A Guide to Queulat National Park in Chile
Stunning Queulat National Park in Chile along the Carretera Austral awaits to be explored. Our travel guide will help you plan your day in Queulat and see the famous Hanging Glacier known as Ventisquero Colgante. Includes tips on when to visit, the best hiking trails, and how to get there from Puyuhuapi.
We all know that there is no shortage of amazing and awe-aspiring locations to visit along the famous Carretera Austral.
And Queulat National Park is one of the finest examples of how incredibly stunning Chilean Patagonia really is in reality.
The combination of lush rainforest, misty atmosphere, a strikingly blue glacier, and a beautiful mountain lake are impossible to resist.
While most visitors come here to see the stunning Hanging Glacier, there are a few more things to do in Queulat National Park.
And the best part is that the national park can still be fairly easily visited on a day trip, even without a guided tour.
So here's everything you should know before visiting Queulat National Park.
Queulat National Park
Established in 1983, Queulat is one of the must-stops on the Carretera Austral.
First of all, because of the easy accessibility and second of all, because of the Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante in Spanish), the main attraction in this national park.
Once we saw a photo of the glacier hanging on the cliff with a waterfall tumbling down the rock face, we knew this would be another place we must see with our very own eyes.
With about 1500 square kilometers, Queulat is a medium-sized national park in Chile's Aysen Region.
It has two small ice caps, peaks higher than 2000 meters, and plenty of forested areas.
For the purpose of this article, we'll divide it into two parts. The area around the main entrance and the southern part along the Ruta 7.
The main tourist area where you can find the Hanging Glacier lies near a small town Puyuhuapi where we based ourselves for a few days.
In case you have more time and flexibility, you can also visit Enchanted Forest or several waterfalls in the southern part of the park.
One of the things we loved so much about Queulat is that it showed us once again how incredibly diverse Patagonia can be.
When we were later hiking in El Chalten and Torres del Paine, mountainous areas surrounded by the steppe, we always remembered the lush rainforest in Queulat and how the scenery had changed along the way.
How to Visit Queulat National Park
When traveling along Patagonia, we were many times tempted to take a break and stay somewhere for a few more days than we had planned.
We wouldn't have been even picky. Anywhere would be fine. The scenery along the road was just that spectacular.
Even after only a few days in Chilean Patagonia, we didn't mind reorganizing our plans, only to see more crystal-clear rivers, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, or dense rainforests.
This documents how addictive Patagonia can be.
Only our shrinking travel budget forced us to be more punctual and follow our original Patagonia itinerary.
However, we knew that there were more elements in play.
The timing of our arrival in Puyuhuapi couldn't have been better or worse, depending on the point of view.
We arrived there on the 30th of December in the afternoon from Chaiten, a gateway to Pumalin National Park and Chaiten Volcano Trail.
Soon enough, we were lucky to find cheap accommodation throughout New Year's Eve.
Later we, of course, found out that there was no need to worry as Puyuhuapi certainly is not a place where people come to celebrate the last day of the year.
It also seemed that even the room rates remained the same throughout this holiday. Anyway.
We wanted to visit Queulat National Park on the 31st of December and leave Puyuhuapi on the 1st of January.
As we found out soon, the bus between Puyuhuapi and Coyhaique (the biggest city on Carretera Austral) runs every day but on the 1st of January.
It was not that surprising as the first day of the year is a national holiday in Chile.
We did not want to hitchhike as the distance between the towns was more than 230 kilometers.
Then we checked the gloomy weather forecast and decided to extend our stay in Puyuhuapi for one more day.
It turned out to be a great decision, as the last day of the year was probably the rainiest day we've experienced during our entire trip across South America.
And it was one of the few proper rest days we had in months of traveling around this continent.
It allowed us to rest the whole day in our room, watch the unwavering rain through the window, and sit by the fireplace in the common room.
More importantly, we could enjoy the Hanging Glacier in much nicer weather the next day.
Sometimes it is easier not to plan anything. Patagonia will plan it for you instead!
What to See and Do in Queulat National Park
Queulat National Park is all about nature and scenery. Therefore, hiking and camping are the most popular activities to do here.
Moreover, you can see some waterfalls here, walk through the lush rainforest, discover the local fauna and flora, or even take a quick boat trip.
Still, the main reason to visit Queulat is the Hanging Glacier.
Hanging Glacier Trail
The best and the most popular trail in Queulat is Sendero Ventisquero Colgante, known as Hanging Glacier Trail.
The 3.3-kilometer out-and-back trail starts at the parking lot at the end of the road.
It's not the most difficult hike in the world, but the muddy conditions can make navigating the trail tricky.
The first section will take you across a glacier-fed thundering river with amazing views right from the start.
Then you will turn left and walk through dense forest to the best viewpoint in the park overlooking the glacier hanging above a cliff.
From the glacier, the constantly melting water creates two running waterfalls, and the cracking sound of crashing ice completes the magical atmosphere.
We've seen some glaciers on our journey across Patagonia, such as Grey Glacier or Perito Moreno.
But the Hanging Glacier was the bluest piece of ice we've ever seen.
We were discussing whether it was the combination of cloudy weather, the dark tint of surrounding rock walls, or just the perfect amount of light.
Either way, it was a beautiful place to see, and we were really grateful that the weather cleared enough that day.
We also felt that this has to be one of the best hikes in Patagonia.
The trail can get muddy and slippery after rainfall, so be sure to wear the right shoes for hiking.
The whole return trip took us around two and a half hours.
Laguna Tempanos Trail
A nice and easy 600-meter in-and-out trail to Laguna Tempanos is a perfect introduction to Queulat National Park.
Although the trail's surface is not completely smooth, this is a perfect easy hike for beginners or families with kids.
We decided to visit the lake before hiking to the glacier's viewpoint.
From the trailhead at the parking lot, cross the bridge over the raging Rio Ventisqueros.
Soon after, you will appear at a T-junction, so turn right and follow the trail until you reach the Laguna Tempanos.
Easy Trails
By the way, there are two more easy and short trails, Mirador Panoramico and Sendero El Aluvion.
The first trail offers a lake and glacier viewpoint, while the second path features some interpretative panels.
Laguna Tempanos Boat Trip
Except for several short hiking trails, you can take a 30-minutes boat ride across the Laguna Tempanos.
It costs 10.000 CLP per person, and a minimum of four persons is usually required.
Always double-check the departure schedule with the rangers at the park office because it may change.
Although it might be a nice experience, we think you won't get a better view from the lake's surface than from the most popular viewpoint.
We wanted to stay active, so we decided to see the lake only from the trail and hike to Ventisquero Colgante instead.
If you like boat trips and stunning locations, don't also forget to visit Marble Caves near Puerto Tranquilo.
Salto del Padre Garcia
If you're biking or driving along Chile's Route 7, then you should also make sure to visit Salto del Padre Garcia.
A raging waterfall is waiting for you as a reward at the end of an easy 200-meter trail.
This is only a quick stop, so it should take you about 15 to 20 minutes to see the waterfall and return to your car.
The waterfall is located on Carretera Austral, about 42 kilometers south of Puyuhuapi or 20 kilometers from the turnoff to the national park.
The trail sign is easy to miss, as it is just a thin wooden post with the trail name covered in vegetation.
There was a small unmarked parking lot before the bridge (before the zig-zags started) about 100 meters from the trailhead.
Enchanted Forest Trail
Also known as Sendero Bosque Encantado, this moderately challenging 1.8-kilometer out-and-back trail will take you through a beautiful Patagonian forest.
The path ends at a small lagoon at the base of Cerro Redondo, and you should tackle this hike in under two hours.
The trailhead can be found about 52 kilometers south of Puyuhuapi. There is tiny parking for only a few cars.
Unfortunately, it seems that the trail is currently closed due to landslides in the area.
Salto El Condor
This relatively high waterfall is a quick stop on Carretera Austral, about two and a half kilometers from Sendero Bosque Encantado.
It's a little bit hidden behind the vegetation but can still be easily seen from the main road.
If you have a car, you can stop there and walk to the waterfall's base.
Flora and Fauna
Although the Hanging Glacier is the shining star here, on the way to the mirador, do not forget to observe the local flora along the trail.
You can see Chilean Patagonia's native plants and trees, ferns, and beech trees, to name a few.
In Queulat National Park live foxes, deers, otters, Darwin's frogs, and also pumas. However, puma encounters are extremely rare.
You can also try your bird-watching skills in Queulat, as the park is home to Magellanic woodpeckers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, ducks, geese, herons, and condors.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Queulat National Park is 9.000 CLP for international travelers and 4.500 CLP for locals.
Remember, you have to reserve your ticket online at the official CONAF ticket sales system (aspticket.cl).
If you want to see the glacier, make sure to pick the Ventisquero Colgante area during the reservation process.
Buying the ticket at the ranger booth at the park's entrance is no longer possible.
Opening Hours
Queulat usually opens between 8:30 to 9 AM and closes at 4:30 PM or 5 PM. The last entrance to the park is currently 2:30 PM.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, it really depends on what you want to do in Queulat National Park.
Allow yourself about four to five hours for hiking to Laguna Tempanos and Ventisquero Colgante.
Whether traveling around Carretera Austral with or without a car, you will also need to add travel time between the park and your departure point.
Do I Need a Guide
No, you don't need a guide to Queulat National Park, as the trails are well-marked and well-maintained.
How to Get to Queulat National Park
Queulat National Park can be easily visited by car. On the other hand, it's far much harder to get there without one.
Although the Hanging Glacier is a relatively popular attraction on Carretera Austral, no public transport connects the national park with nearby settlements such as Puyuhuapi.
So even though Queulat is relatively accessible compared to some other national parks in this region, getting there without a car requires some planning.
In general, you have four options to get to Queulat National Park without a car.
On our car-free trip around Patagonia, infrequent or non-existent public transport connections to the national parks were one of the biggest disadvantages we had to deal with along the way.
We always had to look for alternate ways how to get to remote locations without a car.
Queulat was not the only place on the list, as we faced this problem in places such as Patagonia National Park or Villa O'Higgins.
Car
When traveling by car, follow Road 7 south of Puyuhuapi for approximately 22 kilometers.
Once you reach a small intersection with an inconspicuous-looking bus stop and a small restaurant, turn left onto a narrow dirt road.
You should also see Parque Nacional Queulat - Sector Ventisquero Colgante sign on your left-hand side.
Carry on, and after another 800 meters, you will arrive at the park's entrance and a ticket booth.
After that, you can drive for about another kilometer to the parking lot, where all the trails begin.
Although the road is still mostly unpaved, you don't need a 4WD car to get there.
Here you will find the best deals on rental cars in Patagonia.
Hitchhiking
The first and most straightforward option to get to Queulat National Park is hitchhiking.
While it's not a perfect solution, hitchhiking is still fairly popular in Patagonia and probably safer than in other parts of the world.
Early in the morning, we walked toward the end of the village and tried to get a ride.
It didn't take long, and one of the first cars we saw on the road slowed down, so we were really excited to jump in.
The first ride was with an Israeli couple on their regular vacation going to Queulat as well.
The second one was with a Chilean couple from Santiago who was visiting Patagonia for the first time and took us back to Puyuhuapi.
Bus
The second option is to wait in the morning for a bus going to a nearby town Puerto Cisnes.
The bus leaves every day between 8 AM - 8:30 AM, and you can ask the driver to drop you off on the main road near the entrance.
The bus waits in front of the small Entre Verdes store.
The main disadvantage of this option is that it can be full as both tourists and locals will be traveling between these destinations.
Ranger's Car
The next option is to be between 8 AM - 9 AM in front of the Mi Sur restaurant and wait for the park's ranger, who can give a ride to some tourists on his way to work for 3.000 CLP.
Obviously, only a few people can fit in the car.
Bike
The final option is to rent a bike in Puyuhuapi. While this alternative is not for everyone, it's always good to know all your options.
Don't forget that you would need to tackle more than 44 kilometers on a gravel road to get to the park and back.
On top of that, you need to add one of the hiking trails to your itinerary to explore the park itself.
If you're biking across Carretera Austral, you don't have to return to Puyuhuapi, obviously.
When to Go
Queulat National Park can be visited all year round, but there are a few things you should know about this topic before you go.
Obviously, the best time to visit Queulat is during the summer, as you will have the highest chance of good weather in this region.
The period between November and March also brings higher temperatures, so it's not cold here as in the southern parts of Patagonia.
Still, Queulat National Park is one of the rainiest places in Chilean Patagonia, and you should have this fact always on your mind.
We've already talked about our experience with the local weather in the previous section, and the only advice we can give you is that you should come here well prepared.
Annual rainfall in Queulat National Park is between 3500 - 4000 mm, which means that there are many rainy days troughout the year.
Always check the weather forecast before you go, but keep in mind that it is not very accurate in this part of the world.
When it rains in Queulat, the Hanging Glacier is usually hidden behind a thick layer of clouds.
One of the things to know about Patagonia is that the weather can change quickly.
In this part of the world, the weather is unpredictable, and even a cloudy and rainy day can change into a sunny one within a few minutes.
Sometimes, you just need to give it a bit of time before the clouds clear out.
By the way, winters in Queulat are cold, but probably not as cold as you would expect for a place in Patagonia.
What remains constant in this area is the average number of rainy days each month, regardless of the season.
By the way, we had clear skies only a couple of times in more than a month of traveling across Patagonia.
Once when we hiked to Cerro Castillo Lake. Second, when we crossed the borders between Chile and Argentina from Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten.
On the other hand, we had to postpone our plans due to rain only once or twice during the same period of time.
And Queulat was one of that occasions.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on when to visit Patagonia.
Where to Stay
As mentioned already, the nearest settlement to Queulat National Park, which has a few accommodations, a gas station, a grocery store, and a restaurant, is Puyuhuapi.
It's about 22 kilometers north of the park, and we decided to base ourselves there due to its convenient location.
The accommodations in the village, with one exception, are mostly very basic but functional and cozy. Basically, they offer all you need for a stay in such a remote location.
Here are some of the best places to stay overnight in Puyuhuapi.
Budget | Eco Cabanas Wanderlust - These lovely cabins located within walking distance from the village feature private rooms with kitchenette, comfortable beds, beautiful lake views, a hot tub, and free private parking.
Mid-range | Cabana Senderos Puyuhuapi - Another lovely guesthouse, Cabana Senderos Puyuhuapi, features clean and nicely furnished rooms, comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, an excellent location, and welcoming hosts.
Luxury | Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa - If you want to find tranquil accommodation in a remote location, there is no better option than Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa. The lodge features charming rooms, an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and outdoor natural hot springs.
Camping
One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to Queulat National Park is by camping in the designated campground.
The campground is located within the national park, it's well laid out, and each site has access to a water tap and a picnic table. Cold showers only, though.
The best part about Camping Ventisquero Colgante is that each site offers plenty of privacy, so you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy real Patagonia solitude.
Don't forget that this is camping in the wilderness, so you should always bring some food with you.
Camping costs 6.000 CLP per night per person.
There is also a privately owned Camping Leontina Fuentes only a few hundred meters south of the park's entrance along the Carretera Austral.
It might be a good alternative to camping inside the park when all sites are full.
How to Get to Puyuhuapi
From Chaiten in the north of the Carretera Austral, take a bus which goes three times a week to Puyuhuapi.
Alternatively, you can arrive in La Junta from where the bus goes every day early in the morning.
To get to Coyhaique from Puyuhuapi, you can catch a daily bus at 6 AM. Do not forget to buy the ticket at least one day in advance in the grocery store next to the police station as the bus tends to be full.
Otherwise, you would have to wait for another bus the next day.
If your budget allows, you can rent a car and stop worrying about public transport and unreliable bus schedules.
What to Pack
As mentioned several times throughout our blog post, Queulat receives a lot of precipitation, and you should come here prepared.
We recommend bringing good rain gear as it will come in handy in Queulat and during your entire Patagonia trip.
For starters, you should always have a rain jacket and rain pants when hiking in the mountains.
We also bring our trusty rain ponchos with us in case the weather deteriorates even further.
It might not look as fashionable as a regular jacket, but it will keep you dry regardless of the rain intensity.
The trail can get muddy in the forest, and proper hiking boots will improve your stability on uneven surfaces and keep your feet nice and dry.
Hiking without a comfortable daypack is not fun, which you will realize soon enough when staying longer on a trail.
Still, we brought our trusty waterproof dry bag instead as we didn't entirely trust the weather forecast for the next day.
We usually carry a layering piece, rain poncho, water, and snacks in our daypack.
In Patagonia, we often refilled our water bottles directly from the streams, but you can always use a SteriPen just to be sure.
Also, don't forget to check out our guide on what to pack for Patagonia, which includes more tips and advice on this topic.
Is Queulat National Park Worth Visiting?
Queulat is an easily accessible national park on Carretera Austral, and it's definitely worth visiting.
The striking diversity, incredible scenery, and good hiking trails make this national park one of the must-visit places while road tripping this part of Chilean Patagonia.
We know that there are tons of amazing places you can visit along this scenic road, and it's hard to choose the ones that are going to make it on your Carretera Austral itinerary.
But we have a strong feeling that Queulat National Park will make it on your list without too much effort.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
