Queulat National Park

Queulat National Park is a pocket of temperate rainforest, hanging glaciers, and fjords on the Carretera Austral between Chaiten and Coyhaique. The park is best known for the Ventisquero Colgante — a hanging glacier suspended between two rock faces above a turquoise lagoon — but the surrounding forest of ancient trees, moss, and ferns is equally extraordinary.

Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier)

The signature attraction. A glacier wedged between two cliff faces, suspended above a lagoon, with meltwater cascading down as twin waterfalls. The trail to the main viewpoint is a moderate 3.5-kilometer walk (one way) through dense forest, ending at a platform overlooking the lagoon. On clear days the glacier glows blue-white against the dark rock. On rainy days — which are most days — the mist adds atmosphere.

A second trail continues to a higher viewpoint closer to the glacier face. Steeper and muddier, adding about 2 hours round trip. Worth it if conditions are clear. The lagoon at the base sometimes has small icebergs floating in it.

Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado)

A boardwalk trail through a moss-covered forest that justifies its name. Every surface — tree trunks, branches, the ground, fallen logs — is covered in thick green moss and hanging lichens. The trail is short (about 1.5 kilometers) and flat, leading to a small waterfall. It feels like walking through a fairy tale. Even in heavy rain (which enhances the atmosphere), the forest canopy provides some shelter.

Other Trails

Laguna Los Pumas: A longer hike (12 kilometers round trip) through valdivian rainforest to a glacial lake. Fewer visitors than the hanging glacier trail. Muddy and rooted — proper hiking boots essential.

Padre Garcia Trail: Connects to the fjord at the western edge of the park. Remote and less maintained. For experienced hikers comfortable with route finding.

Practical Information

Location: The park entrance is at Kilometer 167 of the Carretera Austral, about 170 kilometers south of Chaiten and 165 kilometers north of Coyhaique. The nearest settlement is the hamlet of La Junta (30 kilometers north) or the even smaller Puyuhuapi (25 kilometers south).

Accommodation: No lodging inside the park — basic camping only. Puyuhuapi has a few guesthouses and the Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa (a hot springs resort accessible only by boat). La Junta has simple hostels.

When to go: December through March for the driest weather (though "dry" is relative — Queulat receives over 4,000mm of rain annually). The park is accessible year-round but winter trail conditions are challenging.

Entry fee: Approximately $8 for foreign adults.

Time needed: Half a day for the hanging glacier trail. A full day if adding the Enchanted Forest and Laguna Los Pumas. Most Carretera Austral travelers spend one night nearby and visit the main trails.