By Bus – At Puerto Montt Bus Terminal 

Take the bus to Hornopirén: 

Buses Kemel (CLP 4000) run this route but there are also several other companies. All bus offices are located inside the bus terminal. Go straight to the ticket booth (look for Buses Kemel, Hornopirén) and buy your ticket there. Beware that in summer and around week-ends it is recommended to make reservations. Please check with the Huinay station for the time table as it sometimes changes.

You need to catch the 8:00 bus from Puerto Montt if you want to come in time for the ferry (Serenade) in Hornopirén that comes directly to Huinay (see the information about the Serenade below).

Buses need 3,5 to 4 hours and include a short passage (30 – 40 min.) with the ferry from La Arena to Puelche. Ask the ticket conductor or the bus driver to drop you off at ‘La Rampa’ (the dock). You will not have to walk with your luggage.

By Private car to Hornopirén

If you are travelling with a private vehicle, you should count with at least 4 hours for the 100 km between Puerto Montt and Hornopirén as the road is bumpy and ferry-transport between La Arena and Puelche is available every 45 min. (up to 1,5 hours as subject to heavy traffic).

You can arrange a guarded parking-lot in Hornopirén on a privately owned property, which will cost you around 2000 Chilean Pesos per day.

Ask anybody where ‘La Rampa’ is. That is where the boat to Huinay leaves.

By private ‘driver’ to Hornopirén

If necessary we can arrange a private transport for you from Puerto Montt to Hornopirén, should you have too much luggage or feel you want to travel a bit more comfortably. Just let us know and we will arrange it for you. The costs will be borne by you. 

Hotel in Hornopirén

This is one option where you can stay overnight in Hornopirén.

Hospedaje Rublas: 

Located about 100 meters from la rampa walking towards the river (slightly uphill and around the corner). 

Hostal owner: Mr. Blas Tampier

Contact: +56 9 9297 8152

https://www.facebook.com/alojamientorublas/

With the Huinay Speed Boat 

We will meet you with the HSFS boat at “La Rampa”, Hornopirén. The captain will be waiting for you and will take you to the Station. The trip will take 1-2 hours (depending on weather and swell). 

The HSFS boat is only used for special trips, as we try to be eco-friendly and not use too much gasoline. Hence, unless it is specifically agreed with the Station, it is advisable to plan your trip in such a way that you can catch the local ferry Serenade. The boat can accommodate up to 9 passengers and the cost of this trip is born by the visitor. 

With the local ferry called the Serenade

The Serenade is the local ferry in the fjord. It leaves from La Rampa. The Serenade generally leaves from Hornopirén to Huinay on Tuesdays and Fridays at 14:00. You need to catch the 8:00 bus from Puerto Montt if you want to come in time for the local ferry. For the time table of the month, please ask at the Station or email us.

 This boat is bigger and has a lot of space so it can accommodate a lot of luggage or equipment. As it services the local community in the fjord and come directly to the Huinay jetty it is highly recommended that you travel with the Serenade.

 The boat trip takes about 4-5 hours, depending on the weather and how many stops along the fjord they have to make.

 The ticket is bought on board (CLP 1600) and you just let them know that you are going to Huinay. They will let you off at the Huinay Station jetty.

With the large ferry plus Huinay Boat (connection in Leptepu)

There is a large ferry (Barcaza) that runs from La Rampa, Hornopirén to Leptepu (at the end of the Comau Fjord, our fjord) that links the Carretera Austral. It services both people and vehicles.

Normally leaves Hornopirén at 10:30 and arriving at Leptepu at approx. 14:00. If you wish to take this option, you will need the Huinay Boat to collect you at Leptepu and bring you to Huinay. In summer (December-April) the number of ferry sailings and times may change or increase, so please check with the research assistants for the timetable.

 Private Boat (for larger groups or groups with a lot of equipment)

or groups with more than 9 people, or if you will need to bring a lot of equipment, there is also the option of hiring a larger private boat to get you to Huinay. We can help you arrange this.

You can leave Huinay via the same method as you entered, or another: either with

1. The Huinay boat
2. The Serenade
3. The Barcaza from Leptepu (connection with the Huinay boat)
4. Arranging a private boat

 Make sure you let us know well in advance what you option is so we can plan the trip back and book the ferry if needed.                                 

The Serenade ferry generally leaves from Huinay to Hornopirén on Wednesday at 8:00 and either Saturdays at 8:00 or Sundays at 14:00, depending on the week.

For a detailed time table ask at the station or email us. 

Make sure you book your return flight with a lot of margin as there might be delays getting out of Huinay or Hornopirén due to the weather conditions. You should have at least 2-3 days of margin to be on the safe side.

There are two ways of getting to Puerto Montt from Hornopirén: either with the local bus or with the private car. 

The bus leaves from the central plaza in Hornopirén. It is a 15 minutes’ walk. Ask for Kemel Bus station or the church (Iglesia) or the central plaza (Plaza de Armas); the Kemel bus station is located in front of the ARMADA.

If you want the private driver, let us know and we will arrange it for you.