Angostura del Biobío is a tourist destination that includes the communes of Quilaco and Santa Barbara, towards the pre-cordilleran area of the Bío Bío Region. The area has developed a methodical work to convert its lands and geographical advantages (many green, rivers, waterfalls and a particular flora and fauna) into attractive services for tourism.
And the work has done results: in this summer period of 2020, they have recorded an increase of 30.4% of visitors versus the same period of the previous year, despite the social outburst and its repercussions. Faced with this, the main players in the area decided to extend their holiday offer until the end of March.
Horseback riding, trekking, cycling trails, glamping sectors unique in the country (the new camping trends, but with glamour) with the Loncopangue and Huequecura Explorer domos, expert guided tours in the area to Copahue volcanoes, Callaqui and Antuco, meet a craft brewery – whose products are made on an exclusive basis with local elements, such as maqui and honey – Beer Huequecura, and even a reinterpretation of ancestral gastronomy using the pinion as an engine of new preparations are part of the offer that has captivated Chileans and foreigners.
Work in the area began in 2011 when the tourist table of the communes of Quilaco and Santa Barbara sought to revitalize the area, in order to take advantage of its main attractions, particularly the banks of the Bío Bío and Huequecura rivers, the surrounding viewpoints , trails and nearby beaches. This was subsequently complemented by the positioning of the Colbún Entrepreneurship Centers and the training of the new businesses in the area to enhance the local supply.
“Our ultimate goal is to be able to transform Angostura del BíoBío into a tourist hub for the whole season, the 365 days. This is possible thanks to the work developed by the new local businesses, who have enhanced natural attractions together with an offer of value, which has managed to differentiate the tourist offer from other potential national destinations. This is demonstrated by the 30.4% growth that has been recorded this season, compared to 2019,” says Vanessa Verdugo, director of the Colbún Entrepreneurship Center.
Safety pins
In this sense, among the main attractions of the area is the El Sendero Family Tourist Complex, which is located at kilometer 39 of the Q61 R route, with camping and picnic areas that have 2 swimming pools, access to the river, games for the little ones , trekking area, high-altitude viewpoint, football field and much more. All facilities feature electric light, bathrooms and hot showers.
Along with them is the best glamping experience of the Bíobío region, Huequecura Explorer, where a combination of finely finished wooden cabins and traditional camping is offered; spaces that have equipment for up to four people (including double bed), minibar, electricity, crockery, barbecue equipment, table, bathrooms and twelve camping areas. It should be noted that in this glamping there is a natural pool with tributary of the Rivers Huequecura, canopy, quinchos, playgrounds and different entertainment alternatives.
There is also Andes BíoBío, a company that offers a mountain guidance service by professional guides, glacier progression, traditional climbing; in addition to planning and logistics to visit the callaqui, Copahue and Antuco volcanoes, among others. All done by professional and certified guides in mountain and first aid topics.
In addition there is the headquarters of Cervecería Huequecura, unique and undismothy beer inspired by the pehuenche worldview, made from the pristine waters of the mountain thaws of the Biobío River. It has 6 varieties, Golden Ale, Scotish Ale, Porter, IPA and also seeks to deliver a different beer to the others, with local products, such as Honey and Maqui.
And LoncoPangue’s Domos, located in the commune of Quilaco, offers a privileged environment for natural rest, where a series of domes, (geodesic structures of 23 square meters each, with waterproof technical tarpaulins and UV filters), are fully equipped with a series of comfort elements, housing up to 4 people per construction, each with panoramic views of the mountains and large spaces of green areas.
