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Camping in Chaitén

Chaitén, the northern gateway to the Carretera Austral, rises from volcanic ashes beside a dramatic caldera. Camp in this resilient town surrounded by Pumalín Park's pristine temperate rainforest, hot springs, and fjord-carved landscapes accessible only by road or ferry.

3 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
Full guide to Chaitén →

Chaitén occupies a unique place in Patagonian lore — partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 2008 and since rebuilt, this small town marks the beginning of the fabled Carretera Austral's most dramatic section. For car campers, reaching Chaitén is already an adventure: either by ferry from Puerto Montt or Chiloé, or by driving the northern Carretera Austral from the south. The surrounding Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park (formerly Parque Pumalín) protects vast tracts of pristine Valdivian temperate rainforest, with excellent campgrounds, hot springs, and hiking trails. The volcanic caldera behind town, still steaming, provides a surreal backdrop. This is where the Carretera Austral experience truly begins — wild, remote, and unforgettable.

Campsites

Camping Pumalín (Caleta Gonzalo)

Paid

The flagship campground of Pumalín Park at Caleta Gonzalo. Impeccably maintained sites in ancient alerce forest. Access to the famous Sendero de los Alerces trail.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, café, trail access
Cost: CLP 6000-9000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Pumalín (Río Amarillo Hot Springs)

Paid

Camp beside free natural hot springs in the forest. Soak in thermal pools after hiking. One of the Carretera Austral's best camping experiences.

Facilities: toilets, natural hot springs, fire pits, drinking water
Cost: CLP 6000-9000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Municipal Chaitén

Paid

In the rebuilt town of Chaitén with views of the volcanic caldera. Walking distance to restaurants and the ferry terminal. Good base for volcano walks.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, electricity, drinking water, BBQ
Cost: CLP 5000-8000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping El Amarillo

Paid

In the tiny settlement of El Amarillo, 25 km south of Chaitén. Gateway to Pumalín's southern trails and the Michinmahuida Glacier access.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water
Cost: CLP 5000-7000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Chaitén

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit✈️How to Get There

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Chaitén?

By ferry from Quellón (Chiloé, 5 hours) or Puerto Montt (10 hours), or by driving the Carretera Austral from the south. Book ferry reservations well in advance for summer.

Is the volcano still active?

The Chaitén Volcano erupted in 2008. It remains potentially active with fumaroles. The caldera walk is permitted when conditions are safe. Check with SERNAGEOMIN for current status.

How good are the Pumalín campgrounds?

Among the best in Chile. Built by the Tompkins Conservation initiative, they feature clean facilities, well-maintained trails, and stunning old-growth forest settings. Book ahead for January-February.

Should I bring extra fuel?

Yes. Fuel stations on the Carretera Austral are sparse and sometimes run out. Carry at least one 20-liter jerry can. Fill up at every opportunity.

How rainy is Chaitén?

Extremely. Annual rainfall exceeds 4,000mm. Rain gear and waterproofing are not optional — they're essential. But the rain feeds the lush rainforest that makes Pumalín so extraordinary.

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