Puyuhuapi is located at the far north of the Puyuhuapi Fjord, surrounded by gorgeous hills full of rich vegetation. In this quiet town, locals still live and breathe the traditions of its earliest settlers, who came from Germany and Chiloé.

The town’s history began when entrepreneur Robert Uebel financed a migration project, sending 4 young Germans (Otto Uebel, Karl Ludwig, Walter Hopperdietzel, and Ernesto Ludwig) to Chile. They founded Puyuhuapi in 1935. Their families joined them in 1947, having been delayed by World War II. The settlers hired carpenters from Chiloé, after hearing of their impressive craftsmanship, and the mixture of various influences in the area led to the development of a unique local culture and an economy based on farming, livestock, and fishing. In 1945, a fabric and carpet factory was opened. Puyuhuapi became an official town in 1971.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

Puyuhuapi has a wide range of lodging available, from campsites, to quaint guest houses, to cabins, apart hotels and other more luxurious options.

Region

Puerto Cisnes

Province

Aysén

Population

535

Climate and Rainfall

Cold Temperate Climate, no dry season. Median precipitation of 91 inches annually.

Nearest National Park(s)

Isla Magdalena National Park

Queulat National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Relax in the thermal baths near Puyuhuapi.
  • Explore Queulat National Park.
  • Visit the main square to learn about the history of Puyuhuapi, illustrated by decades.
  • Kayak in the fjord. Trips in kayak can be organized with local tourist agencies. Boat trips and bike tours are also available.
  • Take the walking tour of the town that begins at the tourist kiosk, which pass through constructions of German architecture.
  • Take a picture in the traditional house of Puyuhuapi, located in front of the fiord.
  • Hike the «Canelos» trail.
  • Take the excursion to the volcanic caves.

How to get

From Coyhaique, head north 145 miles along the Carretera Austral until you arrive at Puyuhuapi. If you’re coming from Chaitén, drive 117 miles south.

From Chaitén or Coyhaique, take one of the buses running daily to Puyuhuapi from Coyhaique and 3 times per week from Chaitén.

Naviera Austral ferries run some days of the week from Puerto Montt to Chaitén and Quellón to Chaitén. You’ll need to make reservations in advance. At Chaitén, you can take a bus to Puyuhuapi.

Naviera Austral ferries run some days of the week from Quellón to Raúl Marín Balmaceda. You’ll need to make reservations in advance. At Raúl Marín Balmaceda, you can take a bus to La Junta (bus run certain days of the week only) and from there connect with another bus towards Puyuhuapi.

Naviera Austral ferries run some days of the week to Puerto Cisnes (Ruta Cordillera). You’ll need to make reservations in advance. From there you can take a bus to Puyuhuapi on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Pewen and Aerocord offer daily 35-minute flights from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. The schedules vary depending on the day of the week. From Chaitén, you can take a bus to Puyuhuapi.

Tips

  • For more information about the thermal baths in the area, visit: www.termasventisqueropuyuhuapi.cl and http://puyuhuapilodge.com/en/.
  • In Puyuhuapi, you can find “caja vecinas” (rural bank services).
  • In Queulat National you can find park ranger, who can help you with more information regarding the trails.
  • There are corner stores in town with camping gear, tents, gas for camping stoves, sleeping bags, headlamps, fishing gear, rain gear, white gas, and bike repair kits, among other offerings.
  • You can take buses from Coyhaique to Chaitén or La Junta, which stop in Puyuhuapi. Buy tickets at the bus terminal (Lautaro 109) or in the offices at Diego Portales (no street number), +56 67-2232167, http://www.busesbecker.com/index.php/destinos.
  • Buses Terraustral (http://www.busesterraustral.cl/) and Buses Becker (http://www.busesbecker.com/index.php/destinos) offer routes from Chaitén to Coyhaique, with a stop in Puyuhuapi. You can buy tickets in the Chaitur offices (Bernardo O’Higgins 67).
  • Buses Terraustral sells tickets to Coyhaique and Chaitén in Puyuhuapi (Minimarket Nido de Puyes, Otto Uebel 240).
  • There is cell services, but only for the Entel and Movistar companies.
  • Bring rain gear and bathing suit; you must be prepared for experiencing the 4 seasons in only one day.
  • We recommend you to taste the typical Hopperdietzel beer.

Basic Services

  • Gas Station
  • Rural Health Services
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center

Visitor’s Center

Address

Otto Ubel (in front of the municipal offices)

Phone

+56 67 2 325244

Open from October to April.

Important Dates

On June 28, the town celebrates San Pedro with a parade and boat promenade, a community luncheon, and art shows.

The second week of January, the town celebrates its anniversary.

During Easter, town celebrates «From Curanto to Kuchen» festival.

In February, the town hosts its «Mate» festival, which celebrates the cultural heritage of the area. It takes place between La Junta and Puyuhuapi, at «El Fogón del Silencio»

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