Trek Chile

Volcano Chaiten

Overview

A short ascent (a few hours) to the crater rim. Although you can't actually climb to the highest point of this volcano it's still an excellent outing to look over the steaming dome in the center of the crater.

Volcano Chaiten 1122m
Duration:	1/2 Day, 600m ascent
Grade:	Easy
Access:	Private vehicle / Limited public transport
Costs:	None
Equipment:	None
Volcanic Activity:	http://www.sernageomin.cl/volcan-chaiten/

 

Photos

Info

Located in the Pumalin Park about 20km's north of Chaiten & 30 kms south of Caleta Gonzalo (a tiny hamlet). The town of Chaiten was devastated by the eruption of the Chaiten volcano on the 2nd May 2008. Although the vilage has slowly recoved, I have to say that unfortunately the people (that I encountered) don't seem to be very friendly with the exception of the guy in the tourist info office who was very knowledgable, friendly and enthuastic and provided me with an excellent free map of the region.

Access: From Chaiten, drive 24km's north on the route '7' to a purpose made car park (signposted) with wooden carved information boards - limited daily buses from Chaiten en route to Puerto Montt.

Route: From the car park follow the well marked trail through the lush forest. After a few minutes cross a large river bed with a small steam, there are orange markers on each side to show the entrance/exit of the trail. Keep following the trail as it zig-zags through the thinning forest and get steeper as it heads straight up to the volcano rim. 1½ to 2 hours ascent from the car park.

Map: Not sure.. but no map is needed for the climb!

Accommodation: Various accommodation options in Chaiten, or camping at in the Pumalin Park at El Volcan just a few Km's from the start of the trail: http://www.parquepumalin.cl/en/visiting_elvolcan.htm. There is a minimarket in Chaiten but nothing between there and Horopirén in the North!

Transport: Kemel Bus: Chaiten to Puerto Montt: 1 bus daily year round leaves early morning. Puerto Montt to Chaiten: 1 bus daily leaves mid-day.

Useful links: Pumalin Park: http://www.parquepumalin.cl/en/index.htm
Car ferry services between Chaiten & Puerto Montt (in spanish): http://www.taustral.cl/

Overview Map

Volcano Chaiten 1122m