest of the lake’s islands. It is home to approximate 900 people, and visiting the island is a true trip to the past. The area is of cultural national heritage to Chile, and is among one of the few places where it is still possible to find direct descendants from the Mapuche-Huilliche culture. The people are very proud of their origins, and are happy to share their customs, beliefs, local cuisine, craftsmanship, and stories of their past.

To get to the island visitors will need to take a one hour boat ride (municipal ferry) from the port of Futrono (14 kilometers from the cabins), towards the Island’s port. There, visitors will enjoy a ‘customary fair’ to taste an assortment of different ancestral recipes prepared by the locals as well as see the island’s craftsmanship. One of the main attractions in Huapi Island is the “Piedra Bruja” (Witch’s Stone), a place accessible by horse-drawn cart, horseback, or on foot.

Calcurrupe River

At only 2 kilometers from Llifén, Calcurrupe River is one of the most preferred places for passionate fly fishermen. Along its shores, aquatic activities are also practiced such as kayaking (single or double) and raft floating, starting from its origin in Lake Maihue until reaching the river’s mouth in Ranco. The River has a large range of local flora and fauna that is natural and enchanting.

 LAKE RANCO BASIN

A breathtaking destination surrounded by nature ideal for sports fishing and all manner of aquatic sports such as: swimming, sailing, boat voyages, and much more. The lake’s perimeter of 120 kilometers is surrounded by flora and fauna, giving visitors a chance to enjoy themselves in the tranquil mountainous realm. The tour crosses through diverse places, allowing visitors to fully view all 13 islands in Lake Ranco (Chile’s third largest lake), which are majorly occupied by a traditional indigenous communities and several summer houses.

RILLINAHUE ROUTE

In Rupumeica Alto, visitors will be able to visit breathtaking waterfalls of pure pristine water, seemingly lost in time. To get there, tourists will trek through an incredible route, filled with novel attractions such as “Los Ojos del Huishe” (The Huishe’s Eyes), a natural phenomenon of stunning beauty. These waterfalls can be accessed through Lake Ranco or Llifén, converging in Riñihue.

Futangue National Park

Futangue National park is a Nature Reserve of impressive stunning beauty extensively covered by lush virgin forests. With towering mountains and valleys, beautiful lakes, pristine turquoise rivers and waterfalls, visitors will be marveled that they can also see lava fields in such a rugged unspoilt land. The Park is a remote place of many extremes, which was historically impregnable from the encroachment of humans until now. By trekking through carefully designed path trails, visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy nature in its pure raw essence as never before.

Other places to visit:

– Nilahue waterfalls.
– Arenal beach.
– Riñinahue and its beaches.
– Lake Maihue and Maqueo beach.
– Puerto Nuevo beach.
– San Pedro beach.
– Ojos del Huishue (The Huishue’s Eyes).
– Illahuapi Peninsula.

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