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Camping in Puyuhuapi

Puyuhuapi, a German-pioneer village on the Carretera Austral, offers car campers hot spring fjord camping, pristine Queulat rainforest, and the charm of a settlement carved from wilderness. Soak in thermal waters after driving through one of Patagonia's wildest regions.

4 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
Full guide to Puyuhuapi →

Puyuhuapi, founded by German settlers in the 1930s on the shores of the Ventisquero fjord, is one of the Carretera Austral's most atmospheric stops. This tiny village combines old-world charm with raw Patagonian wilderness, offering car campers access to the famous Termas de Puyuhuapi hot springs, Queulat National Park with its hanging glacier, and dense temperate rainforest. The drive to Puyuhuapi through the Queulat pass is one of the most dramatic on the Carretera Austral, with waterfalls cascading from every mountainside. Camping here means waking to fjord views, soaking in thermal pools, and exploring forests that receive over 4,000mm of rain annually. It's wet, wild, and wonderful.

Campsites

Camping Termas de Puyuhuapi Lodge

Paid

Camp near the thermal springs lodge, accessed by boat across the fjord. Outdoor and indoor thermal pools in a pristine rainforest setting. A Carretera Austral highlight.

Facilities: toilets, hot springs, hot showers, restaurant, boat access
Cost: CLP 10000-15000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Ventisquero

Paid

In the village of Puyuhuapi with fjord views. Walking distance to the carpet factory and waterfront. Good base for Queulat National Park day trips.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water
Cost: CLP 5000-8000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Queulat (Sector Ventisquero Colgante)

Paid

Inside Queulat National Park near the famous hanging glacier trail. Camp in old-growth rainforest and hike to the glacier viewpoint.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, drinking water, trail access
Cost: CLP 6000-9000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Río Cisnes

Free

Basic free camping along the Río Cisnes north of Puyuhuapi. Salmon and trout fishing in a forested river valley.

Facilities: pit toilets
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Puyuhuapi

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit✈️How to Get There

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the hot springs?

Termas de Puyuhuapi is accessed by boat from the village (or road from the south). Day passes and camping are available. Book in advance for summer. The thermal experience amid fjord scenery is exceptional.

Is the hanging glacier worth seeing?

The Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat is one of the Carretera Austral's top sights — a glacier suspended between two peaks with waterfalls cascading from its face. The trail is 600m to the viewpoint.

How rainy is Puyuhuapi?

Annual rainfall exceeds 4,000mm. Rain is likely every day in any season. Waterproofing is your top priority. When the sun breaks through, the wet forest glows emerald green.

Can I do a carpet factory tour?

Yes! The Alfombras de Puyuhuapi factory, founded by German settlers, produces hand-made carpets. Tours show the traditional weaving process. A unique cultural stop.

How is the road to Puyuhuapi?

The Carretera Austral through Queulat pass is dramatic — steep, winding, and narrow with waterfalls. Paved in sections, gravel in others. Drive carefully and slowly. The scenery is worth the challenging drive.

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