Lake Yelcho in low evening sun, snow-capped peaks behind and Yelcho en la Patagonia on the shore

Chaitén municipality · Carretera Austral, km 253

Hotel in Chaitén, on the shore of Lake Yelcho

Eight rooms with breakfast, our own restaurant and gardens facing the lake. We’re 55 km (34 mi) from Chaitén town, about 40 minutes south on a paved road.

55 km
(34 mi) south of Chaitén town, about 40 minutes
8 rooms
all alike, each with a private bathroom
Breakfast
included, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
3 pm · 11 am
check-in and check-out
Since 1982
welcoming travelers by the lake

Before you book

In Chaitén, but not in town

Yelcho is in the municipality of Chaitén, on the shore of Lake Yelcho, 55 kilometers south of the town. We say it up front because it changes how you plan the trip.

  1. Chaitén Town, ferries and airfield 55 km · about 40 min · paved
  2. Yelcho en la Patagonia Km 253, north shore of Lake Yelcho 25 km · about 20 min
  3. Villa Santa Lucía Turn-off to Futaleufú (100 km from the hotel, 1 h 30) and the Carretera Austral south to La Junta and Coyhaique

A good fit if…

  • you’re heading south on the Carretera Austral: from here you already have 55 km behind you.
  • you’re coming to fish, boat or hike: the lake is right in front of the hotel.
  • you want quiet and prefer to eat where you sleep.

Think twice if…

  • your ferry or flight leaves Chaitén early: add 40 minutes of driving before boarding.
  • you need the town’s shops and services close at hand during your stay.
Hotel room at Yelcho with two single beds, wood-paneled walls and a window onto the garden
A room set up with two beds. All eight are the same.

The hotel

The rooms

There are eight and they’re all the same: no categories to compare and no “better” room to pay extra for. We set them up with a double bed or two single beds, whichever you need.

  • Double bed or two single beds
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Radiator heating, with electric backup
  • In-room safe
  • Breakfast included in the rate

The windows look out on the garden and, beyond it, the lake. We won’t promise a water view from your bed: the lake is a few steps away, in the garden and on the dock.

Yelcho’s restaurant dining room with wooden tables, large windows and guests at dinner

Restaurant and bar

Eat without leaving the hotel

Town is 40 minutes away, so the kitchen is part of the stay. Breakfast is included and served from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

For lunch and dinner the restaurant offers a set menu or à la carte; let reception know and we’ll keep a table for you. If you’re heading out to fish or hike, ask for a box lunch to take with you.

The dining room and bar are in the same building as the rooms, a few steps from reception.

From the hotel

What to do from here

Almost everything starts on the lake or a few kilometers from it. Guided outings can be booked at reception or before you arrive.

Fishing boat on Lake Yelcho with low sun over the mountains

Fly fishing

Trout and salmon in Lake Yelcho and nearby rivers, with the hotel’s own guides and boats. Half-day or full-day trips.

Fly fishing at Yelcho →
Wooden hot tub with Lake Yelcho in the background

Hot tub

An outdoor hot tub (tinaja) for up to four people, facing the lake. Booked by the day.

Two riders cross a meadow with a lone tree and native forest behind

Horseback riding

Rides in the Chana area, booked in advance.

The Yelcho Glacier between snow-capped peaks and native forest

Glacier and national parks

The access to the Yelcho Glacier is 5 km (3 mi) from the hotel entrance. Corcovado and Pumalín national parks are within a day trip.

Also: two-to-three-hour boat trips designed for families, forest trails, and the quincho (barbecue house) for groups of up to 30.

Aerial view of Yelcho’s cabins on the meadow by the lake

Traveling as a group or family?

We also have cabins

Six 65 m² (700 sq ft) cabins for up to six people, ten meters from the lake, with a full kitchen and a wood stove. Firewood is included and we restock it every day.

Getting here

From Chaitén to Lake Yelcho

From Chaitén town
55 km (34 mi) south on the Carretera Austral (Route 7), paved all the way. About 40 minutes by car.
Arriving by ferry or small plane
Naviera Austral ferries and Somarco’s ferry-and-road crossing arrive in Chaitén, as do light-aircraft flights. If you’re not driving, we can arrange a transfer from the ferry terminal or the airfield: up to four people per leg, booked in advance.
From the south
North on the Carretera Austral. From Villa Santa Lucía it’s 25 km (16 mi), about 20 minutes; from Futaleufú, 100 km (62 mi), around 1 h 30.
Arriving late
Reception handles check-in until midnight. If you’ll arrive later, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll have everything ready.
Ferry schedules
They depend on the operator and the season, and they change. Confirm directly with Naviera Austral or Somarco before you set your dates.

Carretera Austral (Route 7) km 253, Chaitén, Los Lagos Region · Open in Google Maps

Before you leave Chaitén

Between the town and the hotel there are 55 km of forest and few services. Sort these out in Chaitén:

Fuel
The Copec station in Chaitén (Av. Corcovado 453) is open 24 hours. On the way to the hotel, in El Amarillo, there’s a newer Shell station: check its hours on site.
Cash
There are ATMs in Chaitén. Carry some cash, since connectivity in the area can fail.
Groceries
Chaitén has supermarkets and is the best place to stock up before reaching the lake.

2026–2027 season

When to come

Open
October 15 to May 31
High season
November to March
Quieter
October, April and May

Minimum stays may apply in high season. The weather changes fast in any month: bring layers and a rain jacket.

Since 1982

More than 40 years by the lake

Yelcho has welcomed travelers since 1982 and is the longest continuously running tourism business in the province of Palena. Guests often arrive who first came as children, with their parents or grandparents.

4.5
on Google, from more than 330 reviews · Read them

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us most

Is Yelcho in the town of Chaitén?

No. We're in the municipality of Chaitén, on the shore of Lake Yelcho, at km 253 of the Carretera Austral: 55 km (34 mi) south of the town, about 40 minutes on a paved road.

Do you offer transfers from Chaitén?

Yes. We arrange transfers from the town, the ferry terminal or the Chaitén airfield, for up to four people per leg. Book in advance by WhatsApp or at reservas@yelcho.cl.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, in every hotel rate. It's served from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Do the rooms have a lake view?

The windows face the garden, which faces the lake. You see the water from the garden and the dock, a few steps from your room.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 p.m. and reception handles check-in until midnight. Check-out is by 11:00 a.m. If you'll arrive later, let us know in advance on WhatsApp.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

Only with prior approval: write to us before booking.

Do you accept children?

Yes. Children up to 2 years old are considered infants; from age 3 they count as a guest and pay the adult rate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free 30 days or more before arrival. With less than 30 days' notice, or in case of no-show, the first night is charged. Details are in our terms and conditions.

When is the hotel open?

The 2026–2027 season runs from October 15 to May 31.

Book directly with us

On our website you see real availability and the day’s rate, with no middlemen. If you have questions before booking, write to us: the hotel team answers.

Or by email at reservas@yelcho.cl