Chaitén, Northern Patagonia Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you're driving, you can reach Chaitén from the nearest major city, Puerto Montt. Start your journey by taking the Ruta 5 south from Puerto Montt. Continue for approximately 180 kilometers until you reach the town of Ensenada. From there, take the exit towards Ruta 225, which leads you to the town of La Ensenada. At the junction with Ruta 225, turn left and follow this road for about 55 kilometers until you reach the town of Puerto Varas, where you can stock up on supplies if needed. Next, take the ferry from Puerto Varas to the town of Hornopirén, which costs around 20,000-30,000 CLP (Chilean Pesos) depending on the season and vehicle size. After disembarking, continue driving on Ruta 7 for about 80 kilometers until you reach Chaitén. The total driving time, including the ferry, is approximately 6-8 hours depending on waiting times and road conditions.

• Bus

  For those using public transportation, take a bus from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. Buses leave from Terminal de Buses in Puerto Montt with companies like Cruz del Sur and Visser. The journey takes approximately 12 hours, with a stopover in Hornopirén. The ticket price ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 CLP. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as services may be limited, particularly in off-peak seasons. Once you reach Hornopirén, you will need to take a ferry (included in the bus fare) to cross to the mainland and then continue by bus to Chaitén.

• Ferry

  If you're traveling from other locations along the coast or islands, you may consider taking a ferry to Chaitén. Various ferry services operate from locations like Puerto Montt or even from smaller ports like Caleta Gonzalo. Check the local ferry schedules and plan accordingly, as prices can vary significantly. A typical fare for a passenger is around 15,000-25,000 CLP, and the journey can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on your departure point.