Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

It’s hard to imagine a more breathtaking setting for this charming, family-run lodge: 55 acres of pristine meadow and native forest, overlooking the impossibly blue waters of Lake General Carrera. In the distance, Patagonia’s Northern ice fields shimmer; on your doorstep are 15km of wooded trails (ñirres, coigues, lengas) to explore on foot or horseback. Other must-do excursions are the Marble Caves and the confluence of the River Baker, and guests can also opt to trek along the mighty Exploradores Glacier. Mallín Colorado's location also makes it a great base for visiting Patagonia National Park, with its vast steppe landscapes and many trails.

Mallín feels like home - just the thing after a day of adventure. Comfy beds in beautiful rustic guest rooms or larger independent wood cabins for families and groups, all with incredible views. Meals are delicious (local and seasonal produce, traditionally cooked in clay pots) and all who stay rave about the peace. Around four to five hours south of Coyhaique, it’s a fair drive to get here, but this is the iconic Carretera Austral; the miles will fly and we’re sure you’ll agree it was worth it.

 

Senderos Soul

Setting off to visit Mallín Colorado i remember clearly a rare and wonderful tingle up my spine, the thrill of adventure, of driving into one of the most pristine and spectacular corners of the Earth, where so few other people ventured. That oh so memorable southern Chile smell of wood smoke hanging in the air as autumn air chills, almost indistinguishable from the taste of maté; it was April, the end of the season, the end of the tarmac, the midday sun still warm, the leaves turning red on the trees. In 5 days we saw the same number of cars, glistening glaciers and icy blue lakes at every turn. Bliss. Family run Mallin Colorado is a special place, Chilean frontier hospitality, the Christensen family embrace you and let you see their Chile. There may be a few more cars on the road these days and the tarmac runs further but this wild and beautiful place will still haunt your dreams and call you back ...to the Austral south.

Simon, Senderos

Getting there

Mallin Colorado sits on the shores of Lake General Carrera, 273km south of Coyhaique in Chilean Patagonia.

by road

BY ROAD

It’s a 4-5 hour transfer by car from Balmaceda airport, along the iconic South American Carretera Austral (Southern Highway).

by air

BY AIR

Nearest airport: Balmaceda