Pumalín Airport

Gateway to Patagonia's wildest volcanic and forest landscapes.

Chaitén is a small port town in Chile's Los Lagos Region, dramatically set between the Pacific Ocean and the ancient temperate rainforests of the Andes. The town gained international attention after the 2008 eruption of Volcán Chaitén buried much of the original settlement, and visitors can still witness the raw aftermath alongside a resilient rebuilt community.

Despite its remote location, Chaitén serves as a key hub along the famous Carretera Austral, attracting adventurers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking pristine wilderness. The surrounding Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park — one of Chile's largest protected areas — offers breathtaking trails, ancient alerce trees, and volcanic scenery virtually untouched by mass tourism.

• •Parque Nacional Pumalín — vast protected temperate rainforest with stunning trails and biodiversity.
• •Volcán Chaitén — hike to the crater rim of the still-active volcano that reshaped the town.
• •Abandoned Old Chaitén — eerie ruins of the town buried by the 2008 volcanic lahar.
• •Sendero Cascadas Escondidas — popular trail leading to hidden waterfalls inside Pumalín Park.
• •Playa Santa Bárbara — a wild black-sand Pacific beach perfect for solitary walks.
• •Río Yelcho — renowned for world-class fly-fishing in pristine glacier-fed waters.

Getting around: Chaitén has no rail service; travelers rely on a small network of local taxis, rental vehicles, and occasional minibuses to reach nearby parks and attractions. Renting a car or bicycle is highly recommended for exploring the Carretera Austral and Pumalín Park, as public transportation is infrequent and schedules can be irregular.

Best time: Visit from November through March for the most stable weather, longer daylight hours, and accessible trails, though rain is possible year-round in this temperate rainforest climate.

Local food: Sample fresh-caught seafood dishes like grilled merluza and centolla (king crab), along with hearty Patagonian lamb stew and homemade sopaipillas served at simple local family restaurants.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.