Casa Ludwig: How to get there

Update August 2009 – Chaiten Volcano

As you might know, volcano Chaitén, located 200 km from Puyuhuapi, erupted in May 2008. The volcano still shows some activity and nobody knows for how long that will be so. The town of Chaitén has been evacuated and a new settlement is being planned in a safe, nearby area.

Nevertheless, last summer a few accommodations reopened in and around Chaitén, with bottled water and lights produced from generators. Most likely, next summer, if the volcano stays calm, more accommodation should be available. As these places most likely will only have cellphone and NOT Internet access, we will try to make a list and send it to you on request.

Ferries: Most importantly, the ferries are operating normally and the road from Chaitén to the south is open.

The road to Caleta Gonzalo has been affected by the eruption. If that road stays closed, the ferry from Caleta Gonzalo to Hornopirén won't open next season.

Fuel: We are uncertain if the Chaitén gas station is going to operate normally next season. Better bring enough yourself! The next gas station is in La Junta, 150 km south of Chaitén.

Buses: During tourist season, approximately December to March, there are buses going to and from Chaitén to our area. These are one-man businesses and the schedule varies greatly. Have a look at our bus list, try calling the companies, or ask us.

Air travel: The Chaitén airstrip is closed.

There is more than one route to Puyuhuapi, and a good alternative is to combine them by taking one to arrive and another when you leave.

The Camino Longitudinal Austral, better known as the "Carretera" (or Highway), is a gravel road. It is possible to drive it by car, although some recommend a truck or sport utility vehicle. From Puerto Montt, you can take the interior route via Argentina: Puyehue Pass to Bariloche to Esquel to Trevelin to Futaleufú Pass, and continue to the south. In this case, we suggest that you take one of the ferries on your return trip so you don't miss the beauty of the Chilean fjords. Of course you may choose to come by sea and leave by land. For those arriving in their own boats, Puyuhuapi Marina offers slips or you can anchor in our sheltered waters.

You may fly to Coyhaique (airport in Balmaceda) and continue from there by bus or rental car. As a matter of fact, Puyuhuapi has a very nice airstrip, if you happen to have your own plane!

Several bus lines run along the Carretera Austral, stopping at various small towns.

Many travelers arrange rental cars. Normally, you also pay a high premium to return your car at a location different from where you picked it up.

For more information, ferries, bus tickets, and accommodations, ask our friend Nicholas Lapenna in Chaitén. He returned to the town in spite of the volcano's eruption. He operates the tourist agency "Chaitur," speaks English, and is very helpful.

Airlines

The ferries leave a lot to be desired when it comes to comfort and punctuality, but even this can be an adventure not to be missed. Nevertheless, they operate along the following routes.

- Castro - Chaitén (4-5 hours, January-February only)
- Hornopirén - Caleta Gonzalo (5-6 hours, January-February only)
- Quellón - Chaitén (5-6 hours)
- Puerto Montt - Chaitén (7-12 hours, depending upon the ship)
- Puerto Montt - Puerto Chacabuco (approx. 24 hours)

Reservations are recommended if you are traveling in the summer season (February) and plan to board your vehicle.

NAVIMAG (www.navimag.com; sales@navimag.com) twice a week, with the ferries "Evangelistas" and "Puerto Edén"

Santiago: Av. El Bosque Norte 0440, of. 1103, Phone 4423120, Fax 2035025

Puerto Montt: Terminal de Transbordadores, Angelmó 2187, Phone 65-432360

Coyhaique: Paseo Horn 47, Phone 67-233306, Phone/Fax 67-233386

From Puerto Montt, Hornopirén, Castro, or Quellón, to Chaitén, Raúl Marín Balmaceda or Puerto Cisnes:

NAVIERA AUSTRAL with the ferries "Don Baldo" (no cars to Raúl Marín Balmaceda and Puerto Cisnes), "Alejandrina," and "Pincoya"

Palena (replaces the agency in Chaitén): Phone 65-741326. Agent: Sandra Millapinda. Most helpful, speaks only Spanish. smillapinda@gmail.com

On the routes from Hornopirén and Castro to Chaitén, the summer schedules are usually fixed at the last minute, following the Patagonian motto "those who hurry lose their time." For more information and reservations, contact "Chaitur" (see above) or in Castro, "Turismo Pehuén" (www.turismopehuen.cl).

We have been told that it is very convenient to rent a car in Bariloche, Argentina. In Chile, besides Hertz, Avis, and Budget, you might try the following:

Bus Lines in Northern Aysén

We do our best to keep this information updated. If you have questions, please contact us.

CASA LUDWIG

Puyuhuapi - Patagonia - Chile

Bed & Breakfast

HOW TO GET THERE

Airlines

Bus Lines in Northern Aysén