Introduction

The lake General Pinto Concha, some 475 hectares in size, can be found right in the heart of the Parque Nacional Hornopirén which is located in the Lakes region of Chile.

The park is of significant importance from an ecological and scientific point of view, due to it containing an unspoilt ecosystem and natural forests of Alerce – a species of tree native to these parts – as well as 25 species of mammals inhabiting the area, 18 of which are considered endangered. The most recognised species are the Puma, the Pudú, the Kodkod (the smallest wild cat of the Americas), the Huemul, the South American grey fox, and the Magellanic woodpecker among others.

Appropriate season

The park is known to be constantly wet and rainy with no dry season to speak of – in the drier months there is still up to 60mm of rainfall (annual average of 2500mm). Furthermore, it is important to remember that there is snow in the winter months, and due to this park remains closed to the general public between July and November every year for safety reasons.

The best time to go is in Summer and if it is warm enough it is possible to bathe in the waters of Lake General Pinto Concha. Remember that in Summer, the water levels rise due to the snow melting on the surrounding mountains, the same happening in Winter with the heavy rainfall.

Access

Private Transport

From Puerto Montt, follow route 7 (Coastal road from Puerto Montt) to the east, bordered to the north by Relcocaví Bay. After 46km of well-maintained asphalt and gravel road you will reach Caleta La Arena, where you will need to take a ferry to cross the river Estuario de Reloncaví to Puelche. Naviera Puelche offers this service at the following times:

Caleta La Arena – Puelche:

• 7:15 to 23:45 with variable frequency between ¾h and 1½h

Puelche – Caleta La Arena:

• 6:45 to 00:30 with variable frequency between ¾h and 1½h

The price of taking the ferry is from CLP$9.800 (approx. USD$20) for cars and trucks without trailers, for just the driver. Other passengers must pay CLP$600 (approx. USD$1) to take the ferry. You do not need to book in advance to board the ferry, and the journey takes around ½h.

All timetables, prices and contact information is subject to change, so we recommend that you check the information on the Naviera Puelche website before travelling.

Once in Puelche, continue South along the same route 7. After 54km on a well-maintained gravel road, you will reach Hornopirén. This town has a petrol station and at least one ATM. From the Plaza de Armas (main square), continue north-east along the road Calle Bernardo O’Higgins, which after a few blocks becomes the Carretera Austral (Route 7). After 1.8km from the plaza, you will cross a bridge heading east, and then continue straight along the main route for 3.8km until reaching a fork in the road. If you turn right (southeast), you will continue along the Carretera Austral (Route 7), however you should continue straight (northeast) and after 400m you will come to a curve to the left, immediately followed by another fork where you should turn right (north). Continuing north along this road for another 4.4km, you will reach the Conaf registration point (total distance from Plaza de Armas to Conaf: 10.5km).

Public Transport

There is only one bus company that offers the service from Puerto Montt to Hornopirén, taking approximately 3h and costing CLP$4000 (approx. USD$8).
Buses Kemel: (+56 65 2253530 – Office in Bus Terminal Puerto Montt)
(+56 65 2256450 – Office in Centre of Puerto Montt)
(+56 65 2217272 – Office in Hornopirén)

All timetables, prices and contact information is subject to change, so we recommend that you check the updated information on the Puerto Montt Bus Terminal website before travelling.

We recommend that you buy the bus tickets in advance during high season, confirming the departure times by telephone a few days before the journey and again in Puerto Montt once you arrive.

Once you arrive in Hornopirén, head to the northern corner of the main square (Diego Portales with Bernardo O’Higgins) where there are always cars available for private hire which can take you to the Conaf registration point for CLP$800 (approx. USD$16) per car, regardless of how many passengers there are. Do not forget to organise the day and time for the return to the town, as you will lose phone signal once you leave Hornopirén.

Don Domingo offers this service from Hornopirén to the Conaf registration point and his mobile phone number is 9933 1088. He has a double cabin truck and a pick-up.

Permits / Prices

Although it is not obligatory to ask for permission or to pay an entry fee to the park, we recommend that you pass by the Conaf registration point to greet the park rangers, who are there all year round guarding the area.
If you need more information regarding access to the park, you can contact the following:
loslagos.oirs@conaf.cl
parque.hornopiren@conaf.cl
Phone: (65) 2486101 or (65) 2217297
Updated contact information can be found on the Conaf website.

Accommodation / Facilities

The camping area is run by Conaf and can be found on the shores of Lake General Pinto Concha. There are picnic benches and two toilets.

Recommendations

• In Hornopirén there are two ATMs, but they can sometimes run out of cash during the summer months.
• The route is suitable for children as even though some parts are quite demanding, it is short in distance.
• Ensure to take enough food for a couple of extra days in case you wish for more nights to complete other routes starting at Lake General Pinto Concha, or if you simply want to enjoy some extra time by the lake.
• We recommend that you take enough water for the first day, as in the campsite you will fin a hose which provides water straight from a spring.
• Do not forget to advise the Conaf registration point of your presence, which is located at the start of the route. The registration point closes at 11.30am, so even if you can enter the park after this time, you won’t be able register. 

Gear

• Camping gear.
• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Windbreaker and clothing to protect you from the rain.
• Warm clothing.
• Sun protection.
• Trekking poles (optional).
• Bathing suit (optional).
• Water bottle (1 litre recommended).

Schedule

Itinerary as described above

1. Hornopirén – Lake General Pinto Concha
2. Lake General Pinto Concha – Hornopirén

Alternative Itinerary

1. Hornopirén – Lake General Pinto Concha
2. Lake General Pinto Concha – Yates Viewpoint – Lake General Pinto Concha
3. Lake General Pinto Concha – Route around Lake – Lake General Pinto Concha
4. Lake General Pinto Concha – Hornopirén

If you are coming from Puerto Montt, it may be necessary to add an extra day for the journey from Puerto Montt to Hornopirén and another for the return.