CLIMATE & HABITAT
Melimoyu Lodge is an incredible destination for a long list of reasons, but perhaps what sets it apart most is the formidable and awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds it. Nestled between three national parks, Parque Nacional Melimoyu, Parque Nacional Corcovado, and Parque Nacional Queulat, Melimoyu Lodge is also near to the Reserva Nacional Lago Palena, Reserva Nacional Lago Rosselot. Our property alone offers nearly 27,597 hectares of private land to explore. With a volcano on the horizon, thousand year-old glaciers, a lush temperate rainforest, deep lakes, rushing rivers, and the Pacific Ocean to our west, there’s no end to the natural wonders that exist just beyond our doorstep.
INTO PATAGONIA
During his expedition in 1520, Hernando de Magallanes came into contact with the Tehuelche natives who called themselves Patagones. In the name of the King of Spain, Magallanes gave the name Patagonia to the region. It has remained a robust and untamed part of South America that continues to attract adventurers from around the world.
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
It is indeed possible to experience all four seasons in one day here in Chilean Patagonia. Expect a range of climates and microclimates that can change with altitude.
Melimoyu Lodge is situated in the Aysén Region of Northern Patagonia, which experiences an average yearly rainfall of approximately 6,000 mm because of the location of the Andes Mountains. January is often the warmest month, with average temperatures of 62°F (17°C), and for those hoping to avoid the rain, our driest month tends to be February. That being said, it’s best to come prepared for all weather possibilities.
THE FLORA & FAUNA
The Aysén Region is home to a variety of wildlife, including the South Andean deer, foxes, pudus, pumas, and skunks. For those curious about the local flora, the most common species of tree is an evergreen called coigüe that can grow up to 147 feet (45 meters) tall. You’ll also find cypress, Winter’s bark, tine, plum pine (mañio), and tepa, to name a few.
NATURAL WONDERS
MELIMOYU VOLCANO
Melimoyu Volcano — our neighboring volcano — used to have four points. In the local language of Mapundungun, it translates to meli meaning “four,” and moyu meaning “udders.” However, two of these points no longer exist as they were lost during a strong earthquake or volcanic activity, depending on who you ask.
Melimoyu Lodge is surrounded on all sides by the dense Valdivian temperate rainforest making it difficult to access. The volcano and surrounding glaciers are accessible only by helicopter.
Legend has it that the Melimoyu Volcano appears in the dreams of those it deems worthy of attempting to climb it and will send more signs the closer this person gets to the volcano. No small feat to traverse, Melimoyu’s impressive summit remained untouched until the year 2000.
PALENA RIVER
Beginning in Argentina and running across Chile to the Pacific Ocean, the Palena River is approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) long, draining from Vintter Lake.
With numerous backwaters, rock walls, and prime fishing spots, our portion of this vast river is the ideal spot for fishing brown and rainbow trout and salmon. It also offers stunning, panoramic views.
QUEULAT NATIONAL PARK
Not far from the small town of Puyuhuapi lies Queulat National Park, home to the Enchanted Forest, several glacial waterfalls, and the stunning Queulat Hanging Glacier. As the name suggests, this piercing blue glacier is nestled high up in the crevasse between two towering mountains. As the glacier reaches the edge of the cliff, waterfalls spill over and crash to the turquoise waters below. In the native language of Chonos, Queulat means “sound of waterfalls,” and is certainly a natural wonder that has to be seen and heard to be believed.