Hornopirén

First stop on the Carretera Austral

Hornopirén National Park marks the first major stop on the Carretera Austral. Its trails lead into forests of ancient alerce trees and hanging glaciers, highlighting the popular route to Lago Pinto Concha and the demanding ascent to the summit of the volcano.

The town of Hornopirén functions as the port of entry to the fjords of Patagonia. From its pier, navigations depart to the Termas de Llancahué, a route that allows you to see the marine fauna of Isla Lobos. Lake Cabrera completes the circuit with its waters surrounded by dense native vegetation.

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Plan your trip to Hornopirén

How to get there

How to get there by air

Fly directly to El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt (PMC), where the Carretera Austral begins. From there, the journey to the town of Hornopirén takes just over four hours. This mandatory journey includes a first ferry crossing between Caleta La Arena and Caleta Puelche.

How to get there by land

From Puerto Montt, you must travel along Route 7 (Carretera Austral). Drive 55 km to Caleta La Arena, where you should take the ferry to cross to Caleta Puelche. From there, follow the route to Hornopirén. You can make the trip by bus, private vehicle, or through a tour.

Must-Know Tips

The town of Hornopirén is part of the Hualaihué commune and is the main gateway to the national park. For excursions, it is vital to hire local guides, as the terrain conditions can be challenging and changeable. Proper footwear and warm clothing are essential to avoid setbacks.