Hornopirén is located 68 miles south of Puerto Montt, in an area surrounded by temperate evergreen forests, jagged mountains, hanging glaciers, and hot springs. Its name comes from Mapundungún and means “Snow Oven,” a reference to the imposing volcano that crowns this landscape.

First called “Río Negro,” this town was founded in 1979, in what was territory of the Chono people––who rowed its fjords in their canoes––and the Huilliche people, who hunted and gathered seeds and mushrooms in its thick forests. The first explorers arrived in the area to search for the mythical City of the Caesars, and later, in the 19th century, settlers came to log its ancient Alerce wood. Today, many locals are drawn to working in the tourism industry, given Hornopirén’s important location on the Comau Fjord, a stop-off point for visitors to nearby National Parks.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

In Hornopirén, tourists can find amenities such as cabins, hostels, hotels, restaurants, and tourist agencies. Find more information at the official websites:

http://serviciosturisticos.sernatur.cl/
http://patagoniaverde.org/comuna/hornopiren/

Region

Hornopirén

Province

Palena

Population

2.406

Climate and Rainfall

Rainy and temperate, 157 inches annually

Nearest National Park(s)

Hornopiren National Park

Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Explore Hornopirén National Park.
  • Take photos of the Hornopirén Volcano (5,157 feet above sea level).
  • Relax in the Cahuelmó, Porcelana, Pichicolo, or Llancahué hot springs.
  • Drive the 37-mile coastal route from Contao to El Varal.
  • Row or boat in the Comau Fjord.
  • Visit the Río Negro falls.
  • Explore the Cahuelmó and Quintupeo Fjords, where, in 1915, the German ship “Dresden” hid while fleeing the British fleet.
  • Visit the typical market and craft fair.
  • Visit the Cabrera lake and learn about its history.

How to get

Hornopirén is located 68 miles south of Puerto Montt. Take the Carretera Austral to Caleta La Arena, then board the ferry to Caleta Puelche (no reservation required). You can also get to Caleta Puelche from Cochamó and Puelo via Route V-69. From Caleta Puelche, continue south to Hornopirén.

Buses Kemel and Los Navegadores offer daily routes from Puerto Montt.

Skorpios offers voyages from Puerto Montt that visit the Comau and Quintupeu Fjords (only May to October).

The nearest airport is in Puerto Montt. Latam and Sky Airlines offer daily flights between Santiago and Puerto Montt.

Tips

  • You can check the schedule for ferries crossing the Reloncaví Estuary at http://transportesdelestuario.cl/. Remember to bring cash to pay for this leg of the trip. No prior reservations are necessary. Pricing depends on vehicle type.
  • If you’d like to travel via boat across the Comau Fjord, don’t forget to make a prior reservation at http://www.taustral.cl/ y http://www.barcazas.cl..
  • There’s a Copec gas station in Hornopirén, which also sells maps.
  • The town also has a Chilexpress office, a Chilean Postal Service office, and a pharmacy.
  • In Hornopirén’s plaza (town square), you can find the Conaf (Park Rangers) office, where you can get the most up-to-date trail information and plan your trip to Hornopirén National Park.The registration to enter the park is done in the office of park ranger, located at the beginning of the trail.
  • To buy your bus tickets, visit http://www.kemelbus.cl/ and los Navegadores (+56 65- 2 252926 / +56 652217321). Both companies have offices in Puerto Montt and Hornopirén.
  • During summer, we recommend booking your lodging in advance, given the high demand.
  • There are free Wi-Fi points in the Plaza and the typical market.
    The Route 7 bus goes along the Coastal Route (Alexis Cofre +56 9
    97583611).
  • If you want to take boat trips to the hot springs or to see the fjords,
    go to the tourist information office where you can find information.

Basic Services

  • Gas Station
  • ATM
  • Banco Estado (State Bank)
  • Supermarket
  • Family Medical Center of Hornopirén
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Bike Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center
  • Conaf (Park Rangers)
  • Bus terminal

Visitor’s Center

Address

21 de Septiembre, Hornopirén

Phone

+56 65 2217330 / +569 66451657

Email

turismohualaihue@gmail.com

WebSite

http://www.turismohualaihue.cl/

Open year-round

Important Dates

In February, the voice festival takes place and the Semana Cordillerana (anniversary of the town).

In February the religious festival of Jesus de Nazareno is celebrated, in the sector of coast of Rolecha and the Arena.

For Chile’s September 18th celebrations, the Hornopirén parish hosts a “Te Deum” mass, which ends with a school parade and community’s town festival.

On February 19, a mapuche procession is made towards Cabrera Lake, in commemoration of the colonists who died in the alluvium happened in the area.

In January and February the local customs fair takes place in the town.

In October, the river festival takes place.

In the winter season, a Trail Running to Lake Cabrera and to Hornopirén National Park.

Copyright 2018 Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia