Calbuco
Calbuco is the Calbuco is the oldest city in the Province of Llanquihue. The exact date of its founding is not known, but it is estimated to have been in May 1602, following what is known as the “indigenous insurrection” that destroyed all the Spanish cities built between the Biobío and Osorno. Thus, the last settlers of Osorno were forced to flee south. In 1602, the forts of Miguel in Calbuco and San Antonio de la Rivera in Carelmapu were established. Shortly after, it was decided to move the Fort of San Miguel to the island of Caicaén where the fort was finally built on the hill La Picuta, where it remained until its demolition in the 1830s. The current tower was built in 1982 in homage to the foundation and the fort of Calbuco.
Calbuco has a continental area and an insular area, consisting of an archipelago of 16 islands. In 1966, the island of Calbuco was connected to the mainland by a causeway 240 meters long, which carries the access road. The island of Quihua is also connected to the mainland by a causeway.
In José Manuel Balmaceda Square is the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, built entirely of wood and inside which the image of the saint is kept, brought by the Spaniards who fled from the ruins of Osorno at the beginning of the 17th century. Although the original site of this Catholic temple dates from 1720, the current building is from 1939, as various events necessitated its reconstruction on more than one occasion.
Islands of Calbuco
Calbuco has an archipelago of 16 islands.
Among them, isla Puluqui, stands out, located to the east of Calbuco, approximately half an hour's navigation from the city. It is the largest island in the archipelago, and as you explore its nearly 7,000 hectares, you will see fields, estuaries, lagoons, and coves. In areas like Chope, Punta Chechil, San Ramón, Machil, and Chauquear, tourists will find rustic accommodations, restaurants, barbecue areas, and campsites.
Isla Huar is known for the quality of its lands, sheep farming, and, of course, artisanal fishing. Some of its natural attractions include the La Poza and Los Cuervos lagoons, along with ancient shell middens in the areas of Huito, El Rosario, Pureo, and Chipué. Its tangible heritage includes five churches with Chilote architectural design, a true reflection of the passage of missionary missions in colonial times. Visitors to Huar can find a variety of inns and rural restaurants offering stick-roasted meats, curantos, empanadas, and preserved fruits.
City of Puerto Montt
Founded in 1853 during the German colonization process of southern Chile, it now has more than 250,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the Los Lagos Region.
Located opposite the Reloncaví Sound, it has a clear port identity, sheltering both industrial and commercial vessels, as well as tourist boats, that dock in its calm waters.
Be sure to explore its renovated waterfront, the Cathedral built with larch wood, and the colorful houses of Barrio Puerto, which was declared a National Monument in the category of Typical Zone by the National Monuments Council of Chile in 2019.
Lake Chapo
Located just 43 km from Puerto Montt, between the Alerce Andino National Park and the Llanquihue National Reserve.
The area offers kayaking, bicycle tours and boat rides.
Additionally, Casa Lago Chapo, stands out, combining a café service, an information and tourism center, and informative panels, with the display of products made by local entrepreneurs.
Austral Road
The first section of the Austral Road is 45 kilometers long, skirting the Reloncaví Sound. It starts precisely at the dock of the city of Puerto Montt, in front of the main square, and ends at Caleta La Arena, where it is necessary to take a ferry to Caleta Puelche to continue on the Austral Road southward.
Notable in this section is the Pelluco Beach, located 4 kilometers from the city center, one of the busiest beaches during the summer season. Additionally, this area boasts a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
At kilometer 26, you’ll find Caleta Metri, a popular spot in the sea for swimmers, kayakers, recreational divers, and on land for climbers who come to challenge the large geoforms of black and multicolored granite found in the area.
Along this route, attractions also include the Punta Pelluco Fossil Forest Nature Sanctuary, Katalapi Park Nature Sanctuary, Santuario de la Naturaleza Parque KatalapiAlong this route, attractions also include the Punta Pelluco Fossil Forest Nature Sanctuary, Katalapi Park Nature Sanctuary, and the two entrances to the Alerce Andino National Park. Alerce Andino National Park.
Islands of Puerto Montt
Tenglo and Maillen are the two islands that belong to the commune of Puerto Montt and are visible from the city's waterfront.
Isla Maillen is a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Montt. Much of the seafood, fruits, vegetables, and homemade preparations offered at the Angelmó market come from this island. It is also notable for its craftsmanship in wool, wood, and wicker practiced by its oldest inhabitants.
Also important are the shell middens and fishing corrals found along the maritime edge of the areas of Surgidero, Cascajal, La Herradura, and Isla Capera.
Tenglo is separated from the mainland by the Tenglo Channel, and its inhabitants are dedicated to artisanal fishing, shellfish extraction, and boat building.
The most frequented place by visitors is the Monumental Cross, located at the highest part of the island, where there is a viewpoint with a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Inside the island, there are trails leading to beaches, forests, and archaeological sites, highlighting the Conchal de Puntilla Tenglo.
City of Maullin
Along with the neighboring commune of Calbuco, the commune of Maullín has the oldest urban settlements in the province of Llanquihue, dating from the early 17th century: Maullín and Carelmapu.
In the historic center of the city of Maullín, very close to the Costanera, you can find the Plaza de Armas and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, a Catholic church with Neo-Romanesque style and Neo-Gothic details built in 1839.
The Municipal Market, located south of the square, is a must-visit for tourists. There, you will find an exquisite menu with dishes such as crab chowder, seafood stew, and buttered corvina. Additionally, on the second floor of the market is the Rubén Gómez Ojeda Museum, small in size but of great heritage value due to the uniqueness of its collections. Photographs, scale replicas of the historic center of the city, and even a 400-year-old indigenous canoe attract the attention of its visitors.
In the northern sector of the Maullín riverbank, the towns of Lolcura, La Pasada, Lepihué, and Quenuir are located, which can be reached by crossing the river on rafts or from Puerto Montt via the route towards the Commune of Los Muermos.
Carelmapu
At the fishing terminal, you can watch the work of divers and artisanal fishermen from this cove, where daily life revolves around the extraction of piure and sea urchins and fishing for corvina. Nearby, there are small eateries and restaurants where you can taste these marine delicacies..
Every 1st and 2nd of February, the streets of this small town are the setting for a colorful religious festival, honoring the Our Lady of Candelaria. It is the largest religious festival in southern Chile.
Just 5 minutes from the town is Mar Brava, a 13-kilometer beach known for its big waves suitable for surfing and for being the southernmost beach break (sand-bottom beach) on the continent. Watching a sunset guarded by its beautiful cliffs is unforgettable.
Quenuir
This locality is situated on the western bank of the Quenuir River, the last tributary of the Maullín River. It consists of the areas of Quenuir Alto, Las Lajas, and Quenuir Bajo.
One of the characteristic activities of this place is the making of the famous “piure curanteado”, which involves shelling, then drying and smoking this particular and tasty seafood.
Near Quenuir are the wetlands of Laguna Quenuir Bajo, Las Lajas, and Huapache.The first is the smallest in the Maullín River basin but has the greatest variety of bird species. Among its most notable species are the Lake Duck, along with swans and flamingos. Near this wetland towards the Pacific Ocean is the small and tranquil beach of Pichicuyén.
The Las Lajas wetland is characterized by tidal influences in its territory, giving rise to sandy lands that are the habitat of whimbrels, black-necked swans, and various duck species. The extensive Huapache wetland can be viewed from the heights of the surrounding hills.
