Lago Espolón

The Lago Espolón property is characterized by grandiose views of Lake Espolón and some of the greatest river/lake access in the region. Just a few miles from the 30,000 acre Futaleufú National Reserve, this secluded property is surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains, has over a mile of lake-frontage, numerous waterfalls, and sits along two miles of the Ceniza River, a true paradise for avid fishermen and water-sport enthusiasts.

A PATAGONIA SUR Property

Improvements

Lago Espolón has two log cabins with lake-frontage views. Each cabin has a wood burning stove and an open floor plan that can accomidate upwards of 6 people. Running water in the cabins come from a natural spring on the property.

Locale

The property has lake front views Lake Espolón to the east and is located just minutes from the Futaleufú National Reserve. This reserve contains incredible evergreen forests and fauna endemic to Chilean Patagonia such as the South Andean Deer. Lago Espolón also borders the pristine Ceniza River, which is fed by a glacier only 6 miles upstream from the property.

Location

The property is located 30 minutes by boat from the town of Futaleufú and can be reached by public ferry or private speedboat. Patagonia Sur’s resident caretaker can pick up and drop off passengers during their visit via speedboat. The public ferry will also take you directly to the property.

Climate

• Oceanic climate
• Wettest months are June and July, with over 11 in of precipitation.
• Summer: High = High 60s, Low = High 40s
• Winter: High = Low 40s, Low = High 20s

Fishing

Perhaps the greatest recreational component of the Lago Espolón property is its easy access to the abundant fly-fishing found along the Ceniza, Blanco, and Espolón Rivers. These rivers are home to large brown and rainbow trout.

Lago Espolón abuts Lake Espolón, and the Ceniza River. Also nearby are the Blanco, Espolón, and Futaleufú rivers. Each of these features affords a variety of water-based recreational activities including kayaking, sailing, boating, swimming, and canoeing. Deriving its name from the Spanish word for “Big River”, the Futaleufú River lives up to its name with various Class IV and V white-water that appeal to any rafting enthusiast.

Recreation

There are several trails within the property, one of which leads to an observation deck with views of a large waterfall on the Ceniza River. There is also ample space for horseback riding on the property. With the numerous acres of public land in close proximity, one could spend days on horseback touring the surrounding area. One fantastic excursion is a one-day ride to the foot of the glacier that feeds the Ceniza River.

Ranch Operations

Currently, Patagonia Sur keeps 20 sheep within the boundaries of Lago Espolón to support the health of several large open pastures.

Conservation Value

Patagonia Sur’s mission is to preserve the wilderness and ecosystems within the property. Lago Espolón is home to numerous species of flora and fauna and also has expansive river and lake-front views.

In order to help with the conservation of these incredible features, Patagonia Sur has created a unique opportunity to preserve the land that you purchase in Chile. After their inception, Patagonia Sur helped form a non-governmental organization known as the Fundación de Conservación Tierra Austral. This NGO acts as a land trust to guide multiple private entities, including any future owners of Lago Espolón, if they decide they would like to place a “Servidumbre Voluntaria” (a Chilean version of a conservation easement) on the property.

Futaleufú National Reserve

The Futaleufú National Reserve is thirty minutes from the Lago Espolón property. It is over 28,000 acres and was originally created to protect the flora such as the South Andean Deer (“huemul”). Multiple tree species exist on the reserve including Chilean Cedar and a variety of Southern Beech species. Numerous endangered species such as the South Andean Deer, chinchillas (“vizcacha”), mountain lion, and Andean Condor thrive on the reserve. Due to the precipitation in the area, all of the forests are lush and green throughout the year. There are numerous trails for trekking and horseback riding and the rivers and lakes within its confines afford kayaking, fishing, and rafting opportunities.