Chaitén is in Los Lagos region in the south of Chile. The town has an important transportation hub on the Carretera Austral with major ferry services to Chiloé and Puerto Montt.
The city was flooded in 2008 during the eruption of the Chaitén volcano. The flood destroyed a large part of the city, and still today some houses are abandoned. The volcano has now two new calderas.
- Museo de Sitio, Rio Blanco street. The city of Chaiten has kept few houses, which were partially destroyed during the 2008 eruption, as a witness of the disaster. free.
Museo de Sitio, Rio Blanco street. The city of Chaiten has kept few houses, which were partially destroyed during the 2008 eruption, as a witness of the disaster. free.
Volcán Chaitén. A short but steep trail will bring you up the 500 meters of elevation to the edge of the caldera. There you can admire the two new and fuming craters of the Volcano and at the bottom the lakes with different colors. If the weather is clear you will have the view to the ocean,
Volcán Michinmahuida glacier. It is possible to hike 11km up to the beginning of the volcano glacier. The hike lasts 8 to 10 hours.
Parque Pumalín. This park was created in 1991. Several hikes are possible in the park, either in the temperate rainforest where lies several waterfalls or to the two volcanos Michinmahuida and Chaiten. The park is also known to have the Alerce trees, the largest tree species in South America which can live more than 3,500 years. Tours and transports to the park can be arranged from the city. The main place to camp in the park is the campground El Volcán which have toilet, shelters and water.
Chaitur, Bernardo O'Higgins street, +56 9 74685608. Small agency helping organizing tours, fishing, biking and trekking in the region.
Volcán Chaitén. A short but steep trail will bring you up the 500 meters of elevation to the edge of the caldera. There you can admire the two new and fuming craters of the Volcano and at the bottom the lakes with different colors. If the weather is clear you will have the view to the ocean,
Volcán Michinmahuida glacier. It is possible to hike 11km up to the beginning of the volcano glacier. The hike lasts 8 to 10 hours.
Parque Pumalín. This park was created in 1991. Several hikes are possible in the park, either in the temperate rainforest where lies several waterfalls or to the two volcanos Michinmahuida and Chaiten. The park is also known to have the Alerce trees, the largest tree species in South America which can live more than 3,500 years. Tours and transports to the park can be arranged from the city. The main place to camp in the park is the campground El Volcán which have toilet, shelters and water.
Chaitur, Bernardo O'Higgins street, +56 9 74685608. Small agency helping organizing tours, fishing, biking and trekking in the region.
There is limited option to buy food in the city. The best option is Supermercado Anita on Padre Juan Todesco street; it's not a supermarket, but a convenience store. Anyway, you could find enough food for trekking.
Chaiten is near the sea, and thus is a good location to try seafood in restaurants like:
Cocinerías Costumbristas, 258 Diego Portales street, +56 9 81708983. Local fresh see food dish and soups
Natour food truck, Bernardo O'Higgins street, +56 2 2897 7638. Food truck serving breakfast, lunch, nice desserts and some vegetarian options. If the truck is closed it means they are in the Natour agency at the opposite side of the street.
Cocinerías Costumbristas, 258 Diego Portales street, +56 9 81708983. Local fresh see food dish and soups
Natour food truck, Bernardo O'Higgins street, +56 2 2897 7638. Food truck serving breakfast, lunch, nice desserts and some vegetarian options. If the truck is closed it means they are in the Natour agency at the opposite side of the street.
- Go to the Corcovado National Park to admire the iconic volcano Corcovado.
- By ferry to the main island of Chiloé to Quellón.
- Go to Futaleufú for rafting.