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One of the objectives of Pumalin
Park is to facilitate properly equipped, complete public access
and in agreement with the constraints of the ecosystem. Another
objective is to provide the visitor with opportunities and facilities
for enjoying outdoor recreation, nature, and the landscape.
WHAT
TO SEE
The first thing that jumps out at
you is the Sendero de los Alerces (Larch Trail), easy level. Journey
through an old forest of larch trees where you can appreciate
the thousands that populated our country long before the arrival
of the Spanish. Tronador Trail is located 12 km (7.5 mi) from
Caleta Gonzalo. Only 5 minutes from the path there is a designated
overlook point where one can admire a series of waterfalls that
form a natural and simply spectacular scenery. Water excursions
to the Reñihue fjord, where it is possible to visit an amazing
sea lion colony, can be organized from Caleta Gonzalo. One can
also take an excursion to the Cascada Trail to observe a marvelous
and lush environment.
WHAT
TO DO
Fishing: You can fish in the Blanco (White) River or in the Pato (Duck)
River. Go fly fishing in Lake Negro (Black) or Lake Blanco. A fishing
license is required, which can be obtained in the Caleta Gonzalo Information
Center.
Other activities:
sailing, water skiing, excursions, wildlife observation,
rowing, mountain climbing, trekking, horseback riding, hiking trails,
camping, environmental education.
TRAILS
The Park boasts a significant number and types of excursion trails, the
following of which are described in detail according to sectors:
Puelo-Ventisquero
Trail:
This trail is a track
used by the locals that leads up to the marvelous Ventisquero
Valley. This hike takes three days. To get there you need to take
the Ensenada-Río Puelo Route until the Tagua Tagua Lagoon. You
can cross the lagoon in a ferry boat that takes 40 minutes to
arrive to the La Murra sector. There are 35 km (21.8 MI) of gravel
road on which vehicles can pass from La Murra to Llanada. From
Llanada Grande go up towards the port in Puelo River (3 hours)
and from there continue on to Pasarela del Puelo (3 1/2 hours).
From Pasarela it takes another 5 or 6 hours to arrive to Rincon
Bonito on a high difficulty hike.
Cahuelmó-Laguna
Abascal Trail:
This path is found at the end of the Cahuelmo fjord. The beginning
of the trail is not marked and is located on the northern side
of the Cahuelmo River. It is a flat trail that takes approximately
2 hours to reach the impressive Abascal lagoon. It is possible
to camp along the white, sandy shores of the beach here.
Mirador
Trail:
This trail is located on the stretch of the Carretera Austral
(Southern Highway), between Leptepu and Largo Fjord. The path
takes approx. 2 1/2 hours, crossing through a luxuriant forest
where it is possible to see larch trees. The first stage of the
trail is authorized and the duration of the hike up to the Overlook
Point is approx. 5 hours in total.
Cascada
Trail:
The beginning of the trail is located only steps away from the
Caleta Gonzalo Cafe and from the ramp. The path varies in slopes
and inclines and it leads you through the abundant rain forest
towards an impressive cascade of water. The hike takes approximately
3 hours and you can find an overlook point towards the Huequi
peninsula and others towards the bottom of the hills covered in
pristine forests.
Tronador
Trail:
The starting point of the Tronador Trail is located 48 km (30
MI) north of Chaiten and 10 km (6.25 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo.
This section is located over burned larch trees in a stage of
regrowth. It begins on a path made of "palafitos" (stilts above
water) that reaches a cascade of water from the river. Tronador,
goes uphill for an hour and a half, crossing a spectacular hanging
bridge. There is a beautiful camping area at the base of an amphitheatrical
lake.
Sendero
Alerces (Larch Trail):
The beginning of this path is found 47 km (29 MI) north of
Chaiten and 11 km (6.8 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo. It is an easy
level, circular trail only 1 km (62 MI) long. It is for any age
and it passes through an old larch grove. There are signs along
the trail that give information about the biology and history
of the place. This hike provides a contemplative atmosphere for
admiring these thousand year old trees.
Sendero
Cascadas Escondidas (Hidden Waterfalls Trail):
The start of this trail
is located 45 km (28 MI) north of Chaiten and 13 km (8 MI) south
of Caleta Gonzalo. The path towards the three magnificent waterfalls
begins in the self-camping area. The first waterfall is located
25 minutes from the starting point and the other two about 30
minutes further along. It varies in difficulty and inclination
and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Sendero
Lago Negro-Punta del Lago (Black Lake-Lake Point Trail):
This trail is 41 km (25.6
MI) north of Chaiten and 21 km (13 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo.
It is a short path, lasting 15 minutes, that leads to a scenic
camping area, along the shores of the lake, called Punta del Lago.
It is possible to find baths and cooking ranges here.
Michinmahuida
Trail:
This trail, even though it is not completed, is found 29 km (18
MI) north of Chaiten and south of Caleta Gonzalo. It will be 12
km (7.5 MI) long, and will arrive to the foot of the Michinmahuida
Volcano. It begins in a small camping area with cooking ranges
and picnic tables. There is water about 20 m (65 ft) from the
place. It has a beautiful panoramic view of the Michinmahuida
Volcano.
FACILITIES
Area Administration:
Pumalin Park's administrative office is located in the
city of Puerto Montt. Here you can find information on how to get to the
park, informative material, and it is the center for archives about the
entire history of Pumalin Park.
Park Ranger
Office: There is a network of plain clothes park rangers
in the park. They are there to manage the agricultural land adjacent
to the Santuario de la Naturaleza (Sanctuary of Nature).
Caleta Gonzalo
Information Center: Located 60 km (37.5 MI) north of
Chaiten on the ferry boat ramp (Caleta Gonzalo-Hornopiren). Here
you can find zones for camping and hiking as well as tourist information
regarding other places along the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway).
Chaiten Information
Center:
Located on O'Higgins St. #62. The information modules consist
of self-guided panels that permit the visitor to inform himself
about the Park's establishments that are found just a few miles
north of Chaiten. It is also possible to obtain tourist information
for other places along the Austral Road: accommodations, places
of interest, and information about the route towards the north
and south.
Camping sites:
There are diverse camping areas in Pumalin Park, located inside
and in the surrounding areas of the park:
Camping Cahuelmó
There are 6 camp sites within the rain forest. Its popularity
and fragile ecosystem make it necessary to provide a reserves
system that assures the visitor a pleasant stay. The camp site
also offers cooking ranges, baths and hot springs, and park rangers
during the summer season. Camping is $1,500 pesos per person.
Huinay
This camp site does not belong to Pumalin Park, however, the owners allow
travelers to camp in this area provided they throw away all trash and take
care of the place. There are no camping facilities provided but it is free.
Vodudahue
In the Vodudahue Valley, the Park boasts productive land dedicated
to organic farming, and everyone who wishes to visit and camp
here is welcome. There are no camping facilities but there are
many ample places to camp where one can also buy fresh bread.
Pillán
The Pillán property is located at the end of the Reñihue Fjord.
It is private property although camping is permitted. To get here
you must navigate from Caleta Gonzalo or travel the road that
comes from Leptepu to the Largo Fjord. Consult the estate's administration,
located close to the fjord. Someone will indicate to you where
to go. Camping: $1,500 pesos per person.
Caleta Gonzalo Sector
Caleta Gonzalo Cabins: rustic but luxurious cabins are located in front of
the Reñihue Fjord in Caleta Gonzalo and are open year-round. They are one
room cabins with private bathroom, bunk beds for children, and a view of the
sea. These cabins don't have a kitchen and the price does not include meals.
They accommodate a maximum of 5 people. You can eat meals in the Caleta
Gonzalo Cafe which offers exquisite homemade food, barbecue on a stick, and
soft, fresh bread baked daily.
Gonzalo River Cabins: These
2 cabins are located adjacent to the camp site on the Gonzalo
River property, and have a firewood kitchen and hot water. The
price includes the stay and the firewood for the stoves. To get
to the cabins you need to cross the hanging bridge that leads
to the camp site, 10 minutes from the parking area.
Hobbitt Cabins: It is a cabin constructed of 4 independent modules. Two
bedrooms that accommodate a maximum of 4 people. Cook over firewood.
Gonzalo River Camping: The
camp site is found 300 m (984 ft) south of the Caleta Gonzalo
ramp, crossing the pedestrian bridge. There are bathrooms, cold
water showers, cooking ranges, and firewood on sale. The cooking
ranges are exclusively for cooking and not for camp accommodations.
Camping: $1,500 pesos per person.
Blanco River Cabin
In the Reñihue Valley, on the Blanco River, you will find a family-oriented
cabin with light from generated electricity, hot water outdoor showers; all
in a truly private environment with its own rustic, charming style. The
cabin accommodates a maximum of 5 people and is rented out for periods of 3
days minimum. You have to bring your own provisions. The price includes
transportation from and to Caleta Gonzalo with a minimum 3-day stay.
Camping Cascadas Escondidas (Hidden
Waterfalls)
It is located 13 km (8 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo and 45
km (28 MI) north of Chaiten. There are 4 indoor camping areas
and bathrooms. The Cascadas Escondidas Trail is located next to
this camp site. Camping $5,000 pesos per tent site.
Camping Lago Negro and Punta del
Lago
There are two camp zones with bathrooms located here: one
on the side of the Austral Road that has 4 indoor camp sites,
plus an ample shared camp area. 800 m (2624 ft and 15 minutes
walking) from this place there are 2 very special areas that overlook
the lake. This area is located 17 km (10.6 MI) south of Caleta
Gonzalo and 41 km (25.6 MI) north of Chaiten. Excellent fly fishing,
only with a license. Motorboats are prohibited. Indoor camping:
$5,000 pesos per site. Individual camping: $1,500 pesos per person.
Camping Lago Blanco
It is located 20 km 12.5 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo and 36
km (22.5 MI) north of Chaiten. There are 6 indoor camp sites,
all with a view of the lake. It has 2 public bathrooms, tables,
benches, and tent sites. Excellent fly fishing in the lake, only
with a license. Camping: $5,000 pesos per site.
Camping Fogón Michinmahuida
Located 29 km (18 MI) north of Chaiten and 33 km (20.6 MI)
south of Caleta Gonzalo. This cooking area and camp area are communal,
with no bathroom, but there is water 20 m (65 ft) from the place.
It boasts a beautiful view of the Michinmahuida Volcano and it
is the starting point of the future trail that runs along the
foot of the volcano and will extend 12 km (7.5 MI). Camping: $1,500
pesos per person.
Camping El Volcán
This is perhaps the most spectacular and largest of the camp
areas of Pumalin Park. It possesses 12 individual sites for camping
with sheltered tables and parking, and is also shared with cyclists
and backpackers. There are magnificent views of the Michinmahuida
Volcano. It is located 29 km (18 MI) south of Caleta Gonzalo and
north of Chaiten. From the camp's entrance it is 2.5 km (1.5 MI)
to the park administration. The camp site has been fully equipped
since December, 2002 and there is a kiosk where nonperishable
items and camp supplies are sold. Shared camping: $1,500 pesos
per person. Camp sites: $5,000 pesos per site.
Accommodations:
In Hornopiren and Chaiten it is possible to find accommodations
in comfortable hotels and hostels:
Hornopirén
Hotel Hornopirén: This rustic hotel is run by its owner,
Mrs. Oli, who also prepares delicious homemade foods.
Hotel Termas de Llancahué:
Located 30 minutes by boat from Hornopiren. Besides lodging, the
hotel offers pools of thermal waters.
Chaitén
Hostería Puna Verde: Located on O'Higgins St. 54, next
to the Park Information Center, the Hosteria Puna Verde is an
enchanting and friendly place. There are private rooms, shared
rooms, and two apartments. Open year-round. Address: O'Higgins
54, Chaiten.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Help us protect the
natural resources of the area and make your visit to the park
more pleasurable by considering the following recommendations:
- When visiting territory that does
not belong to the Park, above all where the entrance is free,
we ask that visitors always throw away any trash and that you
take care of the place. The cleanliness of the place allows
the owners to share their property with all the people that
wish to camp in the Park and in its surroundings.
- When going on excursions it is
essential that you register your trip with the Park Ranger of
the sector.
- You may fish in the park's rivers,
but a fishing license is required, which can be obtained in
the Information Center close to the zone where you want to fish.
- Take caution touring the trails
if they are wet.
- We recommend that visitors carry
waterproof clothing, for its eventual use during the summer.
The rest of the year demands warm clothing, adequate for rainy
or snowy conditions, according to the places you visit.
- Avoid making your presence known
by marking trees, rocks, or other resources. Do not alter the
peace of the park with bothersome noises, because it pollutes
the environment.
SERVICES
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