Making the most of Puerto Chacabuco
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships anchor in Chacabuco Bay and take passengers ashore by tender. The transfer to the pier lasts about 15 minutes, and the landing point is close to the town centre.
Puerto Chacabuco is extremely small, so most passengers travel 10 miles north to Puerto Aysen or visit Coyhaique, 38 miles away.
Coyhaique and Puerto Aisen form one of the country's most beautiful regions, thanks to natural attractions and good weather particularly suited to many outdoor pursuits. This Patagonian area, accessible by land, air and sea, encompasses cities, small towns, National Reserves, rivers and lakes amid marvellous landscapes. Wild plants and native animals occupy terrain well suited to different sports. Simpson River offers fly fishing, kayaking and canoeing, while sailing chiefly takes place on Elizalde Lake. The region's National Parks are also attractive places. In…
Getting around
Taxis have no meters. A return journey to Coyhaique should cost roughly 25 Euro.
Various operators provide boat tours and excursions through nearby fjords and inlets, with opportunities to experience Patagonia's striking scenery and wildlife.
Food and shopping
Puerto Chacabuco has very few shops, although Aisén offers a much broader selection.
Money
Credit cards are accepted far less often in small towns and communities, so take cash in the local currency, the Chilean peso, when visiting them. 1 USD = 712 CLP. This precaution avoids unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Chile's official language is Spanish.
Chile has so-called cyber-cafés, shops that offer Internet access. Prices for connecting to the worldwide information network differ by town: one hour online costs approximately 4 dollars in Santiago and 6 dollars in Calama. Major hotels and places to stay often provide guests with Internet access, in many cases at no additional charge.
Call 131 for Ambulance, 132 for Fire Brigade, 133 for Carabineros (Chilean police), 135 for Drug Enforcement, 136 for Andean Mountain Rescue Squad or 137 for Sea Rescue.
Opening Hours and
Businesses and commercial premises in Chile generally admit the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shopping centres open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.