Chaiten volcano conditions
 

I understand that the volcano outside of Chaiten, Chile that blew last May has caused some major problems for the town of Chaiten and the surrounding area. I heard there was another eruption just last month.

Few questions.

Does anyone know whether the Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo ferry is running this high season?
Is the road from Gonzalo down to Chaiten open?
Any lodging available in Chaiten, or is the whole town shut down?

Any information along these lines would be very much appreciated.

This is my first post here on HU. Nice to be on board with such a great group.

chaiten
 

We've been in chaiten 3 weeks ago. food available in 1-2 supermarkets, you can stay in 1 place called Cabanas Pudu, alongside the coastal route.

Ferries to Chiloe are crossing, the others I'm not sure because the road to Parque Pumalin seems to be blocked.

Is worth going though amd road continuing to Carretera Austral is beautifull:thumbup1:

Greetz,

Paulus

Thanks Paulus ...
 

Paulus,

Gracias para su noticias ... This is good news, thank you so very much for taking the time and effort to respond.

All the best,

Murphy

Road Closed
 

I am in Puerto Montt and the word here is the road is closed north of Chaiten, so coming down the inside (Carretera Austral) may not be doable. Ferries are running. Plan to go down the inside for a way tomarrow then come back and over to Chiloe. Anyone got more info?
Bob

I was at the boat company (Naviera Austral) in Puerto Montt yesterday. The boat from Puerto Montt to Chaiten is running, as is the boat from Quellon to Chaiten. Others are not. I understand the road south of Chaiten is not a problem.
Be aware that it is very tough to get a spot on the boat these days. Evidently one of the boats had an accident. I was told in Puerto Montt that nothing was available for a bike for a week. However, don´t take no for an answer! I went upstairs and talked to the boss, who said no problem fitting a bike on board. The girls in the office just don´t want to bother.

I´m on the boat from Puerto Montt to Chaiten on the 19th (next Monday). Anyone wanting to ride south let me know.