Camping Reldehue

The jungle of Pumalín Park might be the big draw round here, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing else worthy of attention in this spectacular part of Chile, starting with seaside days 15 minutes’ drive away at the prettily scenic Playa Santa Barbara for sandy strolls, Pacific swims and lazy, hazy, sunbathy days. More active days by the water are within easy reach at Yelcho Lake, half an hour from base, where fishers can cast a line, boat fans can do some rowing, ramblers can opt for a trek or horse riding excursion, and twitchers can keep eyes peeled for rare specimens. Prefer a more soothing experience? Peaceful (and history-filled) strolls are 20 minutes away among the cave paintings and petroglyphs of Morro Vilcún caves, and the Amarillo Hot Springs are just over half an hour from the site if lengthy basks and bubbles sound like perfection. Hiking fans not satisfied with the offerings in Pumalín Park may like to make tracks for the Yelcho Glacier trail (40 minutes away), a three-hour round trip that takes in the phenomenal hanging glacier (Ventisquero Cavi).