Introduction

The route that leads to the viewpoint of the Ventisquero Colgante Queulat – known in English as the Queulat Hanging Glacier – is probably one of the most popular and well-known of the Carretera Austral. Found in the Parque Nacional Queulat, this route is 2500m in distance and is easy to access given its proximity to the main highway. It is definitely worth the visit, as it offers intimate views of beautiful woodland and of the Patagonian glacier. Furthermore, as the route is not demanding, both in terms of technique and physical condition, it is an easy to reach excursion that it suitable for a wide range of people.

The Ventisquero Colgante Queulat is a hanging mass of ice which, despite its easy access, has been little explored and is surrounded by numerous inaccessible summits. In 1897 Hans Steffen was the first explorer to visit the area and described his finding of this glacier. In his article he explained that the hanging glacier was 200m from the coast and only 20m above sea-level; this is recognised at the first historic recording of its existence. Sadly since then the glacier has retreated substantially, and over the years this beautiful mass of ice has lost its noted “hanging” form.

The Parque Nacional Queulat was declared as a protected area by Conaf (Chilean National Forest Corporation) on 13th October 1983. It is made up of 154,093 protected hectares, and is one of the most important reserves in the area. Route 7 – more commonly known as the Carretera Austral – leads straight through the park, and the uphill winding roads of Queulat are some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the highway, built by the CMT (Military Work Corps) in the eighties.

Appropriate season

All year round.

Access

Puyuhuapi – Parque Nacional Queulat

From Puyuhuapi, follow Route 7 (carretera Austral) south for 20km until you reach the entrance of the Parque Nacional Queulat. Some 19km from Puyuhuapi you will cross a bridge over the Ventisquero River and after another kilometre there is a dirt track that heads east (left) and will take you to the park entrance. The entrance is well sign-posted.

Continue along this second road for approx. 750m until reaching the park entrance, where you will need to register and pay the relevant park entry fee See photo 1. From here, continue for 1.5km until arriving at a large car park which marks the beginning of this route See photo 2 See photo 3.

The journey between Puyuhuapi and the reserve’s car par takes around ½ hour by car. There is no direct public transport to the park, but you can take a bus heading to Coyhaique which passes by the park’s entrance. We do not really recommend this last option as you will have to pay the entire bus ticket to Coyhaique, depriving the area’s inhabitants of the few seats available for them to travel the region’s capital.

Permits / Prices

The entry fees to the reserve are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$2000 (approx. US$4), Chilean child CLP$500 (approx. US$1), foreign adult CLP$4000 (approx. US$8), foreign child CLP$1500 (approx. US$3).

Accommodation / Facilities

The Parque Nacional Queulat has various areas for camping (CLP$6000/US$12) and huts (CLP$15000/US$30). The park also offers sanitary facilities for visitors.

Recommendations

• If you cannot get to the park via private transport you can hitchhike along the route. From route 7 until the park entrance you will have to travel along a dirt track that is 750m long. From the entrance to the car park (the start of the route to the Viewpoint of Ventisquero Queulat) is 1500m which you can cover in 15m by foot.
• If you have enough time and energy, you can also complete the short but beautiful route to the lake Lagun Témpanos.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Comfortable clothing, windbreaker and hat, gloves, etc. to keep warm.
• Sun-glasses, sun protection.
• Trekking poles (optional).

Schedule

1. Puyuhuapi – Viewpoint of Ventisquero Queulat - Puyuhuapi