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La Junta, also called the «Meeting Point Town,» is located at the confluence of the Rosselot and Palena rivers, at a strategic point between Chaitén and Coyhaique. The town is also the port of entry toward Raúl Marín Balmaceda in the west and Lago Verde in the east.
The town was founded in 1963, when settlers from different places in the country began to arrive––though, given La Junta’s geographical characteristics, it had long been a natural meeting point where travelers and livestock drivers rested and restocked provisions on trips from Alto Palena. The construction of the Carretera Austral in 1983 marked an important «before» and «after» point in the history of La Junta. Before the highway was built, locals needed to travel to Argentina to buy goods, spurring a cultural exchange that can still be seen in the gaucho, or cowboy, traditions of the area.
Various tourist services are available in La Junta, including cabins, hostels, hotels, and restaurants, along with different activities for exploring what the area has to offer.
From Coyhaique, drive north on the Carretera Austral for 180 miles to arrive at La Junta.
From Chaitén, take the Carretera Austral south 93 miles.
You can also reach La Junta from Argentina, via the Futaleufú or Palena passes.
From Chaitén, take one of the buses to La Junta.
From Coyhaique, take one of the buses to La Junta, which leave daily.
Naviera Austral (http://www.navieraustral.cl/itinerarios-y-tarifas#ruta-cordillera) offers ferries from Quellón to Raúl Marín Balmaceda. From there, continue southeast on Route X-12 for around 46 miles. You’ll need to cross the Palena River on another ferry; ferry crossings are available daily.
Queulat National Park is 165 kilometers north of Coyhaique. Created in 1983, its area consists of 154,093 hectares.
A pristine ecosystem that is difficult to access, this park consists of evergreen forest, fjords, bays, rivers, deep valleys and dozens of hidden lakes.
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The town celebrates its anniversary during the second week of February.
In January, the area’s communities hold their traditional festivals.
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