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.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

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.

http://camaralajunta.cl/

Region

Puerto Cisnes

Province

Aysén

Population

914

Climate and Rainfall

Rainy and Temperate, between 138 and 157 inches annually

Nearest National Park(s)

Queulat National Park

Corcovado National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Explore Queulat National Park, located 41 miles south of La Junta.
    Visit the Lake Rosselot National Reserve, where you can hike a 3-mile trail (round-trip) to two lookout points with a view of the confluence of the Palena and Rosselot Rivers.
  • Visit Circuito de los Valles to explore the Barros Arana mountains, the Claro Solar lagoon, the forests, and also to discover pioneer history.
  • Row or boat on the Palena River. You can take a multi-day trip along the river beginning in La Junta and ending in Raúl Marín Balmaceda.
  • Kayak or fish for sport on the Palena River or on Lake Rosselot.
    Raft on the Figueroa River.
  • Relax in the El Sauce thermal baths, located 12 miles from La Junta
  • Buy artisanal cheese (9 miles north of La Junta).

How to get

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.

Pewen and Aerocord offer daily 35-minute flights from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. Flight schedules vary depending on the day of the week and are subject to change due to inclement weather. From Chaitén, continue south 93 miles to arrive at La Junta.

Tips

  • In La Junta, you can find buses to Chaitén, Coyhaique, Raúl Marín
    Balmaceda and Lago Verde.
  • The main transport company is Buses Terra (www.busterraaustral.cl). Its offices can be found at Manuel Montt 817, phone (+56) 67 2 314400. Another option is Águilas Patagónicas, which can be found in front of the plaza (town square) or by phone at (+56) 67 2 221280.
  • The public library offers free Wi-Fi and toilets.
  • There’s a post office, a Chilexpress office, and a laundromat in town.
  • The entry fee to Queulat Park is $3,000 CLP for Chileans and $5,000 CLP for foreigners.
  • There is Banco Estado (Caja Vecina) and Santander bank.
  • Some businesses accept debit cards.
  • At the hardware stores you´ll find camping and fishing items.

Basic Services

  • Gas Station
  • Health Center
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center
  • Aerodrome (no commercial flights)
  • Conaf (Park Rangers)

Visitor’s Center

Address

La Junta main square (opens only in high season)

Important Dates

The town celebrates its anniversary during the second week of February.

In January, the area’s communities hold their traditional festivals.

Copyright 2018 Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia