The Grand Futangue Park |
Explore the pristine Valdivian Rainforests and its rich biodiversity
Combine this trip with other nature lodge experiences in Patagonia:
• Tepuhueico Woodlands on Chiloé Island
• Deseado Lodge on Tierra del Fuego Island
Parque Futangue is still a largely unknown natural gem in the south of Chile, located in the north-western extremities of Patagonia. It is a vast private park, where visitors can carry out explorations and hikes for all levels in its pristine Valdivian rainforests, marveling at huge waterfalls and turquoise lakes and getting enchanted with the local fauna and flora.
The endangered and intriguing Darwin’s frog is one of the many wildlife highlights; Parque Futangue is probably the world’s best and most reliable location to photograph this rare amphibian, as the park managers are carrying out a long-term project for its conservation, based on careful observation methods. You may also expect to see the Pudu deer, as well as bird species such as Black-throated Huet-huet, Chucao Tapaculo, Ochre-flanked Tapaculo and Magellanic Tapaculo. The forested surroundings of the park are the perfect place to find all the bird specialties of the Valdivian rainforests eco-region, from Rufous-legged Owl to Des Murs’s Wiretail.
During your stay (we recommend you to stay at least for 3 nights), you can explore these largely untouched woodlands in the hands of one of our experienced, knowledgeable naturalist guides and absorb its richness with all your senses.
The lodge we stay at, is situated within the park and awaits for nature enthusiasts with warm hospitality, world-class infrastructure and friendly, accommodating personnel. Relax after an intense day in the field, treat yourself with delicious food and get new energies for further explorations in the grand Futangue Park. Futangue Park Valdivian Rainforest
2026 Departures |
Please ask
Private Departures |
Available from November to March
4-day trip from Valdivia or Puerto Varas, Chile
Book your trip now |
Gavilea araucana © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Expeditions
Itinerary in Brief |
Day 1 • Private Transfer to Futangue Park – Easy hike “Darwin’s Path”
Day 2 • Full day at Pitreño sector, incl. Riñiahue waterfall
Day 3 • Full day at Riñiahue sector
Day 4 • Easy hike “Darwin’s Path” – Private Transfer to Valdivia or Puerto Varas
Futangue Park Valdivian Rainforest
Trip Highlights |
• Explore the pristine Valdivian Rainforest with all your senses
• Futangue Park counts 58 endemic plant species
• Observe the endangered Darwin’s frog in its natural habitat
• Mammals such as Pudu, Kodkod, Monito del Monte
• Very comfortable, high quality lodge within Futangue Park
Trip Map |
Trip Gallery |
Detailed Itinerary and Activities |
You will meet your tour guide in Valdivia or Puerto Varas, Chile. From there, a private transfer takes us to Futangue Park. Especially while driving along Lake Ranco, we will enjoy magnificent views of the lovely landscapes of northern Patagonia.
In the afternoon, we’ll go on a leisurely 2-hour excursion in search of the endangered Darwin’s frog. This tiny amphibian belongs to the Rhinodermatidae family and is characterized by its special brooding method. The female lays the eggs in the leaf litter, after which they are fertilized by the male. Around 3 weeks later, as soon as the first larvae move, the male takes all the eggs into his vocal sac, where he facilitates their development. He nourishes them with a viscous secretion. As soon as the tadpoles have metamorphosed into small frogs, they are released into the outside world by the father.
Overnight Futangue Hotel & Spa (Lunch, Dinner) (Guide)
Today we spend most of the day at Pitreño sector. This western part of the park encompasses a hill and therefore is characterized by great viewpoints. But you will also be impressed by the inhabitants and landscapes of this area. Rippling water, different ferns, birds, insects etc. are waiting to be discovered and marveled at in this Valdivian rainforest.
On the way back to the lodge, we enjoy a very scenic stopover at the south-eastern end of Lake Ranco. An easy stroll takes us to a stunning waterfall, set into the lush, green forest.
Overnight at Futangue Hotel & Spa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide)
As on the previous day, we spend the whole day in the nature and let ourselves be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of Futangue Park. Depending on the interests of our guests, the focus will be rather on botany, birds, landscapes or photography.
The Riñiahue sector, like all the other parts of the park, offers largely untouched forests, numerous water bodies, interesting topography and fascinating flora and fauna.
Overnight at Futangue Hotel & Spa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide)
In the morning, we set off again in search of the tiny Darwin’s frogs. We take all our time on the 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long, easy trail. After all, we are not here primarily to hike, but to enjoy the unique Darwin’s frogs once again.
In the course of the morning, we’ll get a private transfer to either Valdivia or Puerto Varas, where the tour ends.
(Breakfast, Lunch) (Guide)
Dates & Rates |
Trip Duration | 4 Days, 3 Nights |
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Dates | 2026 | Please ask |
Price per person (USD) | Number of Guests |
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1 | 2-3 |
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$7,998 | $4,583 |
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Single Room Supplement (USD) | $222 |
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This trip is operated on request with a minimum of 1 participant and a maximum group size of 3 guests.
Even though the lodge is open from early September to the end of April, the Darwin’s frogs can be observed only from November to March.
The trip price includes: Private transfers during the tour, meals and naturalist guide services as stated in the itinerary, and park entrance fees, open bar at the hotel. Bottled water is also provided.
The trip price excludes: Tipping (entirely optional), travel insurance, excess baggage charges, à la carte dishes, drinks, premium wines and liquors at the hotel, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.
Tour Registration |
To book this tour, please fill in our online registration form. We will process your booking and will send you a note with space confirmation and a transfer invoice with payment instructions within 24 hours. The transfer amount is 500 USD per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
NOTE: Inquiries received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied to during the following working day.
Cancellation Policy
Notice of cancellation can only be accepted in writing from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.
Refunds are made according to the following schedule:
• If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the transfer amount minus 200 USD is refundable.
• If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the transfer is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.
• If cancellation is made less than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.
This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.