How to get to Huinay Scientific Field Station

1. From the Airport it may be possible to take the ETM shuttle bus ($1.500 CLP) to Puerto Montt depending on the arrival time of your flight. To confirm whether a bus will be available call the ETM office (065-25-6253) or ask one of the Research Assistants - Michelle or Josh - to check for you..

1. At Puerto Montt Bus Terminal take the bus to Hornopirén. The route is operated by Buses Kemel ($3.500 CLP). Their office is located at the western end of the bus terminal (direction harbour / Angelmó). The bus will also leave from the western side of the terminal. Their schedule from Puerto Montt to Hornopiren is as follows:

In summer (January – February) there may be additional buses based on demand.

Buses need 3.5 to 4 hours and include a short passage (30 min.) with the ferry from La Arena to Puelche. They normally accept practically any kind, quantity and dimension of luggage, although a small fee for very large or heavy things is possible. Reservations are always recommended, especially in summer.

Buses back to Puerto Montt are departing from the central plaza in front of the Kemel office (North side of plaza) in Hornopirén. Normally they also pick up at the police station, which is closer to the harbour.

1. If you are travelling with a private vehicle, you should count on at least 3 hours for the 110 km between Puerto Montt and Hornopirén as the road is bumpy and ferry-transport between La Arena and Puelche is available every 45 min. (up to 1.5 hours can be subject to ferry-maintenance when only one ferry is in service).

You can arrange a guarded parking-lot in Hornopirén on a privately owned property, which will cost you around $2.000 CLP per day.

1. In Hornopirén you should ask to get off the bus at “la Rampa”. You will be dropped in front of a boat ramp with a wharf to one side. Here look for the white with yellow boat called 'Huinay' or the blue and white ferry boat called 'San Sebastian' (it must be decided which boat you will meet before your arrival, as discussed with the Research Assistants - Michelle and Josh – huinayresearch@gmail.com / 65-97-2147).
2. If you do arrive in the central plaza just take a “collectivo” down to the ramp ($1,000 CLP) or walk (luggage permitting).
3. In case of problems or just a helping hand, you may phone Mauricio our boat captain to help you at 09-7-665-3055 (Spanish) or the Research Assistants (English & Spanish). From Hornopirén to the station it takes another 1-2 hours in the 'Huinay' or 3-5 hours in the 'San Sebastian' (depending on weather and swell). “An epic journey but worth it!”.

1. Telephone numbers of Huinay Scientific Field Station (satellite phone registered in Puerto Montt):

1. Office of Scientific Directors (G. Försterra / V. Häussermann) in Valdivia: (+56)-63-24-9928.

Enjoy your trip to Huinay Scientific Field Station!