
Excursion: Parque Pumalín
Chaitén has a open air museum, it’s the remainings of some houses that were destroyed by the Volcán Chaitén in 2008. But the main reason why people visit Chaitén is, to do an excursion in the Pumalín Park.
After the death of Doug Tompkins he gave his Park to the Chilean Government. Before it was the biggest private park of Chile. There are various treks to do and also campsites within the park. The park has no entrance fee.
For tours I recommend Ruta Patagonia 7, they have well educated guides and know a lot about the Mapuche philosophy. Their tours are in Spanish and English and cover different areas of the park. The enthusiastic staff will help you in their office to choose the right tour for you. They even organize a vegan snack in case the tour includes one.
For example you can go and visit the alerces, the tall grandmothers of the forest. There are also hidden waterfalls to discover, or you can hike to the crater of the Chaitén. There are three volcanoes in total that surround Chaitén.
I was staying at the Hospedaje Rita, a very nice, simple and colorful hostel.
