Things To Do
in Calbuco
Calbuco is a small port town located in southern Chile, known for its picturesque setting between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of nearby volcanoes. Calbuco is famous for its seafood, particularly its delicious salmon and shellfish dishes.
Visitors can also explore the charming colonial architecture and vibrant culture of the town.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe. Enjoy the view of the Calbuco volcano as you sip your coffee.
Explore the beautiful Calbuco National Park, where you can hike through lush forests. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Dine at a local restaurant and try some traditional Chilean dishes. End the evening with a stroll along the waterfront.
Take a morning drive to the viewpoint of Calbuco Volcano. Capture stunning photographs and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Visit the local artisan markets to shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals and learn about their culture.
Gather for a community event, often held in the plaza. Enjoy live music and dance performances that showcase local talent.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including the Calbuco volcano and surrounding lakes.
- Rich biodiversity and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Cultural experiences with local Mapuche heritage and traditional festivals.
- Growing tourism industry that supports local businesses and economies.
- Risk of volcanic eruptions, as Calbuco is an active volcano.
- Limited access to some areas due to remote location and infrastructure challenges.
- Potential for natural disasters, such as landslides or mudflows, in the region.
- Seasonal weather variations can affect travel and outdoor activities.
Best Activities in Calbuco
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore diverse trails in this national park, known for its ancient Alerce trees and stunning landscapes. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking to experience the beauty of the Chilean wilderness.
Enjoy a relaxing day fishing in the Calbuco River, which is renowned for its freshwater fishing opportunities, including trout and salmon.
Take a kayaking tour through the estuary, where you can observe unique wildlife and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.
Spend a day at Chapo Lake, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying various water sports surrounded by serene nature.
Discover the diverse bird species in the coastal wetlands of Calbuco, ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts and photographers.
Ride through the scenic trails around Calbuco, catering to various skill levels, with the opportunity to experience picturesque views of the landscape.
Join a sailing tour in Reloncaví Sound to enjoy stunning views of the fjords and surrounding volcanic mountains.
Experience the great outdoors by camping in designated areas around Calbuco, perfect for those who love to connect with nature.
Tours
Uncover the best of Calbuco with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Calbuco
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Llanquihue Lake. It is a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Located in the heart of Calbuco, this square provides a picturesque view of the city and its colonial architecture, making it a great place for capturing the essence of the town.
A scenic coastal area with beautiful vistas of the ocean, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of the region.
Food in Calbuco
Calbuco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
An iconic Chiloe archipelago dish, consisting of seafood, meat, potatoes, and vegetables, slow-cooked in a hole in the ground covered with nalca (Chilean rhubarb) leaves.
Must-Try!
A traditional Chilean fish stew made with conger eel, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables, seasoned with paprika and cumin.
Razor clams baked with Parmesan cheese, butter, and white wine, creating a flavorful and indulgent seafood dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Calbuco better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling food market offers an array of fresh seafood, including a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and local produce. You can also sample delicious ceviche and seafood empanadas here.
Explore the vibrant street food scene in Calbuco, where you can savor fresh seafood delicacies such as fried fish, chilean sea urchin, and Chilote empanadas filled with local ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Calbuco, it's customary to greet people with a warm handshake and maintain eye contact. Close friends may greet each other with a hug. Make sure to address people by their title and last name until invited to use their first name.
When dining in Calbuco, it's respectful to wait for the host to begin the meal. Make sure to keep your hands on the table (but not elbows) and take small bites. It’s courteous to finish all the food on your plate, as leaving food can be seen as wasteful.
While Chileans are known for a more relaxed attitude towards time, being punctual is still appreciated, especially for formal events. Arriving 15 minutes late is often acceptable in social settings, but it’s best to inform your host if you'll be late.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Calbuco with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Calbuco
Ensure a smooth experience
In Calbuco, as in much of Chile, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants if the service is satisfactory. However, in more informal settings, such as small cafes or food stalls, tipping may be less common. Tipping is also appreciated by taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Payment practices in Calbuco generally include cash and card options. The Chilean Peso (CLP) is the official currency, and most vendors accept cash payments. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger stores. Mobile payments and digital wallets are becoming more popular, though their acceptance can vary depending on the establishment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Calbuco.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Calbuco is during spring when the weather is mild and the landscape is filled with colorful wildflowers. It's also a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.
Summer is peak tourist season in Calbuco, with warm weather perfect for beach activities and water sports. It's also a great time for whale watching and enjoying the local seafood festivals.
During autumn, the weather becomes cooler and the foliage transforms into beautiful shades of red and gold. It's a great time for photography and enjoying the local fall harvest festivals.
Winter in Calbuco brings chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. It's a quieter time for tourism, but visitors can still enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and cozying up in the local cafes and restaurants.
Calbuco at Night
Hiking in Calbuco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent volcano offering various trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Calbuco.
A national park that features numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery, including the famous Petrohué River.
A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, with trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and opportunities for birdwatching.
A hike that offers moderate difficulty and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Calbuco region and nearby volcanoes.
A unique hiking trail that follows an ancient pathway through lush forests and leads to beautiful natural sites in the area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Calbuco through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Calbuco by plane.
Located in Puerto Montt, approximately 20 kilometers from Calbuco, El Tepual Airport is the nearest major international airport, serving both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Arica, approximately 600 kilometers to the north of Calbuco, this airport serves international flights to neighboring countries and domestic destinations.
The main international airport in Santiago, located about 1,050 kilometers from Calbuco. It serves as the primary hub for international travelers to and from Chile.
Located in Antofagasta, around 1,350 kilometers north of Calbuco, it serves international and domestic flights, acting as a gateway to northern Chile.
Located in Concepción, approximately 800 kilometers from Calbuco, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Mapuche are an indigenous group native to Chile and Argentina, and they are one of the most prominent demographic groups in the region.
Descendants of Spanish colonizers, this group constitutes a significant portion of the population, particularly in urban areas.
This group encompasses individuals with mixed indigenous and European heritage, which is common in Chile.
Apart from the Mapuche, there are smaller groups of other indigenous peoples represented in the area.
A smaller demographic group consisting of immigrants from various Western European countries who settled in Chile.
The Soul of Calbuco
Discover the essence of Calbuco through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Calbuco, with many local clubs and community teams participating in regional competitions.
Basketball enjoys a strong following among the youth, with various local leagues and schools promoting the sport.
Volleyball is played widely in schools and community centers, especially during the summer months.
Rugby is gaining popularity in the region, with several clubs forming in recent years to promote the sport.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity, with many scenic routes attracting cyclists both locally and from other regions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calbuco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood plays a central role in the local cuisine, many restaurants and cafes in Calbuco offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, along with a variety of plant-based salads and soups.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like grilled fish, ceviche, and machas a la parmesana, which are naturally gluten-free. In addition, some establishments offer gluten-free bread and pasta alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Calbuco with these cultural adventures.
