Puerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda

A few kilometers away from the Southern Road, on the fjords and the vast sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, there lies Raúl Marín Balmaceda. Located on the Palena River Delta, this small seaside village has very few inhabitants and offers a matchless environment for those who enjoy quietness and relax.

It has three different accesses. By sea, a ferry joins this town with the District of Quellón in the South of Chiloé Island, carrying both passengers and vehicles. From there, the northern urban centers are accessed overland. By land, it lies 75 kilometers away from La Junta following a gravel road parallel to the Palena River. A ferry provides daily crossings to both sides of the river. Visitors must reach the 52nd kilometer marker on a vehicle and then continue towards Raúl Marín Balmaceda on a passenger boat hired in advance. Lastly, a landing strip allows the arrival of small aircrafts.

It is part of the Palena-Queulat Basin, a territory yet unexplored that combines very green forests and very pure waters.

Extraction of seafood represents the main economic activity. Taking advantage of the great attractiveness of the very beautiful and unspoiled environment, the town has diversified its activities in order to include tourism in the last few years. The Pitipalena Fjord, the Pillán Arm, sea tours to La Poza, Los Patos Wetlands or Cueva de la Virgen (the Virgin’s cave) are just some of the activities offered by tourist operators at Raúl Marín Balmaceda.

Fishing has a preferential position among both locals and visitors. It may be practiced either from the shore or on board some watercraft while sailing its rivers and fjords. Also, highly prized fly-fishing may be enjoyed.

Whale and bird watching are other attractions at this town by the sea. It is worth visiting this haven and discovering each of its almost uncharted nooks.