The crystalline River Puelo flows from Chubut province, Argentina, winding through a glacial valley and finally reaching the Reloncaví Estuary. The town of Puelo can be found alongside the river that shares its name. It features beautiful views of the Yates Volcano and is an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy fishing for sport. The fishing season runs from September to May each year––one of the longest seasons in Chile.

These pristine landscapes of unmatched beauty are also a perfect place for trekking, climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

In Puelo, lodging available includes cabins and hostels. Find more information at:

Region

Cochamó

Province

Llanquihue

Population

800

Climate and Rainfall

Rainy and temperate

Nearest National Park(s)

Hornopiren National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Visit Termas del Sol hot springs and disconnect in an environment of natural thermal pools surrounded by nature.
  • Recreational fish on the River Puelo.
  • Travel the Reloncaví Estuary circuit, beginning at Caleta La Arena, then taking Route V-69 to Puelo, and finally back to Puerto Varas.
  • Boat or row on Lake Tagua Tagua.
  • Explore Park Tagua Tagua, a private protected area.
  • Horseback ride in Ventisquero Valley.
  • Visit the mountain villages Llanada Grande and Segundo Corral.

How to get

From Puerto Varas, take Route 225––which borders Lake Llanquihue––toward Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. When you arrive at Ensenada, take Route V-59 to Puelo.

You can also reach Puelo by taking the Carretera Austral to Caleta La Arena, where you’ll take the ferry to Caleta Puelche (no prior reservation required). From Caleta Puelche, continue on Route V-69 until you reach Puelo.

You can take a bus to Puelo at the terminal in Puerto Montt (offices 42 y 44). Around 4 buses depart for Puelo each day. (Phone number: +56 65 2 841200 /+56652254187).

Tips

  • Bus tickets cannot be bought online. Go directly to the bus terminal in Puerto Montt (ticket office 42 and 44, Río Puelo and Trans Har company). The journey from Puerto Montt to Puelo in bus takes around 2.5 hours.
  • Bring cash; there’s no ATM in Puelo.
  • Bring a rain jacket and rain pants, even in summer.
  • In January, there are lots of tábanos (similar to horseflies). Avoid wearing dark clothing, which attracts them.
  • Make sure to have your fishing permit up-to-date and do only catch-and-release fishing.

Basic Services

  • Gas Station
  • “Caja Vecina” (Rural Bank Services)
  • Family Health Center
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Bike Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center
  • Aerodrome
  • Fire station

Visitor’s Center

Address

Juan Soler Manfredini S/N (main square), Río Puelo

Facebook

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Twitter

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Important Dates

The Encuentro de Hermandad Chileno – Argentina takes place the 8th of December in Paso el León.
On the 25th and 26th of January, in Valle el Frío, el Encuentro de arrieros takes place.
On February 2nd and 3rd, the Manso Customs Festival is celebrated.
The second week of February is the week of Llanada Grande.
On February 22nd and 23rd, the Corraleña week is celebrated.

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