The Festival Pala en Mano 2026 will take place on June 26 and 27 in Puerto Varas. The Uñu Lab initiative aims to plant 2,500 native trees and promote ecological restoration.
The event will move its venue from Chiloé to Puerto Varas with support from the local municipality. It includes educational talks on the first day at the Centro de Arte Molino Machmar and plantings on the second day at Parque Cerro Philippi. Javier García, founder of the festival, noted that urban reforestation seeks to recover biodiversity in intervened spaces. Mayor Tomás Gárate said the commune has a vocation for caring for the natural environment. Three sectors will be intervened: Cerro Philippi, Mirador de Puerto Varas and Quebrada Honda. Species include Coigüe, Ulmo and Arrayán. Collaborating companies such as Lago Sofía and Salfa Rent will participate in the activities. Registration is free and required for workshops and volunteering. DIMAO director Alfredo Caro emphasized the importance of involving the community in the conservation of urban parks.
