WELCOME TO TAWA REFUGIO
An A-frame refuge where the road ends and the Puelo begins.
Tawa Refugio del Puelo sits on the shores of the Río Puelo, where Lake Tagua Tagua meets the river in Northern Patagonia. The hotel is small and contemporary, with eight river-facing rooms set apart from the main reception, bar and restaurant building.
Its striking A-frame restaurant looks out across the water and mountains, while the rooms are warm and simple, with timber interiors, private terraces, king beds, bathrooms and mezzanine space for children or friends.
What we love about Tawa Refugio
- The position at the edge of Lake Tagua Tagua and the Río Puelo, with mountains, forest and water in every direction.
- The A-frame restaurant and reception building, with wide views across the lake.
- Just eight rooms, all in the same category and all looking towards the river.
- The mix of accessibility and remoteness, around 2.5 hours from Puerto Varas or three hours from Puerto Montt airport.
- The range of guided activities, from hiking and kayaking to pack rafting, horse riding, fishing, hot springs and longer lake expeditions.
- Its more relaxed, lower-key feel, particularly for families or travellers who want Northern Patagonia without going too polished.
What to do at Tawa Refugio
Follow the river into the lakes, forest and hot springs of Puelo.
Tawa is built around exploration, with the refuge acting as a base for days out across the Puelo Valley and Patagonia Verde. The guiding team can arrange shared or private excursions depending on occupancy, including hiking, kayaking, pack rafting, horse riding with a barbecue, fishing, canyoning and journeys by boat through the surrounding lakes.
One of the strongest full-day outings is to Tagua Tagua Reserve, reached by boat and explored on foot through dense forest, roots, rocks, waterfalls, and alerce-lined lagoons. It is a proper hiking day, best for active guests and works even in wet weather thanks to the forest cover.
On rainy days, Termas del Sol is also a good option, around 20 minutes away by road, with hot springs fed by Volcán Yates. Guests can also book the Patagonia Ritual, combining reflexology, exfoliation, steam, mud, sauna, cold plunge and hot tub. Back at the hotel, swim from the pier, spend time by the water or settle into the restaurant for tea, snacks and dinner after a day outside.
When to Travel
December to February
The best time to visit the Puelo River is between December and February, when the days are longer and conditions are best for hiking, riding and time on the water. Late January and February are especially good, as mid-December to mid-January can coincide with horsefly season. Rain is possible even in summer, so it is worth packing proper waterproofs and keeping some flexibility in the plan.
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